MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 60, 25 March 1879, Page 2

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL

Friday, March 20, 1 879. Tho adjourned meeting of the Council was held on Friday last at, 2 p.m. Present —Messrs Macarthur (GhaLman), H.ilconibej Sansdri, Gower, Caw, Lintou, Kebbell, and Dr J&jckstrow/ Tho minutes were re; 1 1 and conT'ineJ. TENttEUS FOII FEBRIB3. The following^eudei'd were received for the lToxton ferry, y\t ;— H. Hillary, £217 ; Wm. Atkins, £210; Tho3. Bowe,i!:>So.. Ml 1 Sun3on ]sropdaed'i arid. Mr Linton iccdudedi '" That" Air BoWe's lender tie ac- \ tiepted. 1 ' Dr Rockstrow asked whow.is Mrßo-.ve ': I and what grounds had they for believing ! he was a competent for the work Mr Sanson .said Mr lidwo had twd jfddd sum nes. Mr I lulcoinbe remarked their duty was to look at tho figures, and accept the highest tender. Thej' should let it be understood that, though the p.-ieo appeared high, ■ they would insist upon the conditions being ! sr.rintly carried nut; Mr SariSon said it would be foolish to suppose Mr Hillary was the only man capable of acting as ferryman. Mr liowe for all they knew, might be quite as good. Financial reasons must weigh with them> and having advertised; they should accept the highest tender. The Chairman said the present ferryman was also poundkeeper. It would be necessary to make a new arrangement Dr Ifockstrow would move an amendment, that 111' Hillary's tender be accepted. I There certainly was a difference nf £63, 1 but if lives were endangered the Vounty >vouM be responsible. Perhaps Mr Bo we i had never been in a boat in his life, and no i one knew anything of him, while Mr Hillary was known to be a good ferryman. Mr Kebbell seconded the amendment, j Mr Gower said Dr Rookstrow was ; tliorougly inconsistent, having on a pre- | vious ocoasion strongly advocated as large I a price as possible being obtained for the ' ferries, Whilst he now w ished the lowest i tender accepted. At first when the ferry J was let, a small amount was received. Then last year Mr Hillary gave £103, and now off red £217. They had nothing to do with the question of whether it would pay Mr liowe. He knew him to bo a steady, strong, and energetic man, and believed he would work the ferry well. If the difference in. the tenders were only a few pounds, he would have said " let well alone," but having called for tenders, and Mr Dowe's being so much higher, they should out of fair play accept it. Mr Linton said they called for tenders in order to get a higher price, and what was the use of doing so, if they did not accept it. They might as well make a private arrangement at once with Mr Hillary. The Chairman said the effect of passing the amendment would be to establish a monopoly with Mr. Hillary and the ferry. The difference was a large one, and he coincided with Mr Linton's remarks ; on a river like the Manawatu, a great amount of skill was not required for the furry. So long as the lessee was physically capable, they could leave the rest, having sureties. The amendment was then put, and lost, only the mover voting for ic. GOKGE FEBRY, The following tenders were received for the Gorge Ferry : — John Lucaj, £79 (informal); A McDonald, £131; K.Stanley, £130; lioyd, £lsocash,or £160 iu monthly instalments. Upon the motion of Mr Halcombe, Mr Boyd's tender of .£'lso was accepted . FERRY 110AD, A letter having been received from Mr Hillary asking for a refund of the cost of making a portion of the ferry road, near Hartley's, it was reported that the engineer had authorised *he work to be done. It ■was resolved to refund one-half tho amount, viz., £28 Us 3d. OTAKI KOAD. Mr Kebbell proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Sanson, and carried :— That the Engineer he authorised to make arrangements with the native owners for the falling and clearing of the inland line of road from Otaki to E'oxton, and for the formation and metalling of tho first GO chains of said road, commencing at the Otaki end; such arrangements to be subject to the approval of the County Chairman ; the sum expended not to exceed £2550. Dr Rockslrow proposed, " That tenders be called for the formation of the road between Symons' corner and the Mauawatu Kiver." He referred to the necessity of the road on the Foxton side of the Manawatu being pushed ahead rapidly. Mr Gower seconded. Mr Sanson thought that before calling for tenders for carrying out the work, the Engiueer should have sufficient time to prepare the plans, and he would move the following amendment : — " That the Engineer be requested to prepare plans and specifications for the formation of the road leading from Symons' corner to the Manawatn River, cost of the work to be leb not to exceed £150 ; tenders to bo called for aaid work, and to be sent in not later than ths next meeting of this Council." Seconded by Mr Linton. After