WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 954, 9 May 1879, Page 2

WAITAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

After the adjournment for luncheon yesterday, the Council proceeded to levy a rate for the outlying districts. It was moved by Mr. Sutherland, that as there was a considerable sum to be divided amongst the ridings out of the Canterbury land fund, the rate should be Id in the £, but on the suggestion of Mr. Johnston, the mover agreed to make the amount 2d in the £. Mr. Johnston then seconded the motion, and some discussion then took place upon the question. Mr. Falconer said that the outlying districts should be treated in the same manner as the road districts, and a fair rate imposed. Mr. Murcott foilowed in the same strain, and urged that it would be for the benefit of the ratepayers themselves, as they would thereby secure a considerable subsidy. He moved that the rate be 6d. The Chairman pointed out that the bulk of the land in the outlying districts was held on lease, and it would hardly be fair to tax the present holders to make roads for their successors. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Thomson, and on the motion being put, the votes were equal. The Chairman gave his casting vote in favor of the amendment, on the condition that some member would move a further amendment making the rate 3d in the £. Mr. Murcott consented to alter his amendment to 3d, and in that form it was passed. For the office of ranger 21 applications were received, and Mr. John M'Leod was chosen for the position. The tender of Mr. Corcoran for contract 67, for gravelling the road at Herbert railway station, was accepted, the amount being LlO2 Gs. The report of the Engineers, dealing with several matters, was read and approved, and authority was given them to carry out certain alterations recommended in works at Hampden. The Engineers having sent in an estimate of the cost of the proposed bridge over Island Stream, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Murcott," that the Engineers should prepare plans and specifications and call for tenders for the work forthwith. The following report from the Inspector was read : I have to draw your attention to the account attached for demurrage on trucks (L 4) sent in by the Railway Department. The facts of the case are these: Six trucks loaded with stone for the culvert above mentioned, were sent to Richmond's Siding on the 17th nit. Three hours after -arriyal a four-liorse waggon and feny* raeii began to unload thou, aiid continued to do so until they were finished, on the 19th ult. The utmost dispatch was u.sed in discharging them, but the men were greatly hindered from want of room, the station yard being blocked with grain. Immediately after they were unloaded, they were re-loaded with grain, so that the Department really lost nothing. Some discussion took place upon, the subject, several members corroborating the Inspector's statements. The want of siding accommodation was also alluded to in strong terms, and it was resolved not to entertain the railway department's claim for demurrage. Acoounts to the amount of LI7SS 9s 5d were passed for payment, and the Council shortly afterwards rose.