COUNTY COUNCIL.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 426, 9 June 1877, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCIL.

SPECIAL MEETING. A Bpecial meeting was held on Juno Gth. Present— A Rolland, Esq. (Chairman), Crs. Turnbull, Shannon, Stewart and Brown. The meeting was called for the purpose of considering Byelaw No. 1, regulating the conduct of the business of the County. The Clerk read clauses seriatim, which, after discussion and slight alteration, were adopted. Resolved—That a special meeting bo called for the 4th July, to confirm the resolution to adopt Byelaw No. 1, and that public notice be give», in accordance with sub-section 3 of section 80, Counties Act, 1876. ORDINARY MEETING. The ordinary meeting was hold on June 6. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. A schedule of outward and inward correspondence was read by the Clerk. RAILWAY DEPUTATION. At a quarter past five Mr. de Lautour, M.H.R., and his Worship the Mayor introduced a deputation from Oamaru, consisting of Major Steward and Mr. E. C. Smith, of Duntroon. After apologising for the short notice given to the Council, Major Steward addressed the Council upon the subject of railway communication, and gave a brief history of the commencement of the movement, and the expectation of Oamaru that thepeople in the Interior would'bo glad to hail the opening up of communications, with its consequent benefits. We are here simply to usk the Couuty Council, as one of the governing bodies, if it sees the advantages of extending communications. If so, will it lend its assistance at the earliest possible date ? We do not consider that tho opening of our line would prejudice the connection of this part with any district south of it. We have good grounds for believing that we can get a railway from tho Interior by Naseby to Oamaru. First, the distance is not groat; secondly, a large portion of that distance is already covered by a line in working order. Via Ngapara there would'bo thirty-six miles to construct; via Duntrooa there would be thirtyfour miles. When complete the line would bo eight miles shorter by Ngapara than by Duntroon. He (the speaker) was consulting with the Oaniaru Municipal Engineer, who is a Railway Engineer of experience, and he is confident, from his knowledge, that the engineering difficulties are not so great, but that an average grade of lin 70 can be obtained. Then as to the modus operandi. We suggest, if the County sees fit, it will join with Waitaki, and, we hope, Waimate and Vincent, in an application to Parliament that a Bill should be passed, authorising and giving powers for the construction of a line. The Counties would undertake the construction of the line, which, when complete, should be taken over and worked by the Government. We also propose that land in each County should, with its consent, be set aside to recoup the cost of the railway. If 100,000 acres were set aside in Waitaki, and a similar area in Maniototo, and 50,000 in Vincent—because Vine'ent may not bo said to be so largely interested—and Waimate also consented, there would bo a sum of money represented in excess of what was needed. It would pay the Governmsnt vastly well. Wo would bo abletotreblo the value of the Crown lands within a reasonable distance of the line. Naseby would bo pushed ahead, and we do not disguise that Oamaru would benefit. We are hero to ask you, on behalf of the Waitaki Railway Committee, to Join with us in a strong pull and, wo hope, not a long one. We are now pointing out arguments in favor of the line by Oamaru, without rivalry. If there is a desiro to contrast this line with any other, there is thirty-four miles of construction, as against sixty-ono by another route. Suppose all tho lines were commenced to-morrow, our lino would be made first—fully two years before any other. Wo hold out the right hand to you to construct one line. Whatever may be the County's decision, we would ask you to pause beforo you put away so favorable an opportunity. Our public men are now in earnest to work with you. Supposing the Strathtaieri line made, and the Oamaru port complete, it will be a great question to tho producer to get tho shortest mileage to Port. The difference between ninety miles and sixty miles would represent a sum equal to a profit on tne grain produced. When that is apparent there may not then be tho same earnestness on the part of Oamaru that there is now. The Waitaki Railway Committee havo determined to appoint an engineer to decide as to the best route. Our estimate is that about £SOO will be needed. We do not come to this Council specially to ask for funds, If tho Council does seo its way to practically assist wo shall be glad. We do not ask for an answer to-day, but if, as an earnest of your intentions, you contribute, you will, of course., bo placed in possession of all information collected, and be consulted as to what is to bo decided on. Tho questions, then, are these —Does the Council think it to bo an advantage tbat a railway should bo constructed between Naseby and Oamaru ? Is it prepared to join us in an application to Parliament for authority to construct thy line, apd will it consent to a portion of tho lands within -the County being pledged for the purpose ? Lastly, would it prefer to contribute something towards the expenses ? Wo have come 136 miles to put these questions, and wo would be exceedingly glad if tho Maniototo Council would return an answer as soon as possible, and favorably. Mr. Rolland : I suppose you oto aware that Mr. Blair has been instructed to make preliminary surveys.

Major Steward : Yes, that is true, but the Tuicri Council, I observe, send their own engineei - . Mr. Eolland : If the Government has deputed Mr. Blair, we had better wait. Mr. Smith : If tho session is to bo saved, action must bo taken. Cr. Turnbull: Ido not sco how tho lines can bo surveyed in time. Mr. Holland : Does this line open up any country ? Is it not mostly mountainous ?