so mo discussion, a division took place, and the amendment was carried. For the amendment — Messrs Sanson, Kebbell, Macirthur, and Liuton. Against —Mr Gower and Dr Rockatrovr. manawatu gouge koad. A letter was read from tho Government, explaining that the sum of £79 due to the County as 20 per cent of land fund, was held by them in payment of moneys spent in maintaining the Mnuawatu Gorge Road, which was under the jurisdiction of the Manawatu County Council. The Oaairman explained that find ng some ten days previously that tho 20 per cent of land fund had been stopped, he had written asking an explanation from the Government. The result was tho letter reforred to above. Before replying to it, ho had determined to cousult the Couucil, and obtain the advice of members, i'reviously the Gorge payments had been stopped from the subsidies, and finding that the latter were paid in full he had supposed, until receiving the letter, that the Govern* ment had at last taken the responsibility of maintaining the road. They appeared unwilling to do so, however, and tho Council should therefore consider what answer should be returned. Dr ltockstrow proposed, '"That the Gorge Road now maintained by the Government be declared a County road, and incorporated into the Manchester Riding" He said the Govorninent appeared determined to force the road in question upon the County, and as the Manchester Biding, in which it was situated, derived the benefit, he thought it only fair Ihe riding should take the responsibility. It was unfair for Awahou to bo compelled to pay a share of the cost of its maintenance . The resolution having been seconded, Mr Halcombe said they should not acknowledge the right of the Government to saddle f'his responsibility, upoa tha County. There were very few travellers upon it. Probably not a dozen had gone from his Biding along it on business during the past three years. At any time a large slip might

j occur upon it, and absorb their revenues. ! The County should go on protesting, and not in any way accept tho responsibility. The Chairman, remarked that under tho Public Works Act the Ministry had power to proclaim Government roads. That course should Be adopted in this case. It was neither a Cdunty dr Riding road; but a Colonial One. Mr Gower said his riding was similarly ftltilated to what; Manchester \Vould be, if the Gorge road were niade a Cdunty one. They had a great length df road; which was comparatively of no Use to the Hiding, but Was important in a Colonial sense. Vet they had to maintain it. Manchester should lake the goad with the bad: AH t!io Killings !uvl j tliei. 1 particular misfortunes. Ho w. ;i!d ' Suppqvt tlid nlotion ; ,iit tltn same tune lie would gladly soe tho Udvcriiuleilt take over tile responsibility. Tho Chairman thought that they should try every means to get rid of the road, and when they found it impossible to do so, accept the responsibility. j Mr Halcombo reiuaiked all bridges over 3d-fe'et Span woi'o maintairled by Goyorriment, and he looked Upon the Gorge Koad as a great bridge joining tho two sides of tlio country. Though only a few miles in lengthy there miglit be at any time a vast expenditure rdquirdd upon it. Napier" and Wangauui were more interested in it than MnnawdtU. Mr Linton said (he land in the Gorge would never be sold, nor be rated, as it was worthless: It was very hai'dj ho thought, that the 1 money deducted in this instance belonged to his Riding, the land sold being situated in Taonui. Mr Sanson thought a strong resolution ■ should be r.assed, protesting against the ! actioa of the Government. As the protest ! made by Mr Thynno was to a previous Ministry, one to the present Government might be more successful. I Dr Hockstrow withdrew the motion. In i doing so, he said the Chairman had quietly j rested instead of protesting. It was his , bounden duty to have done so, and not to i wait for members' opinions. i The Chairman — If Councillor Rockstrow ! had been attending to the business, instead : of talking, whilst I explained what had t been done, he would not sppak in this man- , ner. Dr Rockstraw — I repeat, the Chairman | should understand bis business, and do it, instead of waiting for the Council meetings. Mr Sanson — I really hope Councillor [ Rockstrow will withdraw his expressions 3 against the Chairman. Such remarks are f not correct. The Chairman then fully explained the matter, remarking this was the third time j he had done so during the present sitting, and repeating that it would not have been [ necessary to do so, but for the conduct of Councillor Rockstrow in talking whilst the f correspondence was read, and explanations I were being made— Dr Rockstrow (very excitedly) — Mr [ Chairman, this is the second time you have ; said — [ The Chairman — Councillor Rockstrow, , I call you to order. lam addressing the [ Council. Dr Roekstrow — But you have no