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Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 10, 30 November 1878, Page 2

Upon the Council resuming at half-past, one, Cr. Halcombe said that he rose to propose Cr. Macarthur as Chairman of the Council. When that gentleman had been first elected he was a comparative stranger, but ho (the speaker) felt he was echoing the opinions of all when he said that during his connection with the Council Cr. Macarthur had prored himself* to \ be au able, active, and energetic man, one likely to take a great interest m public matters, such as ttbese to bo. brought befo.ro. the Council, an,d they might rely that anything he would undertake to carry out would be performed with igeal, energy, a,n,cl abit&y. Qr. Macarthur had. been elected as a representative a.t. tho head of the poll m all tho voting-places, m his own Riding, and by tho largest number of votes m the largest constituency m the County, who were unanimous m their appreciation of his pnsfc political conduct. He (Cr. Halcombe) felt that he might 6^fe|y appeal to the. gentlemAn present wbo had beon mombers of the former Council whother Cr. Macarthur had not been thovoiighiy Cofl,BJs,t?jr,t, tho^o,tmhly abfc, thoroughly earnest, and thoroughly energetic ; that be had always dealt with the matters brought before the Council with a spirit of impartiality, and apart altogether from any private or local prejudices! He thought that Cr. Macarthur would be placing the Cjuu,ncil- under- an obligation m. accepting the olßce, as by residing at a distance from the head-quarters the difficulty of performing the duties would be materially increased. His reason for proposing Cr. Macarthur wnts that lie was eminently fitted for the. position, and he believed had more time at his disposal than most of the comiVcillors. Before concluding- he wished to make a few remarks by way of explanation. A feeling hud gone abroad that if the Chairman were not elected from among-it the southern members, the position, of : Foxton, as the County town was m danger* He, saw no reason for such a supposition or fear at all. The place of meeting was at present m Foxton. Fo.^ton had, and was likely to continue to have, a majority ; and as long aa it was m that position, a change of place of meeting, was not likely to ha made. He might tell then; plainly, that he believed m the right of Feilding to. he the County town, and they might depend upon it if ha had it there he would strive to. keep it. His opinion of the true policy of what would be for the interests of the upper, i^ar-fc of the County Avas separation j and he might no,w state openly there wkafc lie had stated elsewhere, that he had by no means given np tho idea, of separation, but on the contrary \yould ay.iil himself of tlie fiwt legitimate oppor- ' t unity to carry it into effect. In hia opinion the interests of the County were not identical upon all points, and those of tho upper portion could be best protected by the step he had referred ta Cr. Gower would like to ask Qr. Halcombe m what manner the interests of the two portions of the Comity were conflicting ? The Chaibijan said he did not see that Or. Halounibe should be called upQU to give any explanation of his views. Or. Goweb replied that inasmuch as the question before tlie Council was tlie election of a Chairman, he thought, it wonld be wise to discover- if all the interests uf the upcountry members were antagonistic to Foxton j because, if so, m his opinion a representative so chosen would not make a good chairman.,, Cr. Haloosibe explained that he did not mean to gpnvey the impression that all interests w.grp antagonistic. What he alluded to moro espi'citiily were the question of -eparatiqn and t.he Snndon mil way. Wii-h ivgurd to the latter, lie could not he expected" io ifavqr a line which run through Sanibin hnd HSuii* to Qiwatford, leaving out Feildin j altogether. Cr. Goweb pointed out that the Chairman of the Count r Council would als-j be Chairman of the Harbor Board, and ' r "!*» most neeassarv that the interests of Foxton as » port should not he sacrificed for Wangamii. Cr. Maoabthub said that whether elected to. the chair or not, he would support. Foxton as a port m preference to Wanganui. Ec then alluded to a past matter, m which Or, -•Huloombe Wits aoeusod of aiding the

