PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 192, 10 February 1877, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Til!': T’area Comity Council met at the 'in!’.ni'*Tation barracks, on Tuesday, th ; (It!) hist, the whole ot : the members neiny present. -dr Cuwcrn aciiny as dark. The- Olinirman remarked (hm ilie Uovermuent had .scut i.!ie Council one hound copy ol; the Statutes passed during last .session, loyether with she enni -s of tin,Acts relative to Comities. lie said that the Council would derive about five hundred pounds of revenue from licenses, but could not toll in what way it would be banded to the Council, whether It would conic direct, or through the Government ; however, be would make it his business to enquire.

The minutes of the last meeting were then read. Mr Dale said that before the minutes were continued, ho would like to point out that at the adjourned meeting- of last month, the minutes of the genera! meeting had; been confirmed, which, in his opinion, could not he done. Air Sherwood said he had moved the resolution in question, as tho chairman wished it. hut he was of the same opinion as Mr Dale, lie was willing to have the | resolution struck out. The Chairman rabid ho was of opinion that minutes should he confirmed at adjourned meetings, as a matter of form, and ho still considered it correct. Air Bridge was not in favor of adjourned meet mgs confirming minutes. Mr Dale then moved, and Mr Ivcnah seconded —“ That that part of the second days minutes of the lust meeting, relative to confirming the minutes of the iirst days sitting, be rescinded.” Carried unanimously. Mr Bridge proposed, and ?dr Honey field seconded —* ! Thai tho minutes of the last mooting appointing a clerk, treasurer, and collector, r.if tlueo olliees combined, at a salary of TAjO per annum, bo rescinded.” Mr Bridge said that under tho DUtli section of the Counties Act they could appoint and pay officials, but that section Bd, paragraph A relative to bye-laws, and paragraph 1, relative to special - orders, regulated salaries, and duties at regular mootings. Ho thought tho Council wore going beyond their power, in appointing the salary of secretary, Ac. Tho Chairman called Mr Bridge to order, when a general discussion ensued. Mr Middlcmos pointed out that tho Act allowed them to make the appointments and bye-laws, and they were not stopped from doing so by any portion of the Act. Mr Sherwood said he regretted that he was not in favor of the motion. Section 99 of the Act, relative to bye-laws, and section 17G, would- not have come into force if the whole of tho Act had not boon adopted, but tho portion applying to the appointment of clerk woidd. Mr Dale was in favour of the motion, but would vote according.to the Act. Mr Iveiiab did not think that by confirming tho minutes of the last meeting, it prevented the resolution being rescinded, if seven days’ notice had been given. Tho Chairman said if the resolution was rescinded, tho Council would be'looked upon by tho public with contempt, and it

would Ik; a scandalous breach of faith to tlmse w!m hail applied for the office. fir Miihlleiuas said the Council were ui of ori.i Mr Bridge said i 1 jo resolution was not out of on! .r, and if (he previous resolution wu.-i i'lcgd, the Council could, not confirm hj, if ic". Council were wrung at due list nmol mg, now was the lime to reeMy it, b-dbic opening the applications for the olliec. Tiu; iuolioii was then puf, and lost hy it to o. fives : Bridge, J ioncytiold, Kciiali. /sot's ; Kells. Livingstone, Bhorwood, Dale, Middleman. and Winks. I'roposed by .*dr Livingstone, seconded ice sir Winks— ;; That the- minutes of the hint meciiue;, as am,aided, be confirmed.’' Curried !>y Gto It. him Chairman then read some remarks, which lie had made out, as to the duties of the Council, —and what appointments and what official duties had to be done hy the Council. Mr Sherwood said lie thought the correspondence should bo read before the applications were opened, which was anneed to. coaßKsi’oxmtxct:. Letter from Sir SI. V. Hodge, of Wanganui, applying for office of solicitor to Council. —Letter from Mr 11. E. I’. .Adams, of Carlyle, applying for office of solicitor. Both these applications were hold over till next meeting.—Letter from Waver]oy highway Board, declining to contribute towards salary of County Engineer.— Lei ter from Patea West Road Board, stating that the Board would like to confer with the Council on the subject of Engineer.— Letter from Patou West Jioad Board, asking for half the costs of the Valuation of Boards.—Letter from A. C. I’ookes, ottering to sell the Council a safe. —Letter from Messrs 0. Finnerty, and .0. (L Fraser, stating that in consequence of a conversation Mr Finnerty had with the chairman, they declined to supply the Council with mans. Letter from Government Agent, Carlyle, drawing atlenliou of Council to hospital matters. —Letter from Carlyle Town Board, drawing attention to the dangerous state of the main road through the town, mid asking that, the same might b- pul in a lit state for traffic. Letter from Under .Secretary, relative to handing over buildings to Council.— La-tier from Colonial Secretary, asking to be informed wluit Bank was to be considered the County Bank.- —Letter from Pab-a Fast Hoad Board, forwarding re. turns of rates, Letter from Town Board, offering to pipy the sum of Clo per annum towards salary of Engineer.—Letter from the Whciiuakura Load Board, stal ing that they would lie wilting to confer with the Council m the matter of appointing Engineer.— Lcdtcr from Patea West Road Bo,ini, forwarding return of rates. —Letter from Wairoa Highway Board, informing the Council that Valuation Lolls will be forwarded as soon as completed. —Letter from C. A. Wrav, Esq., informing the Council that, (hey might have the use of the barracks.—Telegram from ilawera Town Board, .stating amount of rales. —

