AMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 746, 12 June 1894, Page 3

AMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Saturday, June 9, 1894.

Present: Councillors D. Rutherford (Chairman), J. H. Davison, A. Macfarlane, D. D. Macfarlane, F. S. Northcote and F. H. Wilson. Mr A. Adams wrote for particulars regarding' the assestnent of his property, in order that he might apportion the rates. —He was referred to the Property Tax Commissioner, as the whole of his Amuri property is mixed up.

Mr Whatman, Returning Officer for Ashley, was asked to furnish vouchers for Licensing election expenses. Mr R. Tompkins asked to be struck off the Roll.—Deferred.

The Clerk reported that the labour gang had been principally employed since last meeting in repairing approach to the Hurunui Bridge, and in erecting breakwaters with a view of confining the river in its old course. This work will be finished in a few days. There is reason to expect that the next fresh in the Hurunui will alter the course of the river to a more favourable position.—Recent heavy rains washed away portions of the Kaikoura road, but traffic was not absolutely stopped. Men are employed effecting necessary repairs.

Employment of the County men during July-August was taken into consideration.

Cr D. Macfarlane urged starting on the other side of the Glen Allen formation. There was heavy work further on at cuttings. To make a real good road would be costly.

The Chairman and Clerk did not view the work as likely to be very expensive, as much of it was scoop work.

Cr A. Macfarlane pointed out that the road at Rotherham required attention.

The Chairman directed that this should be seen to when the men were finished on the Waiau-Kaikoura road, and water tables on Mendip Hills road cleared. Remains of trig station frame at Flintoff’s corner should be removed, as it interfered with traffic. There was, also, a quantity of water on the road. Gorse was getting bad on the roads.

The Clerk was directed to see to these matters, and serve notices re gorse.

Cr Davison asked for and was granted permission to deal with road leading to St. Leonards, by ploughing. Cr Davison asked if a separate account was being kept of expenditure on Hurunui Bridge works, and was informed that such was the case. Councillors held that careful watch should be kept over the bridge, so as to cope with any danger that might threaten.

It was agreed that tenders should be invited for the supply of oats (present contract 2s 2d per bushel) in quantities as required; the Chairman to have power to accept.

The Clerk reported that rates were coming in admirably, though there were some outstandings. —lt was agreed that rates not paid by the 20th inst. should be sued for. Water Race Business.

Correspondence was read from the County solicitors and from surveyors re loan and plans, etc., respectively. A telegram to the Clerk from the Council’s solicitors intimated that all matters were in order. The Clerk stated that no tenders had been received for the water race works. Though retiring from the Council’s services immediately he felt that, in honour, he could not at present tender for the works. Cr D. Macfarlane asked whether the Council would have the work done on co-operative lines, with a County officer supervising the works. It was agreed that fresh tenders be invited for the work, to be in by 21st inst, and that a special meeting be held on the 22nd inst to deal with the tenders. Appointment of Clerk. When this matter came on for con-

sideration the County officers (Messrs J. O’Malley and A. O’Malley) retired.

Councillors were practically unanimous that the Clerk’s (Mr J. O’Malley’s) son (Mr A. O’Malley) was competent to undertake the duties of Clerk and Inspector, be being conversant with the work—.having done a good deal of it. Members spoke in approbation of him, Sas being trustworthy, and in possession of the requisite ability. The salary wag fixed at £l2O a year, with the allowance on Dog Tax collections, and a free house at either Waiau, Rotherham or Culverden as might hereafter be determined. A site on the Culverden railway reserve, on which to build office and dwelling, was not approved, another position in Culverdeu being favoured. It was agreed to offer the joint office to Mr Alfred O’Malley on the conditions named, the duties to include conduct of County elections, assistance required being paid for by the County. The engagement being terminable on a month’s notice on either side.

On being recalled and the offer made him in terms of the Council’s decision, Mr Alfred O’Malley took exception to the salary, stating that it was a very considerable reduction on the present rate of remuneration—nearly £24o— very little more than that paid to the County ganger, who has no responsibility. The Chairman replied that with dog tax allowance it would mean about £170; and that day wages would probably be reduced, as plenty of men were available.

Mr A. O’Malley set the salary down, with allowance, at £l6O. He would accept the offer, conditionally, for three months.

Councillors would not agree, and being given tune to consider the matter, Mr Alfred O’Malley subsequently agreed to accept the offer, though still holding that the salary was too low.

Accounts were passed and the Council adjourned until the 22nd inst.