progress of Wanganui to the detriment of Foxton, assorting that he was quite sura tho report of the proceedings had been incorrect. Cr. Sanson said he was most happy to support the candidature of Cr. Macarthur, about whoso ability, honesty, and integrity there could be no two. opinions. It was esteemed an honor to havb the County offices, and the Council meeting, m Foxton, and if that gentleman would sacrifice., his time so as to carry out the duties without making a change, be would accord him his hearty support. He thought that at present Foxton was the more suitable place, and, when the Riding of Horowhenua was taken into consideration, the most central place of meeting. Tlie matter would be well met by a division of honors — let Foxton remain the County town, and Feilding claim the Chairman. He might say that he had received letters asking him to allow himself to be nominated as Chairman, and while he had consented to the step, ho had determined m his QWU mind not to voto for himself. He was not at all ambitions for the honor — .havingjvery little time to spare— ? and he would much rather retire^in favor of bo eligible a candidate. Cb. MacABTHTFB would not -wish to be misunderstood, or to be elected under false pretences. In his opinion Eeilding was the proper place of meeting and and most suitable County town ; still, as there was a majority m the Council of a different opinion, he was quite willing to let the matter remain m abeyance, fie had i\o doubt that Cr. Linton, were' he to give his opinion upon the subject, would say that Palmerston possessed superior claims to either. Cr. Linton said that m seconding the nomination of Councillor Macarthur he did so because he know him to be most suitable for the office, beside which ho had. plenty of time to attend to the duties. With, regard to tlie remarks as ta the place of meeting, Councillor Macarthur was quite right. There could be no doubt m the minds of any impartial person that Palmerston is and always was tlie proper County town, being more centra,! to Councillors and public. However, he found the Foxton people were the strongest, and having got the concession they were likely to keep it — and quite right too. Ho might tell them, however, for their information that if Paimerston were not made the County town, it would still continue m Foxton — that is, as far as his efforts could effect tl\at. object. Cr Rocks^BOW said tl\at if ever a future dictionary of tho English language were written, after the word inconsistency Gower would bo. found. Up to the moment of entering tho Council Chamber he had been led to believe that Councillor Gower ' was to second the nomination of Councillor Sanson, and he found that the programme ; was completely changed, and that support was to be given to another parson. Cr. Gowbb rose to a point of order. He failed to recognise the right of Councillor Rockstrow to use tho lang^agfl he had, as ho (Councillor Gower) was theu perfectly free to voto against Councillor Macarthur, and second the nomination of Councillor Sanson. Cr. Sanson would again a9k tbat any intention to nominate him might bs dropped lie only would have come forward had the County town been at stake ; but as that matter was fixed, and lie believed Councillor Macarthur was a better man, he would bo only to happy to gi^e. \>;ay to him.. He trusted that all the had feeling which existed during the latter portion of Inst Session had with the session itself been buried for ever m oblivion,. "\Y> fc b regard to separation, he hoped Councillor Halcoinbe would think better of it, na it would be soen that as tho revenue of tho County, increased, there was no need for a proportionate expenditure, and consequently with their future means they would be able, to.dtva. great deal more tli^an they had done m the past. As far as he was, concerned, 1 whether as Chairman or private member, lie would do his utmost to. preserve the unity of the Council. Cr. RocK.sraow- wished to know if, with the election of tho Chairman, tha question of the removal of the County town, would be definitely settled? or could itbe again opened tip, at a future, period. Of course Councillor} Macarthur agreed that thp nialter should be left m ahoyanoe, bi\t that \\-.is ao. guarantee thftt at the. next o_r a subsequent meeting the. matter would no.t be reopened. Or. Linton- said that it appeared to him the old state of things were cropping up. agaifl— the Foxton men were afraid to trust tho up country- members. Councillor Macarthur had already