LAKE COUNTY.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 412, 15 February 1877, Page 3

LAKE COUNTY.

The Council, at its last meeting, sat till ten o'clock, and they got through a lar/je amount of work—some of it of considerable importance. The labor of the members was much greater owing to the limited funds which they found at their disposal to accomplish the many requirements of the County. The first time they had to face this difficulty was when the tenders (two only) for repairs to the Shotover Bridge were opened. Mr. Campbell's was £896 16s, and Mr. Luckie's £1057 17s 6d. The lowest figures quoted were nearly £2OO more than the estimate, and no intimation had been received what the Government were prepared to give—or indeed If they would assist by money aid at all. Although admitting the extreme desirability of completing such an important connecting link in our main trunk line (as one of our members puts it), the question arose whether it would be provident or just to other portions of the County to expend say one-fourth of the probable annual revenue of the County. The Council very wisely decided to amend the plans and specifications and call for fresh tenders, in the hope, by this means i and an extension of time, to get the work done at a cost within its means, as well as to obtain that assistance which Government are in all fairness bound to give, as the destruction of approaches occurred before the Council had taken the reins of management. The Council have also acted upon an elaborate report furnished by Mr. Eoad Inspector Powell by calling for tenders for works all over the district. By this means the Council, at its next meeting on the 15th inst., will have a better idea of how far its resources will enable it safely to go. The question of raising a loan was mooted, and will probably be more fully discussed on the next occasion. The question as to the claim of the County to rents of depasturing licenses derived from the late Commonage—but now "Wakatip Buns—also was very fully discussed, and the Vincent and Tuapeka Councils will be again asked to co-ope-rate with this one in obtaining what is virtually a portion of the estate which should be handed over for the use and benefit of the County Councils. Some, cogent arguments «vere adduced, and it is to be hoped that sufficient weight may be brought to bear in order to obtain our just due 3. —' Mail.'