PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2656, 12 March 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] Christchurch, March 10. A man named Brawley is missing at Governor’s Bay, He is supposed to have been drowned. March 11. Sir Julius Vogel, accompanied by Lady Vogel and Mr Kennedy, Private Secretary, arrived at Lyttelton by the s.s. Hinemoa from Wellington about 11 o’clock this morning. A special train conveyed the party to Christchurch, which was reached shortly after noon, and Sir Julius Vogel proceeded to Coker’s Hotel. In accordance with his express wish, there was no demonstration on his arrival. He will be entertained at a banquet by the citizens of Christchurch to-morrow night. Sir Julius Vogel stated to a representative of the Lyttelton Times that the cablegram he received to-night from England led him to believe that war with Russia was improbable. WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL. The Council met at the Chambers, Hokitika, yesterday, at 2 p.m.; present—The Chairman (J. Grimtnond, Esq.), Messrs Dungan, Jack, Spence, Clarke, Daly, Seddon. The following is extracted from the Times report:— m'inerney’s taipo lease. A letter was read from Me Duncan, on behalf of Mr M'lnerney, re Taipo lease; also enclosing letter from Mr Clarke. In connection with the foregoing application, a letter was read from Messrs Cassidy, Binnie, and Co., asking for a site for a stable at Taipo, The Chairman said the matter had been referred to him. All he could do was to give a lease of seven years. Mr MTnerney was willing to give a reserve to the mail contractors, but he wanted a lease for a longer term. Mr Seddon knew something of the matter, and would like to have the first application from Mr M'lnerney read. Mr Dungan said Mr M'lnerney had no doubt a priority of right. Messrs Cassidy, Binnie and Co. applied for a convenience which Mr M‘lnerney did not object to give. The Chairman said Mr M'lnerney had no title, and he wanted the Council to tell him bow to act. He could not go beyoud the regulations.

Mr Seddon agreed with the chairman’s course. The ferry regulations were outside the present case as the ferry was abandoned at the Taipo. The land not being wanted, the Council had a dnty to perform to the people as well as to the squatter, Mr MTnerney. He did not think Is an acre was enough. What would be a fair rental. He thought the Council should give Mr M'lnerney a right of renewal whatever the rent might be fixed at, and all improvements should he paid for, the right to sell being vested in the occupier. With regard to the stabling, the tenant might be required to find stabling for the county officer. But the mail contractors had nothing to do with the County Council. The mail contractors had no right to occupy the land. The Council should have notning to do with these contractors. However, he thought £5 a year would not be too much to charge Mr M'Tnerney ; that gentleman offered too little. He was prepared to give seven years’ lease with the right of renewal. He did not believe in taking away anv of Mr M'lnerney’s present holding. The land should be given to Mr M'lnerney. Mr Daly agreed with Mr Seddon. A clause could be inserted in Mr M'lnerney’s lease to provide land for stables for the mail contractors. Finally it was moved by Mr Seddon, seconded by Mr Daly, that Mr M'lnerney have lease granted for seven years, with the right of renewal, at a rental of £5 a year, with payment for all improvements on the termination of the lease. Mr M'Goldrick said that Mr M'lnerney was entitled to some consideration from the Council. He also thought that a stipulation should be made by which Mr M'lnerney should keep stables. Mr Dungan thought the proposal of Mr Seddon was a fair one. Mr M'lnerney had got fixity of tenure and fair rent. Resolution carried on the voices. CORRESPONDENCE. Letter from Mr W. Surgener, declining to pay rates for a burned-down dwelling.—Received. Letter from Dr. Monckton, reporting an outbreak of whooping cough at Dill man Town,—Received. There were twenty applications from different parts of the district for the appointment of working overseer at Jackson s Bay. The number of applicants was reduced by ballot to ten, and then to five, the five left in .being Messrt Adair, Wallace, Green, Murphy, and Doherty. On the motion of Mr Seddon, Mr Adair was elected. The Council sat till a late hour and got through a large amount of business.