told the Counvi\ that; ho would not seek ito disturb the existing s^te. of aff.nirs at present, and if they were so suspicious as. to doubt the sincerity of his. intention.",, they had another, safeguard m ; their, strength. At tho present time he could- not carry the remold, and it would, absurd to seek to bind him to aU titnp x for m his (the speaker's) opinion tlie time, was not far distant wben procure of circumstances would compell a change of the County town — when the up-country \\' :ls tilted with thoivsand* and tens of thousands of settlers. Or* I^ACARTn'tfB wi»h,od to, rc^oife R H misapprehension as to his views ami future action, so that he should not be elected upon a fajso. issue. He hail told them he believed Eeilding to he more suitable t lian Fo.xtonas a place of meeting, bu,t while holding, that opinion he Would do nothingas chairman detrimental to Foxtoii. j Cr. 'Ks^eu s.aid that from, what ho had heard he was quite prepared to support tbe election of Councillor Macarthur, as he for one had perfect faith m hia honor. Tlie resolution, proposed by Councillor Halcoinbe. seconded by Councillor Linton— : " That Councillor Duugias Hastings H» c arthur. be elected chairman," was put by the Chairman, and carried unanimously. Mr. TiIYNNB then vacated the. chair, which was taken possession of by The new Chaibman, who, after thanking the Council for tlie honor which had been paid to him, said as sayeral Councillors were anxious to get away by tha afternoon train, he would not weary then with a speech, but merely content himself with pledging himself to carry <*ut the duties of his o%e to the best of his pavv<ir and ability. BBBOIS OP WI^ESBQNOBNC^. The Clerk then raid the following precis of correspondence :— - From the Colonial Secretary's ou^ne, stating that the matter o.f ferries and pqhlic house licenses had heen referred to the Department of Justice. From Constable Purcell, tendering his naaignatian as pound keeper at Foxtq 1. — A I lengthy discussion ensued, and fii ally it was i resolved that— "• That the Chairman and | Councillor Rockstrow be instructed to inquire into the affair of the public pound at Foxton, and to make arrangements for a new pound keeper. From Messr.3. Maclean and Staite, covering agreement, re gravel pit vfii\\ Mr Man-' sen, , Pru»» James Mjeif wus, poundkeeper nt Feildinij, emdosini! a return of stock, im-, 'inunde-d frQ.a Ist of October to 23th of November..? . • . „ From John Hillary, applying for tlie ofiice of pou.ii! keeper at Fusion. From the Returning Oil -ir, covering ac counts for the Qner.d election. From the Postmaster-v* <ii6hil enclosing eooy of a letter from Mr Udv. of Otaki, to M.jiSfs. Hisbwell, Miicara & o>.0 >. From "ho Public VVurki OLb'V slating

that the control of the Orepuki Bridge had been vested m tho Rangitikei Council. From tho Colonial Secretary's office, stating that the had paid £tOto Hoani Taipua, for a site of Otaki Farry. From the Wanganui Borough Council notifying the conditions upon which patients w ould be admitted into the hospital—Resolved — " That each Councillor have pot\*er tp send any patient to tho Wanganui Hospital on the terms agreed to by this Council, provided always that each Councillor satisfy himself as to the state of health of such patient, the fitness for the hospital, and ability to expenses foi* such attention. From Mr Hayns, tho County Engineer, notifying his acceptance of the office of InspectorJJof Slaughter House 3. From Mr Baker, clerk to the R.M. Court, stating that no fee 3 m connection with pounds had ever been paid to him. SUSPENSION OB STANDING- O*RDBB3. Cr. Sanson obtained permission for the Standing Qrders to be suspended m order to move the following resolution : — " That the consent of this Council be hereby given to the' Foxton and Sandon Railway Company to construct a railway on the County road leading from Carnarvon junction to Sanson, and thence to the bridge over the Rangitikei River, situated between Sanson and Bulls." In moving the resolution he wished to state that, m his opinion, the fears held with regard to injury to the existing railway line were perfectly groundlass. It did not matter a button whether a line was called a main or branch, that would not affect the through traffic, and he thought that the tru.e policy of progression was, the. establishment of as many railways as pos- ■ sible. He would be very sorry to leliove that an idea that