S.O.B DISTRICTS AND DRAY WORK.

Kumara Times, Issue 1106, 16 April 1880, Page 3

5.0.8 DISTRICTS AND DRAY WORK.

Mr Seddon moved, “ That the various Ridings be divided into sub-districts, and that tenders be called for supply of horses and drays for each subdistrict, for twelve months, when required by road overseers. Tenders to state price per day per week, how much for river work and how much for road work. Tenderers to be present with their horses and drays at Hokitika the day tenders are to be opened, so that councillors and road inspectors may select those most suitable.” There was too heavy a charge made for horses and drays, and the overseers are, in some cases charged with favoritism.

Mr M‘Goldrick would second the resolution which was a step in the right direction. He had heard complaints on this subject.

Mr Hirter would Tike to know who was to guarantee that horses would he at the Council’s disposal all the year tound? He would vote against the resolution.

Mr Jack thought the matter ought to be left in the hands of the overseers. People who tendered would naturally want to know how often they would be wanted. Sometimes too, five or six horses and drays were wanted on an emergency. Mr Sandle would oppose the motion as the system of tendering was not the best. It was not to be expected that the Council could get a good hoi'se and dray, with a man to work, for less than £1 per day. Mr Seddon, in reply, said the Council had to look after the public interests, tthere were too many horses and drays employed at the Arahura river. Any councillor voting against his motion, was not doing his duty to the County.. Mr Sandle protested against such language being applied to him. Mr Seddon said that, at least, was his opinion. The resolution Was put, and carried on the voices. STATEMENT OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURE. Mr Seddon moved, “ That the County Clerk be instructed to prepare, and lay before the Council at its next meeting, a statement, shewing the amounts that have been spent annually in each riding since the first commencement of the Council. That the said statement particularise each work or vote and what has been spent on main roads and what on general work. That for the future there he a Debtor and Creditor Account against each riding, and that the amount raised in each riding be expended therein, but should any riding, from its own revenue, bo unable to construct work, or maintain roads, bridges, or ferries, then, in such case, shall it borrow from one or more of the other ridings and stand indebted to them in the amounts so borrowed. The estimated revenues of each riding to be determined on the following basis :—Publicans’ licenses as per number issued in each riding; rates and subsidies as per rate roll for each riding; goldfields’ revenue as per number miners’ rights, and business licenses, issued in each riding ■ gold dntv as per average amount carried, by those actually engaged in goldmining operations in each riding. The icport compiled by the Wardens for each district annually, to be the basis.” He read at length from a statement prepared by the secretary, and contended that his ■district was unjustly treated, many items being wrongly charged against it. He believed the statement was misleading and that the accounts were cooked. Mr Sandle seconded the motion, Mr Jack characterised the i-esolution as merely calculated to create strife, and carry favor in the Arahura district. I'he resolution after a long discussion was referred to a committee. The council adjourned at six until seven o’clock. EVENING SITTING. The Council resumed at 7 p.m. Present: The Chairman, Messrs Jack, Seddon, Hirter, Dale, Sandle, and M'Goldriek. LARRIKINS TRACK. Mr Seddon moved, “That the resolution passed by the,Council to widen ■Larrildn’s track into a dray road, be Otfri’ied into effect without delay. Cost .not to exceed £2O, also that a track be made from the tramway to the Christchurch road, cost not to exceed £10.” Mr Sandle seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. DILLMAN’s TOWN ROAD. .Mr Seddon moved, “That specifications be prepared and tenders immediately called for construction of eight foot dray road, commencing at Dillnian’s Town and terminating at section 1 to Christchurch road, distance about one mile; also that tenders be called for widening first section of said track into a dray road, and that the Government be asked that the money be provided, out of vote 97, item 50.”

Mr Sandle seconded the motion which was agreed to. DRAINAGE RACE KELLY’S TERRACE. ~ Mr Seddon moved, “'That in the opinion of this Council it is highly desirable that the drainage race at Kelly’s terrace should be jointly constructed by the Council, General Government, and the inhabitants, and that in accordance with the recommendation of the Goldfield’s Committee, the Government be requested to make a survey at once; and also that application be made to the Government to allocate from the vote for tracks and works on goldfields the sum of fifteen hundred pounds (£1500) said amount to be subsidised by the Council and devoted to the construction. of the above mentioned work.” Mr Sandle seconded. If this drainage tunnel was constructed, within six months there would be 200 men on the ground. The Minister of Public Works was very favorably impressed with the work. The cost would be £3OOO, of which the Government would nay half. The resolution was carried without dissent.