right — The Chairman — Councillor Rockstrow, 1 will you sit down ? Dr Rockstrow —To say such things against — The Chairman (ominously snatching up • the Council oye-laws) , Councillor Rockstrow i if you do not keep order in this Council, I ' will take immediate steps to enforce it. Mr Halcombe then proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by, Mr Linton and carried : — " That this Council protests against the deductions made for . the maintenance of the road through the : Manawatu Gorge, between the bridge and l , the lower ferry, and requests the member . for the district to represent the matter to j the Minister for Pablic Works, with a view of obtaining a refund of u oneys hitherto ' deducted, and its proclamation as a public road." mu cook's contract. i An account having been presented for [ the final payment upon one of Mr Cook's , contracts, , Dr Rockstrow asked whether the work in question was finally completed and passed. ' The Engineer explained that a few loads of gravel had to be put on, but tho con- [ tractor was unable to get into the pib just [ now. He had promised to spread the gravel [ on directly it could be obtained, and upon that condition he had passed the work. Dr Rockstrow objected to tho account being passed. Eventually the account was passed, the ; Engineer being instructed to withhold the cheque until the work was finally completed. members' honoraria. Upon the item of members' honoraria, ■ from November to March, £43 las, beiug read, i Dr Rockstrow asked whether members were pa!d when they did not attend. He thought it hard the County should be asked i to pay for work not performed. He referred . to the late adjournment. The Chairman replied that members were : only paid for meetings actually attended. i Of course those members who attended ' when the meeting was adjourned, would receive their allowance. Mr Sanson thought before adjourning the Council some margin should be allowed, . especially when it was known members were in town. ! Mr Gowor said some remarks had been made regarding his absence on that occasion which he resen*ed. The matter had been freely talked of, and one of the papers had attacked him. He resented these remarks 1 "to a certain extent." 1 The item was passed. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £946 17s 9d were passed for payment. VOXTON FOOTPATHS. Mr Gower said at the previous meeting he had moved a resolution regarding tho formation of the footpaths in the Foxton mainstreet. He 'vished to know what had been done. The Engineer said the Awahou mem bers were appointed a deputation to the Local Board to arrange about the matter, and on applying to Dr Rockstrow for information h<s was told there was no Local Board, and therefore nothing could be done. Dr Rockstrow stated that he had written asking when the Board would receive a deputation upon the subject, but no answer had yet been received* There was really no Board at present. Tho Chairman said if there was no Board the matter h vd better drop. VALUATION WaT. Dr Rockstrow reported that having been appointed to object to the valuation of the Foxton Local Board, such a course was found unnecessary, as the whole valuation was thrown out. Mr R. Ward, R..M., had , also informed him that it had been ruled in ? a higher Court, the Counties could not ' object to the Local Board valuation. THE DEPUTATION BUBISESS. Mr Linton said ho wished to move a > resolution which he thought would not lead to any discussion, and would be acquiesced . in by all present. An impression was abroad > that two Councillors had gone as a deputation from the Council to the Minister for Public Works, and ho wished it to be

placed on record that they had acted privately. He would hand the resolution to the Chairman to read. The Chairman declined td read it until it was seconded. Mr Halcombe seconded the resolution j which wa* to tho ei&ct that the Oounc'l, having Ibft the question of tho railway route to the Government, now desires to place on record that the recent visit of Messrs Sanson nnd Gowcr to the Minister of Public Works for the purpose of advocating their particular views, was ill no way connected with their /position as members of this Council. f.'J'he foregoing is tile Substance of the resolution.] Mr Gower challongi'd the right of the Council !o on^uirc inld his private business. He hnd gone td Wellington to nlteml Mr Hunter's ssilej and not to inleYtie'w tho MinUlry. Mr Hulcombe joined, with Mr Linton. The gentlemen in question were described as " members of the Afunawalu County Council " in the paper which reported the interview: Nd protest had appeared from them against this, and tho inference Wa3 drawn by many persons that lliej had gono in their oflicial capacity. To remove this impression; they desired to pass this resolution. He seconded this resolution feelingly, after what had beon said about himself