tho contemplated lino woidd conflict with the interests of the present one, or. that such a reason should prevent tho resolution from receiving assistance and support. The CgAißitAN by no moans wanted to obstruct the scheme, still lie confessed that he was not nearly so well posted up m the District Railways Ax-t as ho might be— a}\d it was possible other councillors irughtjbe m the 6ama position -a,nd consequently he. thought it would be. wise to, give notico of motion. Or. Sanson did pot tkjnk such a cours.a necessary. The committee had gone, to a great deal of trouble and expense, and as the matter had been, before the public foe some considerable time, he failed to sec how any councillor couM be takou by surprise. Cr. Linton oould not see how the Council could withhold its consent, As for his part, ho would bo glad ty> see a few;- more railways, Cr. HAICO3HB.B had no. objection to the railway at Sandon, but tho resolution asked for concession to tho Rangitikei River. At present tho company only contemplated carrying the line to Sanson, but the resolution went beyond that aud sought for a concession, which, if;granted, would leave it out of the power of the Council to. grant it to anyone else. Cr. Sanson explained that ft v?as ultimately intended to carry tlue lino to Groat- , ford. The Jj^ujls people were about constructing a railway at their own. exppnse, and that done, a link of but about four mile 3 would intervene between that township and Sanson, which, no doubt, ultimately would be formed, and by granting the concession now, troublsaiul delay would be saved m the future. Cr. Rockstbow was of opinion, the con- | sent asked for should be granted. Tlie matter of whether the. railway would be constructed or not Liy entirely m the hands of the ratepayers^ as. unless they were, willing no consent of the Council would mak.o it an accomplished, fact. Cr. GoVrKB was, pleaded to, see. that feeling and disposition ovinced by Cr. Linton, • and trusted that all matters brought before, tho Council woujd he met m the same liberal spirit. The motion, having been then, seconded by Cr. Sanson, w»* carried nimnimpusly. PETITION. Or. Lj^tgn presented a petition, froro Thomas Moffatt, of Palmeiyton, praying, that he. be allowed to. erect a slaughterhouse on a Section on the.. Rangitikei road. The. petition was backed up by the ; signatures, of a nun\ber of settlers m, the mmediiyte vicinity. Cr. Rocestrow inquired \f- the petition did not relate to a matter which had; been, before the Council at a former, sitting, and upon which a resolution had been carried. The Cl*rk referred to the minute-book, when it was discovered that such was th* fact. ( Or. Linton said that Ssr Moffatt's case was particularly hard. The Palnwrajon Borough. Council said he should not slaughter within its boundaries, and thereupon he buys suitable land some three miles distant, when he. isjigain n\et with objections. Wha,t ; m/ide tho difficulty t!;o greater was that 1 after tho 3 1st o.f iy>s;t month ha would be debarred iron\ kiting at tho present alaughteivhonse, an.il unless, he received permission at the presant meeting, he w,ou.ld not have time, to erect suitable buildings. The Ohairm-vn sai,d that before the quefr- , tion of the reception of the. petition could be. entertained, it was necessary that the ; former resolution of tlie Council sjiould be rescinded by a unanimous vote. That having been done, it w.i? Resolved to gran£ the $io_uso, providing that tho. Jfnsp.actor's report was favorable. With regard to. tha application of Andrew : Campbell for liberty to slaughter on the banks of the O.roua^ Cr. Sanson said although it waa not m his. Riding, he. coidc\ bear testimony to the appropriateness of the place for such opejfatians, b.eiug clo.se to the river, an(\ therefore W'th good drainage. However, ha found by the Act that it was necessary each applicant should advertise his uotice m the local paper, for one month, and as that had not been done, he would move Its consideration be adjourned until next xieeting, meanwhile Mr Campbell to advertise the requisite injmber of times. BBSOIUXIONS PASSED,. Moved by Cr. Halcombe, seconded by Cr. Sanson : " That tbs Chairman »md Cr. iCebhell be requested to,, ascertain m what position Mr Udy, of Oiafci is, as. regard* his license, and t a take Ihe necessary steps to protect the interests of the public ; also, to take legal opinion as to Mr LTdy's right to shut up the inland track." Moved by Councillor Sanson, geco>ndod by Councillor Halecynbe — " That a committee, to consist of the Chairman, and Council jo.rs Gower, and Rpckstrow be appointed to examine, all accounts previous to being parsed hy this Council.