Major Steward : No, there is a lot of good country, most of tho leases of which fall in immediately. Cr. Tumbull: Why do you suppose the Government would allow the County Councils to make this and how could they do it ?

Major Steward : We apprehend that tho borrowing powers could be increased. The policy of any Government is to got the country opene 1 up. If Parliament can see that that the bodies of its own creation are anxious to work it will encourage them. Mr. Holland: Tho effect would be merely by a side-wind to increase tho indebtedness unfairly to the bondholders.

Major Steward: If you spent £•"> in a way that makes you worth £lO you are not £5 the poorer. If the cost will not only be recouped but recouped twice over, there can bo no moral wrong to the bondholders. Unfortunately the money is not available for constructing by a direct vote. If it were, I should say by all means let it be so constructed. The Government by its sanction would increase the value Of the

country. [Sir. Rolland: Most- decidedly.] Then I should say, the scheme could noat on its own in .-ritai nnd there can be no moral wrong to the Bondholders: It the line is justifiable, per so, upon the data duced, I believe the authority will bo given bv Parliament. . Mr. Holland: Allow m to state y<m bare ireen taking Oaniaru as tho Port.in Tour calculations. Major Steward: Yes. lam prepared to state th?i wool-ships will load there next year. With steam cranes and rails to the breakwater, it is a vorv different thing loading there to what it Was. "We can now load a wool-shi;i in a third of the time it has ever been cloao before. Mr. Smith : I have no difficulty with goods from Duucdia. They are put in trucks without extra charge. Cr. Turnbull: We have to cdrisid'er which line will receive the best support from the Government. No doubt a railway will do good. Withoat data we can form no opinion. Cr. Shannon: A.great many persons appear to be led' away by the Outrum line as beui:i better tor the whole country. What have we to do with that? I should bo in favor of th.; uamaru liuo us being host for us. The Strathtaieri lino means some ten or fifteen, years. If wo want to look into the future, I say—the Strathtaieri lin" If we can accept all that haa been said., the Oaraaru line should be hero in three years. Mr.'Rolland: We are all fully impressed bv the importance of the question, arid we cannot foreet that Oamaru was the first to move. Wo shall' give it the fullest consideration, and let vou know" a£ soon as possible what pur answer is. The Council then a'djourned for an hour. Evening Sitti.vg. In Committee of the Whole : " BOU.VDABr OP THE CutJJJTY. Resolved—That as soon ns possiblo after the County Engineer assumes the duties of his office, he be'instrueted in conjunction with the Taieri Conntv Kngi-' neer, to define and mark off the boundary between the Maniototo and Taieri Counties; and that the Taia* ri County Council bo iriforiried of such resolution,"— Cr. Brown, Cr. Turnbull. UNEXPENDED VOTES. In pursuance of correspondence from Mr.- de liau-' tour, late M.P.C., Resolved—That the Chairman be requested to apply to the Government for the sum voted by the Provmcial Council at its last sitting for the erection of footbridges across the Manuherikia and Kyebnm Rivers, said sums having been unexpended.—Cr. Tumbull, Cr. Shannon. GRAXT TO NASEBY ATHEN-STuLT. Consideration of memorial from Secretary naaum was deferred. PUBLIC POTTSTD: The Chairman read a memorial signed bv fifty-nina persons; also report of Committee appointed at last meeting. Resolved—That the application of Mr. M'Clasky be accepted, conditionally that the inside wall be lined with either Btone or concrete.—Cr. Shannon, Cr, Brown. REPOFIT OS ROADS. Th 3 Chairman read the report of the interim Inspector on the state of the County roads. Resolved—That the Cha''rm:m instruct the interim Road Inspector to reduce the staff of surfacemen now on the roads in accordance with memo, to that effect.—Cr. Turnbull, Cr. Brown. ACCOUNTS Passed for payment—Roads account, £316 195.; L. W. Bnsch, £4 Bs.; 'Mount Ida Chronicle,' £4 145.-i Mr. Clucas, £l6 ; George Stephens, £7: S. Indor, £1 Os.; J. M'Donald, 19s. INTERIOR RAILWAY. •Tho Chairman read resolutions re interior railway adopted at the last meeting of the Taieri County Council, and asking tho co-operation of the Maniototb County Council. Several Councillors being absent, and the District Engineer (Mr. Blair) having been asked to report, it was considered advisable to defer any decision. A special meeting was therefore determined upon, tobe held on Juno 20th. COUNTY ENGINEER. The Chairman that Mr. R. H. Browne, County Engineer, would assume his duties on the 18th mat. INTERIM FINANCE. Resolved—To place £3OO to tho credit pf the Finance Committee for the purpose of carrying on the work of the County during the interval between this and next meeting; also, that the sum of £ls be handed over to the sub-Treasurer for potty cash account.—Cr. Turnbull, Cr. Brown. The Council then rose, the sitting having lasted until 10.30 p.m.