Letter iiom 11 a worn Town Board, forwarding iviurn of rut.;* roll Letter from Carlyle Town Board, forwarding rate roll and returns. The Chairman lif.ro made somo romarks relative to tin; nation Bulls, and said tin* valuation rales would bring in nboiit £kT), if the Council coll'd only got them from the Bond Boards. It was not a quesiion of the trouble to the Load Boards, or trouble to idic County Council, it was the saving of expenditure. That if the Load Boards would allow a copy of their valuation red Is to bo given to the Council, it Would save* about £7O, because if they could nor, get them from the Boards, the Connell wmiid have to set to work at oner; to get the valuation made out, which would cost about the sum named, ami it would have to come out of the rates. Mr Bridge said he was Chairman of one of the Boards, and they had declined to furnish the roils, because it was putting them to a great deal of trouble for no use, as there was no roll in existence. There was- a valuation Hat. The Chairman said that they did not want anything more than a valuation list —the one that -would be posted up till the 16th would do. The Chairman stated that ho had sent a circular letter to all the Boards, asking for valuation rolls, ami ho thought that the Boards should have sent them, to save expense. It was not to interfere with the dignity of the Boards —the Boards should work with the Council to reduce the rates. Mr Winks said the valuation roll of his Board was to bo posted for the inspection of the public from the 15th January to 15th February, and it was not then in the Hands of the Board. Mr Middleman said it would he as well to discuss the matter after completion of the correspondence. The Chairman said he did not wish to put any motion, lie only wanted to show why he sent the letters, Mr Sherwood asked if the Chairman ruled that loiters were to bo discussed as they were read. The Chairman said yes. Any member could take up any letter and remark upon it. Further discussion went on, when Mr Dale proposed, as a resolution, “ That ail correspondence bo read, at every meeting, before any discussion take place upon any portion of it.” Mr Middlcmas in seconding the resolution, said, it was the usual custom to read the whole of the correspondence before any discussion took place, when it was taken in rotation. After some discussion, the motion was put and carried. Relative to security, Mr Middlcmas was in favor of having security from a society, instead of from individuals, and proposed —“That the amount of the security of Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector bo £6OO, and that the said security bo a guarantee from some Assurance Company.” Mr Sherwood, in seconding the resolution, saitl he was very much in favor of that inode of security. The Chairman did not understand this system, but was of opinion that the successful party should be allowed his choice. Mr Kenah agreed with the Chairman. Mr Bridge was in favor of Mr Middlemass plan. Mr Sherwood said, when a clerk was getting a very good salary, he should find the very best security. Mr Dale also supported Mr Middlcmas.. Mr Middlcmas said the -Bank of New Zealand never took any other security, and >

if it was necessary for a gentleman in Sir Julius Vogel's position to timl security, it should be necessary for the. clerk of this Council, The resolution was then put and carried. Air Bridge proposed, and Air Livingstone seconded—“ That three months notice he given and received mi each side before termination of agreement between the Council and the clerk, except in eases of misconduct, or disqualification, of which the Council shall bo sole judge.” Carried. Mr Sherwood proposed, and Air Bridge seconded—“ That the office hours he from lUa.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays and public holidays excepted.” The Chairman thought that there should be something more added, as the clerk should do extra work if required. Air Sherwood was surprised at such a remark being made by the Chairman. Air Dale agreed with Mr Sherwood. The resolution was carried. The rest of the correspondence was read, when the applications for clerk, &e., were gone into. There wore G I applications for the office, which, with their testimonials, were then read, and after the number had been reduced to two (Mr Byes and Mr Black), a show of hands was taken, which resulted in favour of Air Black, by a majority of one who was declared elected. Air Bridge said before opening the Banking account, the Council should decide upon which way they should consider the subject. Whether any special reason was to be considered, or if the tender was to he taken on the whole. Air Cowern then read the letters written to the Banks. Air Sherwood wanted to know what system was to he taken. The Chairman thought it would be best to accept the tender of the Bank that gave the most liberal terms, both for deposits or borrowing A tender having boon received from the Bank of Australasia, at Waverlcy,

