MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue II, 8 June 1880, Page 2

MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

YEBTBHDAT. The Council met at 2.20 p.m. PresentMessrs Macarthur (Chairman), Sanson, MM.ennan, Loudon, Rookstrow, Kebbell, Linton, and Lash. , ; The minutes wore read and confirmed. • - A discussion took place regarding the protest entered at last meeting by Mr Sanson. It appeared he had , neglected to enter his protest in the " Protest Book," as required by the byelaws, although he had forwarded a copy to the Chairman. Upon the motion of Mr Rockstrow* seconded: by; Mr Kebbell, it was resolved, "That the protest of Councillor Sanson's be expunged from the minute book of the Council." CORRESPONDENCE. Letter read from Wm. Langley, of Otaki 1 asking for money due to him upon -work done there when the late Mr M'Donald was Councillor for Horowhenua. It appeared the money had been voted for the work, but had not reached Me Langley, haying been en trusted to another person to deliver. Ordered to stand over till next meeting, for enquiry by the Engineer and Finance Committee . ' . ' ■ ■ Letter read from Wm. Greenough, of Otaki, protesting against a proposed drain which would seriously deteriorate his property, and pointing out that the natural full was towards Mr Death's road. — The Engineer said Mr Greenoogh was quite correct, and that the fall was undoubtedly in the other direction. i Letter read from Mr M'Beth, applying for leave of absence. Granted. Letter read from Joseph Bealc, applying for permission to remove his slaughter yards to another part of the district. The Engineer reported the new yards were suitable, and the request was granted. BESnsslON OF.BATES. Letter read from Wm. Akers, Riverdale Farm, applying for. remission of rates. A petition was also read fron J. Sharmnn and other Jackoytown settlors applying for remission of rates in consequence of losses through flood. Mr Loudon also presented a petition from Moutoa settlers, asking for similar remission on the same groundc The Chairman said the Counoil could only remit rates in oaßes of extreme poverty, and that a loss was no reason why a man's rates should be remitted. Storekeepers might plead, on the same ground, for a remission of rates because of bad losses. The requests were refused A BAD BARGAIN. Letter read from Mr Doughty, Bfenr., stating thai his son, a mino<-, had entered into a contract with the Council which would entail a serious loss, and appealing to the Council to pity bis old age, .and afford further assistance to the boy, as any losses he sustained would fall upon the father. Mr Steph«n Fagan wrote, supporting the application. The Council considered that if the request were granted it would create a dangerous precedent, and the Chairman was requested to reply that tbo request could not be grunted. LOWEH GOIIOE PERIIV. ; ; . Letter read from H. M'Grill and Nutt, re porting that tho Lower Gorge ferry was beinsr badly worked, and that the feiry hands had on more than one occasion been drunk. The County Engineer reported that the coach driver &nd others bad made serious complaints. Mr Rockatrow said he had received complaints from Harmes, the lessee of the ferry, against the Couuty Engineer. These complaints were of a moot seiious character, and he (\lv Rookstrow) thought that a full enquiry should be made He moved — " That s committee be appointed, to : consist of Messrs Liuton, M'Lennan, and 'the mover, to inquire into the complaints made against the ferryman, Lower Gorge, and into the complaint made by the ferryman against the County Engineer, and report at next meeting." Seconded by Mr Linton Mr Linton said he had heard very many complaints against the lessee of the Lower Gorge Ferry. Mr Loudon protested against any letter entering into the reasons for a resolution unless it were laid on thn table. The Chairman reminded Mr Loudon that in a. letter before the Council, Mr H&rmes made a eh urge of inaction against the Engineer He thought if a serious charge were proved against *he ferrymnn, the matter should bo settled at once, and the proposed committee instructed .to dismiss tbe ferryman if necessary, or oall a special meeting to do so. The motion was carried. IN COMJTITTEE. The Council went into Committee to consider the question of advertising, ,nnd a. lencthy conversation took plaoe, which) however, resulted in no decided action. It was resolvod to invite tenders for printing for the curient year. BALANCE SHEET. The balance sheet, as audited, was finally settled by tho Counoil, and signed by the '/bairraan. [Left sitting.]