KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 758, 24 July 1894, Page 6

KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Saturday, July 21, 1894.

Monthly meeting :—Present: Councillors A. S. Collins (Chairman), J. Curtain, G. Eaton, A. W. Ingles, P. Keenhan, G. Taylor, C. Wood. Minutes and outward correspondence read.

Leave of absence granted Crs Brown and Davidson.

Commr. of Crown Lands, Blenheim, advised payment to Council’s credit, in Bank New Zealand, of £7 13s, accrued 3rds between 31st October, 1893, and 30th April, 1894.

Commr. of Lands advised that the Land Board decided to recommend Govt to reserve land between sections 271-72 and the sea for the purposes of public utility after survey. (Mr Slater has been instructed to survey the land). Clerk of Ashburton County Council asked if members of Kaikoura County Council were allowed travelling expenses, or made any allowance for attendance to County business.—The Clerk replied that no such payments had been made at any time. Report received of North Canterbury Hospital Board for 1893 94 period. Application was made by Treasury for payment of £B7 Is 3d, being halfyear’s interest on County loan. Commr. of Taxes asked that formal application for balance of subsidy be made and usual declaration be signed forwarded.—Done.

Mr Archer, C.E., Christchurch, wrote asking that Council retain him as its consulting engineer and generally. —Letter received. Commr. of Crown Lands wrote stating that he was instructed by Surveyor General to report upon the condition of the Kaikoura-Blenheim road as regards legal deviations, etc. —Clerk replied that Council has no record of any steps having been taken to acquire line of road between Hapuka and Clarence rivers, but he was informed that agreement was made with Native Dept, at time Reserve A was handed over to Natives that Govt was to have a chain road through the block. Judge Mackay, of Native Dept., would probably have some knowledge or record of this. Some years back Natives attempted to stop road until they received £2OO as compensation, but did not succeed. Line of road was surveyed bv P. W. Dept, in 1885; deviation was made by Christchurch P. W. Branch in 1887, and a.ain by Mr Richmond in 1892. Mr R. Tiniine, Fernihrst, wrote stating that late flood in Conway river had done good deal of damage. Most of road is on Fernihrst side of river. It has washed away lower part of cutting that Kaikoura men repaired last year, and the crate they put in to protect it was washed away entirely. He asked that the County Inspr. visit the scene and see what should be done to make the dray road passable and also have something done to protect it. It was agreed that Mr Tiniine be informed that late heavy weather had injured roads generally, and that when the pressure was relieved the Inspector would visit Fernihrst.

Secy Charitable Aid Board wrote that Margaret Malcolm would be admitted to the Home at Woolston ; Doctor would determine as to supply of laudanum. The Council’s action in aiding Mrs Templeman was approved. The Chairman said he had written a friend, and he thought the laudanum difficulty would be surmounted.

Circular re conference of County delegates in Wellington was read, and, on the motion of Cr Curtain it was agreed the Chairman should attend on August 7. Copy of Noxious Weeds Bill received from Agricultural Dept.—Councillors considered some of its provisions unworkable ; that it was another engine of tyranny. —Cr Ingles remarked that it would take a fortune to get rid of sweet brier in the Awatere, and that the carrying out of the Act was an utter impossibility if people were to remain on the land.

Clbbk and Inepbctob’s

Monthly report to July 21 was to following effect: —

South Road—Sent surfacemen down this as far as Reserve. They removed several slips, cleared water channels and filled up several bad places in road ; were at work removing large stones and blinding bad places on McDonald’s flat when heavy rain set in on 9th. Few chains of this road unfinished.

Charwell—Mr Bell reports that portion of timber breastwork put in by Govt, when forming side cutting going down into the Charwell, has given way, endangering road slipping away, He also says road running through Reserve Flat is in very bad state ; water has cut up roadway in zig-zag manner for some distahce.Jflnspr. stated he purposed seeing to this early next—this—week.)