Mr Sherwood said that even if the Australasian Bank tendered at a very low rate, it would be informal for them to accept it. Mr Livingstone thought that if the Australasian Ihuik was going to start a branch in baton, a lender could he entertained. Mr Dale said he thought the minutes of tlie last meeting could be extended to any Dank. The Chairman quite agreed with Mr D.-de. He would like to see competition, hut he could not see how the clerk could hank money every day at any hut a local hank, unless hy post oflice order, which would he a round about way of doing it. Mr Bridge, as proposer of the resolution at last meeting, thought that the word local meant any hank in the County. Air Ken ah siid he thought, as seconder, it only refeared to the Banks in Batca. Mr Shcrwuoil proposed, and Air Bridge seconded-—“ That the Bank account bo for twelve months certain, six months’ notice to he given hy either side of the withdrawal of the account.” Carried. The tenders of the Banks were then opened t out before being re,ad it was n - solved that they bo taken as a whole. Tim lenders Were then read. “ Proposed by Mr Bhcwood, and seconded by Mr ivenah —“That the tender of the Bank of New Zealand be accepted.” Carried. Mr Sherwood, when proposing the resolution, said tiie Bank of Now Zealand was the CoverumeiiL bank ; that all the Government money was paid into it, and it had every facility of branch banks. Mr Kenan mid tiie Bank of New Zealand had a branch at home, which the others had not. Mr Bridge was in favor of Mr Sherwood’s resolution. Mr Dale asked if any question had been asked the hanks about exchanges. Mr Co wen i said he thought. Mr Christie bad asked him about it. Air Dale said they were both equal on the business the Council would require. dome further discussion took place on this subject, after which the Council adjourned for an hour. On resuming business, Mr Kells tendered bis resignation as Chairman, which was accepted. The Clerk then took the chair. The Act was referred to, and there was a difference of opinion as to whether the Chairman could be elected at that meeting, or if seven days’ notice, calling a meeting, should be given by the Clerk before the ollice could be filled up. Mr Kenab said the meeting could nppoint’a Chairman at once. Mr Dale held that seven days’ notice would bams to be given. Mr Livingstone said the whole of the Council were present, and he thought they could elect a Obaimian at once. Mr Bridge held that by tiie 6Gtb section of the Act, the Chairman retained oflice until Ids predecessor was appointed. It would not be a complete body without a Chairman, in fact the Council would be working without a bead. The Chairman having resigned, the office was vacant.

Mr Livingssono said the secretary was chairman for the time being, ami ho would propose — 11 That the vote of the Council bo taken at once.” Seconded by Mr Bridge. Mr Dale moved as an amendment—“ That the meeting adjourn for seven days.” Seconded by Mr Honoyfu-ld. Mr Winks said,that the 50th clause only referred to resignations that, took place between the mootings ; that as the Council was assembled, the chairman could be elected at once. Mr Cowern hold that as the Act said the clerk should call a meeting, the Council being assembled, be thought that the present meeting could elect a chairman. The amendment was then put, and lost by 3 to 6. The Council then proceeded to elect a Chairman. Mr Bridge proposed, and Mr Middiemas seconded, Mr Sherwood for the office. Mr Dale proposed Mr Bridge, who declined. Mr Ilonoyficld proposed Mr Dale, who was not seconded. Mr Dale proposed, and Mr Honcy'field seconded — u That the question of salary for chairman take precedence of the election.” Carried. At this stage. Mr Sherwood left the table. Mr Kenah said if s he understood Mr Dale aright, he .thought it a very stumge proceeding. Mr Bridge and Mr Middiemas withdrew their motion, for the time being. 1

Mr Middleman sain lie thought the clerk could not act as chairman when a discussion was going on. Mr Aliddlemas was then voted to the, chair pro. lain., and Mr Dale's motion was again put ami carried. Air Kunali did not vote.

