WAITAKI COUNTRY COUNCIL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 381, 13 July 1877, Page 2

WAITAKI COUNTRY COUNCIL.

The fallowing is the conclusion of our report of yesterday's meeting of the County Council: —

LETTER FROM THE TREASURY. A long letter from the Secretary to the Treasury was taken into consideration, several members expressing surprise that an official should presume to lay down what the intention of Parliament was with regard to an Act of the General Assembly, more especially that he should give the opinion that certain words should have been inserted in the Act, giving it a widely different interpretation to that which it bore as passed by the Legislature.—lt was agreed that the matter should be left in the hands of the Hon. R. Campbell, to deal with while in Wellington.

inspector's report. A lengthy report from the Inspector was then read, and dealt with. The question of deviation of the road at Trotter's Creek was adjourned till next meeting. With regard to contract No. 5, in Papakaio Riding, it having been reported that the lowest tenderer had failed to take up the work, it was resolved that the next lowest tenderer be offered the work. Tenders were ordered to be called for the formation of road in Block 1., Maerewhenua, and for the construction of footbridges over the Maerewhenua, Otamatakau, and Ahuriri rivers.

RAILWAY PASSES. The Chairman said, before proceeding with any other business, he wished to make a statement which affected all members of the Council, concerning the treatment he had been subjected to at the hands of the railway authorities. While on his way to Duntroon by rail, after last meeting, he was told that when he arrived at Awamoko Junction he would have to pay the railway fare—7s. He then saw the station-master at Awamoko, who informed him that he must pay the fare. Of course, a crowd of passengers collected round, expecting there would be a scene, and some of them made insulting remarks concerning the County Councillors and their passes. He then paid the 7s. under protest, and proceeded on his journey. On coming in to the present meeting, he was informed by Mr. Smith, on his arrival in Oamaru, that he would have to pay the amount of his railway fare. This he refused to do, as he held that the free passes issued by the Government to members of Council distinctly stated that members could travel free to and from meetings of Council. The railway authorities wished the Councillors to travel to and from the meeting on the day on which meetings are held. Now, with him this was simply impossible, as the distance lie had to travel was about 100 miles. As the coach only ran once a week, it took him 13 days from the time ho started from Oauiarama to attend the meeting until his return. It remained for the Council to express an opinion on the disgraceful conduct pursued by the railway authorities, so that the attention of the Government might be drawn to the matter.

Mr. Wheatley said he had himself been subjected to similar treatment. He could sympathise with the Chairman, and would move,—" This Council having heard the statement of Councillor Sutherland, finds that a railway pass was issued to him by the Traffic Manager, authorising him to travel ' from any station to any station within the County, when travelling to and from County meetings.' That afterwards, on the 2,3 th June, Councillor Sutherland, after having attended a meeting of Council, was travelling by railway to Duntroon on his way home to the riding he represents, and on arrival at Awamoko Junction he produced his pass to the station-master, who publicly refused to allow him to travel further until he had paid the sum of 7s. as railway faro, which sum Councillor Sutherland paid under protest. This Council considers the conduct of the stationmaster at Awamoko Junction highly offensive to the whole Council. .Resolved —That a copy of the foregoing minute be forwarded to Mr. Lawson, the Railway Traffic Manager, with the request that he will take measures to prevent any further annoyance to councillors whilst travelling to and from County meetings, and that the amount extorted from Councillor Sutherland be refunded."

The motion having been seconded, was carried.

WING-WALL DOUGLAS CREEK BRIDGE. The following tenders were opened for this work : Jas. King £67 7 0 John M'Comb ... 84 10 0 Brignall and Knight 82 0 0 It was resolved that Mr. Jas. King's tender be accepted.

HOUR OF MEETING. Mr. Duncan moved that the Council meet at 11 a.m.. instead of noon The motion was seconded by Mr. Wm. Sutherland, and carried. accounts. A number of accounts were passed for payment. oamaru-naseby railway endowment. Mr. Wheatley moved, " That this Council is of opinion that the proposals of the Oamaru-IS'aseby Railway Committee should receive the support of the Council, and that it is willing to give its assistance towards obtaining the necessary Parliamentary sanction ; and also thai an area of 100,000 acres within the County be s<;t aside, the revenue from which shall form part of a guarantee fund." Mr. Duncan seconded the motion, and in doing so remarked that the railway would benefit everyone in the district.

The motion was then carried unanimously. < DIVERSION OF WAIKOURA CREEKS. The Council then considered what answer should be given re the request of the deputation for a money grant in aid of the diversion of the Waikoura Creeks. Mr. Duncan proposed, " That tlio Council vote LSOO towards the diversion of the Waikoura Creeks." On the suggestion of Mr. Todd, further consideration of the matter was postponed till next meeting. PAPAKAIO rRE-EMPTIVK ROAD. Consideration of the reply to bo given to the deputation re this road was also deferred till next meeting, when there would be more councillors present. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the Chairman, the Council adjourned at 5 p.m.