North Road—After downfall of rain on 9th 2 men had to be sent to clear slips on road and fill in several places washed out in creeks, but damage to road was not so great as be anticipated. Suburban Roads—There was very heavy flood in Suburban district, creeks in most cases overflowing banks, but damage done to roads was not serious. Still wet weather has made roads, generally, very soft, and Renwick has been kept patching worst places ; is now at work between Harnett’s Creek and Hapuka Reserve. Consider it will take him all bis time to keep roads in repair this winter. Red Swamp Road Ditch—Have not had works ordered there done. Surfaceman was too busy to do necessary carting and Mr Close took exception to proposed work, holding it would cause serious injury to his property, for which he would hold Council liable. Councillors, also, advised that work be deferred in order that matter be further seen into.

Contracts Fair progress reported, though some had been much delayed by bad weather.

Carting metal—Damage is done to roads by contractors carting heavy loads on narrow tyres. He suggested limiting the quantity to be carried in a dray as follows: Only 1 cubic yard to be carted on 2-inch tyres ; yards on 2J-inch tyres ; and 1 j yards on 3-incb tyres. This would slightly increase cost of metal in the first place, but would be saving to Council in end. Keene’s Point works—One portion suggested by Messrs Bullen and Wood will, he fears, be difficult to carry out whilst there is so much water in the river, and if done will add materially to eost —facing bank with large boulders being work referred to. He suggested bank should be scrubbed with large trees and manuka until effect of new crates, to be put in, can be seen. Planting should be done in space near long line of crates, and at back of long embankment.

Road to Lake Hills.—With exception of about 20 chains, roadway is even and well grassed. It would be a mistake to form it at present. Some 16 or 17 chains at end nearest main road are in very rough state, large stones and small gullies, also patch other side of Eweltne Creek, about 3 chains. This could be improved same way as Robb’s road was, by removing large stones and cutting down banks of gullies, so as to make 14 feet track. Cutting on western side of EweJme Creek is very steep, and should be graded afresh. Peninsula Surveys.—Mr Slater is at work on Peninsula. He finds out that road line flagged out by Cr Brown and self runs through private property at end near Fishing Reserve ; also that Sandos and Low’s whare is in centre of Fountain St, and that, to get anything like a grade, road would have to start in at graves on Point Road and run up behind Sandos and Low’s leasehold, with breast cutting through high shoulder, there and then straight up line of street. This would be costly ; lower end would be entirely through rock. Mr Slater is making further investigation. It would be well for Councillors to see for themselves.

Mt Fyffe Road Ditch—Recent heavy floods washed gravel off bridges leading into Mr Bullen’s sections and down road ditch. Mr Bullen suggests ditch should be shifted closer into bis fence, and deepened, as he eannot drain his land properly, and that if this is done be will put in concrete culverts at his gate-ways, large enough to carry any water that may come down the ditch. School House Road Ditch—Messrs G. E. Parsons, T. Boyd and Jas. Boyd complain of state of ditch from Mr Parsons’ gate to right of way through section 167. Cattle have trampled in side of ditch so that it is too narrow and shallow to carry water properly, and their land is swamped in consequence.

Deal Street Gully—Work done here not so successful as anticipated, owing to rotten nature of sub-stratum of limestone, which is very soft, and gutted out enough to choke pipes below gully. It appears fluming will be required, similar to diggings tail race, up whole channel. Amount of debris washed down was not quarter of

that on previous occasions. Bank of clay near Presbyterian Church must be sloped off, or it will come bodily away. Ferniehurst Road—Owing to pressure of work have been unable to attend to Mr Tinline’s complaint. Ruts in newly-metalled portion of Mt Fyffe and Harris’roads should be raked in. Does Council intend to lay poison for small birds ? If so, now is the time.

The Red Swamp Road water overflow question was again discussed, shortly.