Proposed by Idr Ilonoyfiold, seconded by .Mr Dale—“ That the office of chairman be an honorary one.” Air Dale said there would no* be much work for the chairman, unless the Hoad Boards merged with the Comity. In some places the Councils were taking m Boroughs and I’oad Boards, and even then they were giving very little salary. Mr Bridge asked who would sit without' a salary. The chairman had a great weight on his shoulders, Air Honoyficld agreed with Air Dale, that until the Hoad Boards merged, there would ho very little work. lie thought the clerk would have all the work to do. Air Kenah said he would like to see it done without a salary ; but ho thought no one would do it. If the resolution was carried, he was of opinion that one after the other would decline, when proposed. Mr Winks said that if the chairman came from a distance, he should bo paid his expenses. Air Kojls said lie did not take salary, but he would have expected his expenses, lie thought that after this meeting everything would bo straight, and if (ho clerk was up to his work, the chairman would only have to sign his name. Air Bridge proposed as an amendment, and Air Kenah seconded—“ That the chairman receive a salary at Hie rate of ,£IOO per annum.” Mr Honeyfield asked where the money was to come from. Air Bridge said, taking all revenue likely to accrue to the Council, including licenses, it would be about £2,000 a year. Air Dale said ho could not see it. Air Bridge : I am answering Air Honeyfield. After a little more general conversation, the amendment was put and carried. Air Dale then proposed, and Air Winks seconded—“ That the salary he £25 per annum.” Air Kenah wished to know how Air Dale’s motion could be in order. The Chairman ruled that he was. Air Bridge failed to see where they would got a chairman for nothing, as must of the members had declined. Tie did not like large saiarys, but still the Council wanted a chairman. Air Honeylield and Air Kenah both spoke to the question, when Air Dale’s motion was put and lost. Air Honeylield proposed, and Air Dale seconded—“ That the salary bo £50.” Air Bridge said all the members except Mr Sherwood had refused to act. Mr Dale said ho withdrew his name when proposed by Mr Honeylield, because ho was not seconded. At (his stage, the chairman said that it was putting him in a peculiar position, the votes being so evenly divided ; he would therefore recommend an adjournment for half an hour, to allow the matter to he talked over. This was unanimously agreed to. On re-assembling, Air Bridge said he would withdraw Ids resolution, provided Air Honeylield would allow the £sd Lobe called an honorarium. This Air Honeyfield agreed to do, when the chairman ruled that Air Bridge eouid not withdraw his motion, as the amendment must he put lo the meeting-, which was done, and carried unanimously. Mr Bridge proposed, and Air Kenah seconded—“ That Air‘Sherwood be elected Chairman.” Carried. Mr Sherwood then took Ids scat as chairman.

Mr Aliddiemas propose;!, and Mr Flierwood seconded— -l That (lie Council do at once prodaiin all that portion of ihe main trunk line or coast road within the County, between the Waiiotara and Taijngatara rivers, to be a County road, in terms or .section 88, of the 4 Public Works Act, 1870.’ ” Mr Kells moved as an amendment—- “ That district roads remain as at present, in charge of the Hoad Hoards.” The roads were not County roads unless they wore out of the boundaries of Hoad Hoards. The Council could not take over the roads ; they could only ask the Government to Gazette them. Mr Kcnah said he did not think it necessary to take over the roads, for when the Hoad Boards found they were saddled with their portion of the main road, they would ibid it best to hand them over. Mr Livingstone said he would recommend the roads being taken over. The Boards would not be able to keep them in rejrair. Air Bridge said the Act handed over the whole of the roads. Mr Aliddiemas said a great, deal had been said about the County fund, but what were the Council going to do if they did not take over the roads —get the rales, and hand them over to the Boards. The Hoards bad no machinery, and could not underbake the work. Mr Kells and Mr Kenah were the only two who voted for the amendment, and the resolution was therefore carried. Mr Dale moved, “ That the Secretary be asked not to forward an acceptance of the tender of the Bank of New Zealand til! instructed to do so by the Council.” There being no seconder, the motion lapsed. Mr Bridge said the duties of the Clerk should be delincd, and lie would move, “ That, at the next meeting, the Council proceed to regulate the duties of Clerk, and in the interim the Chairman prepare a schedule setting forth the duties and conditions and ser\ ice of the office. Mr Livingstone seconded the motion. Mr Dale said that he would vote against it, as the duties had already been defined. Mr Kells said he wondered if any one could define the works, or tell how many (otters the Clerk would have to write. Air Honeyficld said it might be left an open question. The Chairman said he thought the matter would have to be settled at a special meeting, and by special order. Air Bridge then proposed, “ That a special meeting be called for the day before the next- regular meeting, at I*2 o’clock neon.” Air Livingstone seconded the motion,, which was carried. Proposed by Mr Livingstone, seconded by Air Aliddiemas, That an advertisement be inserted, calling for applications for the

appointment of! Foreman of Works, stating’ what salary would ho required. Carried. Proposed by Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Middle-mas, ‘‘That tho Council pay no portion of the costs of valuing any of the Pond Districts within the County. Carried by 7 to 2. Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Middlotnas, :i That the next ordinary meeting: take place on Tuesday, March Gth, at It a.m.” Carried. Tho Council then adjourned, it being 2 a.m.