a few weeks before. Dr RockStrow said before proceeding any further, they should know from the gentlemen i:i question whether they had actually been to the Minister, nnd whether they had gone as Councillors. Mr Sanson said he was not responsible for what appeared in the papers. This was a matter quite apart from the Council. He declined to answer in any way, or recognise the right of the Couucil to interfere in such matters. Tho resolution reflected on the honesty of two members. If they had gouo on a deputation, it would hare beeu easy to have got three other members to go with them. He refused altogether to attend that Council and explain what the Evening Post or Manawatu Times might say about him. Messrs Halcombe and Can* having left, Dr llockstrow rose to a point of order. The seconder of the motion was absent, and it must therefore lapss. This was evident, as it could not be withdrawn without leave of the seconder, who must of course be present. The Chairman said he could not rule to that effect, as nothing was said upon it in the bye-laws. Dr llockstrow replied he only said what was done in Parliament. The Chairman said that was impossible, as in Parliament they had no seconders. (Laughter) Dr Rockstrow then left the Council. Mr Linton said the explanations made were not very pointed. Mr Sansou would be so pointed as to say that Mr Linlon must have badly wanted something better to do when ho moved such a resolution. He refused to make any explanations. He whs not responsible to the Council. He had no idea of meetiug Mr Gower in Wellington when he started from home. The Upper District was jealous and suspicious of the Jjower. The resolution was quite out of order. The conduct of private members could not be discussed there. No such thing had ever been heard of in the Council before. It was only a rumor, and he would not be justified in taking any notice of the matter, or explaining his conduct. Mr Gower protested against the spirit of tho resolution. It did not show a colonial and kindly feeling. It was an unfair attempt to fix a stigma upon the character of two members. If they had seen Mr Macandrdw in the interests of the North, they would have been covered with praise. No reporter was present during the interview, which was strictly private. _ The resolution showed there was uot kindly trust and confidence between the Worth and South. They went in their private capacity aa two settlers. If that resolution were passed in a full Council lie would at once resign. The private actions and feelings of members should not bs interfered with. The Chairman said he understood Messrs Sanson and Gower had gone privately to the Minister. Still he spoke feelingly on the matter after the charges brought against himself. No doubt a certain weight attached to all of them troin their position, but it would of course be unfair to use that extra influence for party purposes. The right he claimed for himself he willingly surrendered to others. At tho same time the resolution only affirmed that they had not gone as Councillors. Mr Kebbell then left the Council, and there being no quorum, a general conversation took place. Mr Eebbell having returned, Mr Sansou said opinions had been expressed regarding the Chairman's action but this was u direct resolution upon Mr Gower and himself. It implied a grave suspicion, and if passed he would resign. | Air Gower repeated tho same intention. Mr Kebbell remarked he was placed in an awkward position. If he left the Council there was no quorum, and he had pahed upon the question with Mr Halcombe. Mr Liu ton rcse to reply. He said the gentlemen in question had undoubtedly gone to the Minister for Public WorksMr Sanson (warmly)—Well sir, if you think so, yuu are welcome to your opinion. Mr Gower—l will not sit here and be treated iu this manner. Messrs Sanson and Gower then left the Council, and there being noj quorum, the meeting was adjourned until 7 p.m. At the evening sitting, the matter was not again biought up. AWAI'UXI OUTLET. The settlers in the vicinity of Awapuui having offered to subscribe £3o 10s to defray part of the expense of a bridge across the road at Awapuni, the Engineer was instructed to visit the place, and report at next meeting the probable cost. UNUSED GRAVEL I'IT. Mr Linton read a letter he had received from Mr .T. Skennan, chairman of the Taonui Committee, drawing his attention to the dangerous condition of the old gravel pit in front of the Bchoolhouse on the Rangitikei line. Upon the motion of Mr Linton, it was resolved to oall for tenders for filling up the pit. KAItKKE ROAD. On the motion of Mr Linton it was resolved to call for tonders for metalling on Karere Rf-ad, to the amount of the £300 voted by the Government for that work; the work to be commenced at the end adjoining Jackeytown shunt. NEXT MEETING. The next meeting of the Council takes place on April 23.