The Inspr held that dams put in had caused scour. Cr Keenan contended it was not so in the case of dams put in by him. Cr Curtain said the question required delicate handling. There were two parties iu this grievance, and in order to strengthen the hands of the Inspector be moved that the Chairman and Crs Ingles and Wood, examine the ground, with the Inspector, and determine as to the most advisable steps to take. The Inspr. expressed agreement with the suggestion, which was adopted, Cr Wood being excused. Cr Ingles said that in order to encourage settlement, and assist people taking up land, that reasonable steps should be taken to improve the road towards the Lake Hills part of Swyncombe.—Agreed, work to be done by day labour. STRAY CATTLE NUTSANCE. Dr Gunn wrote to following effect: Respectfully drew attention to the serious damage done to his front gate by horses on night of 20th ulto. One leaf of gate so smashed that it can only be repaired at considerable expense, and even after repaired there was no certainty gate may not be found in pieces following morning. Frequently front entrance to his grounds is completely blocked by horses and as they ‘ let out ’ with their heels when approached, there is considerable risk in driving them off. This is not only great inconvenience and nuisance to himself, but private danger, especially after dark, to patients visiting him. In fact on several occassions females have been unable either to get out or in until someone came to their .assistance to drive these animals off. Did such destruction as complained of occur in the daytime when the animals could be identified there would be remedy at law, of which he would certainly avail himself; it is at night such mischief is usually done, when it .is impossible either to prevent it or trace agressors ; hence bis appeal to Council for protection. He not only expressed his own grievance, but that, also, of many others here who similarly suffer, and who, with himself, will be grateful to Council for any effective {remedy it may devise.

Cr Wood proposed the motion standing in his name, ‘ That the Ranger’s services be dispensed with.’ In doing so he said it was not aimed at present Ranger personally, but in order to have work done more thoroughly. The pay/SOs a month,>was not sufficient to have the duties efficently performed, but it was too much to have really nothing done.

Cr Curtain seconded the motion pro forma, but said he was opposed to it. Cr Ingles was not in favour of stringent impounding, nor in favour of dispensing with a Ranger entirely. The present officer was a good one, though perhaps be got a little slack at times, as any officer was liable to do if not woke up occasionally. The Ranger attended when called upon ; discharged his duty with tact, quietly, without offending people. If the motion was directed againt Maxton he (Cr Ingles) protested. Cr Wood complained of laxity lately, and Cr Taylor agreed in that, but thought Ranger did his work quietly. It would never do to be without a Ranger. Cr Curtain said said Cr Ingles bad put the matter lucidly and fairly. He, himself, could only add that the Ranger had done good. That the work was done in such a civil and gentlemanly manner that one almost felt under a compliment to the Ranger would he impounded one's stock. Cr Wood : Then you view it that he has acted as a scare-crow only.

Cr Curtain: To a certain extent. But there have been no sharp practices as formerly.

The Chairman supported the motion, though not objecting to the Ranger personally, having opposed the appointment of such an officer. It was on broad principles that he supported Cr Wood; which he did warmly.

The Inspector took some exception to his having been put in a false position by the Ranger. Cr Ingles said if they were all afraid of odium they had no right to hold their offices.

After some further discussion the motion was lost.

Cr Taylor moved, That the Ranger be informed that the Council expected him to be more energetic, otherwise his services would be dispensed with. Seconded by Cr Keenan and carried. It was agreed that the Ranger’s attention should be called to the nuisance complained of by Dr Gunn, and that the Doctor be advised to that effect.

The Chairman and Inspector agreed to visit the Charwell cutting together to determine what was necessary to be done, and have work put in hand. Cr Wood drew attention to the Reserve Flat road.

Inspector’s suggestion as to loading drays met with general support, Cr Ingles remarking it could be given a trial. The Chairman and Cr Ingles to examine with the Inspector and Mr Slater the proposed lines of road from the Port on to the Peninsula. Resolved that supply of poisoned grain be provided. MISCELLANEOUS. At the instance of Cr Curtain, road near Mr Clemett's to be seen to ; Inspr. pointed out that nothing of a permanent nature could be done. Cr Keenan drew attention to handrail being required at bridge over O’Donnell’s creek, and Cr Eaton to Harnett’s creek requiring a bridge.— Both works to be seen to. The Pay Sheet and Accounts having been passed the Council adjourned.