**-* Proposed by Councillor. Sanson, seconded by Councillor. Linton— :" That the Engineer be requested to prepare specifications for. having gravel pit fenced m, tq have gate erected with lock at entrance to. *ueh gravel pit, and to call for tenders for side works, ta be sent m time for. noxt a^tin^ o.t (.lie Council." Proposed by Councillor. Sanson, seconded by Councillor Gower— " That a fee of £ i per annum bt charged for. a licence, tq •taught -v eattla m fchi* 0->uiUy "• Proposed by Councillor Ifaleon^he, seconded by Cauneillo.r Liiifq:i— •••Tlvit fresh tenders be called for the . two rontriicts m Slal section; Palnaerston G >rg«^ road."' : y'& ■ Proposed by Councillor Roekstrovy,■■■'••_e'--conded by OonnwUbr. Lmfo'i— 'l That the. ; County Engineer be insiriiiited to »;all for A teulers 'fosr erecting bri-lgi? oyer LJio .0.-.su.v f

Stream, tenders to close at tiw sitting of next Council meeting.'** Proposed by Councillor Linton, seconded by Councillor Rockstrow— " That the En* gineer be instructed to call for tenders fop deepening the' Awapuni' outlet, a* per. specifications now before the Council, th© Government having promised to be at one half the the cost." Proposed by Councillor Gower, seooiyiect by Councillor Rockstrow — " That the Engineer be instructed to expend £151 m securing and levelling tbo sand hills on tha Carnarvon-Saudou road, and that the work be proceeded with at once by the day.'** Proposed by Councillor Linton, seoonded hy Councillor Rockstrow — "That thi» Council make application to the 'Govern* ment, to expend without delay; the auiiv set apart for opening up the I_airanga ]$k>oi^ near Palmerston, as per item No.. 21. Yoto, 87 General Assembly; number of blocks on plan of survey, 5.6;&10.1&, and that a letter be written by tho ChairraAH to tha. Waste, Lands Board on the same subject.*** Proposed -by Councillor Carr, seconded by Councillor Linton-*" That the Chairman be requested to write to tbo. Government, and inquire what proportion of tha £10,000 voted last Session for roads through; deferred payment, land is di*r to this Couaty, and when ib will be. made pavv ftble.» ..-:."■*■'- Proposed by Cjouncillor Linton* seconded by Cpuncillor Gower-r:" tha balance, , $105, of the £-50 from the- T&onui landi fund for tho, September, quarter, bo landed, over to the Manawatu Highway- #oard^ to expend on the lino of road leading fron. the Manawatu Bridge towards th% Ctorae. through Fit_herbe*rt. ' t^ Proposed by Councillor Lmton, seconcte_^ ;by Councillor Halcombe— " That £3.00, bp, voted for g^cbjig aud widening thoGorg*. ' road between Palmerston and tbe Mranches- ; ter boundary, to bo expended; without delay^ and. that the. Engmeer bo instructed to calV for tenders immediately." - Proposed by Councillor _^ebbe% secondji-^ by Councillor Carr — ."That .the Epgineer. bo instructed, to report op the unbridgedj creek on the nviin road, leading to Otaki and as towhether.it is advisable to erect a .- ,- bridge, or lower the T^ater-b/ cleansing out* the creek.'' Proposed by Councillor Linton, 'aecdndedt ' by Councillor Halcombe— "That Councillor Gower be appointed Treasurer, aud that CounoiKor Rockstrowi sign^ cheques." Pi*opoaed by Councillor Gower, seconded; .by Councillor. Ljnton,-r:" %h*t the •uqi, 6*& £226 lOs bo handed over to the -Janavr.atn, High virays I^oard, to, ba exjjen/ied. uppp, thft lino of road known as the. Whale. Linp,] leading, from the main, road to Carnarvon," towiisjiip^ and tha|t thp. w^ork;^be pjfopt;adec^ with at once.'* ,-■",* ..'■ '*-.■, Proposed by Cojtncillpr. Rpoksjrojr, seconded by Cp,uucillpr Lioton— r" That' the. ' Qhairman be. insl-ructedj ta write, to, thft Minister^ of- Publio. Works, tp u^rge on tha . survey of, the. West Const line of railway.*' 1 • Proposed by Councillor Kebbell, secopfleo\ by Councillor B[alcom.bßH-." That the. hexfe. meeting of tbp Council be. "hekl on Fi-iiiy. ; the. 30^h December^ at 2. p.m, ' Hoyiq-E op sspnuqgi^ Councillor Rockstrow j^o vipxp, a|>, i special, meeting, to be held on the _*Oth of- ' Decemberi at two p.m.^^-" That the.. roadj from Burr's comer to. a' point i?t?aj* -Cowe'a, Farm, Motoa, be declared a County, road,'*'