COUNTY COUNCIL.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 208, 7 April 1877, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

A SPKCiAL and ordinary meeting of the Patca County Council was held on Tuesday last, when there were present—Mr G. F. Sherwood (in the chair) and Messrs Badge, Dale, Honcyficld, Kells, Kcnah, Middlcmas, and Winks. The special meeting commenced at eleven o’clock, when the attention of the Council was directed to the consideration of bye-laws regulating the duties of the clerk, the collector, the treasurer, and Forenaan of Works, after which a -special order was made continuing the bye-laws. The business of the ordinary meeting commenced by the reading of minutes of special meeting held on the stb, and the ordinary meeting held on the Gth of March, both of which were duly continued.

A large batch of correspondence was read and laid on the table.

On the motion of Mr Middlcmas, seconded by Mr Winks, it was unanimously resolved, That the Clerk of the Council be Returning Oflieer for the County.

The Clerk was instructed to write to C. C. Hurrell, informing him that the Clerk of the Council had been appointed. On the motion of Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Middlcmas, it was resolved that Mr I). M. Harris, Secretary of the Town Board, be paid per folio for copying the valuation rol 1. The notice of motion as to collection of dog taxes, standing in the name of Mr Bridge, was withdrawn, at the request of the mover.

A slight alteration in Standing Order No. 4, proposed by Mr Middleinas, and seconded by Mr Winks, was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Middleinas, seconded by Mr Kenali, it was unanimously resolved, That the special order, adopted at the special meeting held on sth March, be confirmed.

The report, prepared by the Foreman of Works, as to state of roads and bridges, was read, in which it was mentioned that there wore several dangerous ruts on the road, and unsound timber in some of the small bridges within the County, which required immediate attention. A long and warm discussion followed the reading of the report, in which attention was called to the varying estimated cost of gravel at different points along the road, which ranged from 8s to 15s per square yard. A sample of gravel lately unearthed, under the direction of the Chairman, on the island in the swamp South of the Patea Bridge, was laid before the Council, and was generally approved as being of fair quality. The Fceman of Works attended to reply to questions Councillors desired to put as to nature of work named in report as requiring attention. On the Foreman retiring, the discussion was renewed, and uncomplimentary remarks on the appearance of the Foreman

ere freely made. Mr Aliddlemas moved, bat. the Council con aiders Mr Jo} r ce’s reort unsatisfactory, a nd said he was in his opinion thoroughly incompetent to do the work he had undertaken, and referred to the report in proof. The motion lapsed for want of a seconder, but was again brought forward by Mr Bridge, who said lie desired to support the motion, and pointed out that a lapsed motion could again be brought forward at the same meeting. The Chairman ruling in favour, Mr Bridge seconded the motion proposed by Mr Middlemas, and referred to the report as being very faulty and evidencing incompetency on the part of the compiler, the calculations in some cases being entirely incorrect. —Mr Honeyfield moved an amendment, “That the report of the Foreman of Works be adopted as, on the whole, satisfactory.”—Mr Dale seconded the amendment, and considered the estimates of cost tolerably correct, except in regard to proposed excavation on Spence Hoad, which he thought had been overestimated.—Mr Kells thought the report a fair one, and though the Foreman hadnut a cultured appearance, thought he might still be found to possess good practical qualities, and prove more serviceable than a man of refined address. —The Chairman was of opinion that the services of ft more qualified man would be required by the Council, and calling attention to the low salary of the Foreman, said the report was as good as could be expected.—Mr Honeyfield expressed it as his opinion that Mr Joyce was a very proper person to fill the position to which lie had been appointed, as be bad had large experience in similar work. The Council might obtain the services of a gentleman at a higher salary, but he questioned if they could obtain a more practical man. Must of the Councillors took part in the discussion. The amendment being put was lost, and the resolution was carried by 5 votes to 3. A motion, proposing a short adjournment on the Foreman of Works debate, was lost.

Proposed by Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr Kenah, and carried unanimously, “That in bye-law 25, the words ‘by a show of hands ’ be struck out.”

A proposition by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Honeyfield, “That matters affecting the Patea Hospital be considered,” was ruled by the Chairman as out of order. On being put to the vote, the proposition ’was lost by 6 votes to 2. Discussion on the merits and demerits of the Foremen of Works was again opened up by a proposition by Mr Kells, seconded by Mr Honeyfield, “That the Foreman of Works be continued in his office for three months, on further trial.”— Mr Dale would support the motion, as he thought the chief work required would be simply that of repairs to main line of road, for which the present Foreman was quite competent.—Mr Bridge was of the same opinion.—Mr Middlemas was in favour of dismissing the Foreman and appointing a more competent man. The proposition was carried, with the alteration of the words one instead of three months, by 5 votes to 3.

Mr Dale again mooting the Hospital question, the Chairman, who said lie had no written report to produce, explained the position of affairs on the hospital being taken over and at present. He was astonished to find how recklessly affairs had been managed under Dr Walker, and bad economised expenditure as much as possible. fine patient was still in the hospital who would be fit to discharge in a few days. Whilst in Wellington lately, he (the Chairman) had suggested to Government that the old buildings should he sold, the proceeds to go towards erecting a suitable building for Hospital purposes. He had dismissed the funner Hospital attendant, who had refused to do work which was required, and had engaged another man to act as cook and orderly from day to day.—Moved by Mr Dale, seconded" by Mi Honeyfield and carried unanimously, “That the resident surgeons in Carlyle be asked to state before the next, meeting of the Council upon what terms they would give their services for a period of twelve months, as surgeon to the Hospital. The Council adjourned to G. 30 p.m. On reassembling, Mr Kells drew attention to the absence of proper bedding in the temporary hospital, and considering that the place should bo made more comfortable, moved, “ That the Chairman be requested to procure three beds and three sets of bedding for the Hospital.” The motion was seconded by Mr Middlemas, and carried unanimously.

It was decided, that, in case of need, the Chairman be empowered to temporarily engage the services of a medical attendant.

The application from Mr Packenham, for engagement as dispenser of medicines, was ordered to Jie on the table till next meeting. Moved by Mr Bridge, seconded by Mr (Vinks, and carried, “"That the Foreman of Works take stops to keep the main line of road in repair.” A lengthy discussion took place as to whether or not work should be done by tender or day labour, after which a motion moved by Mr Kells, seconded by Mr Middlemas, was carried by 7 votes to 1. “That contracts be entered into for the delivery of gravel at certain places along the road.” Various opinions were expressed as to the quantity which should be used, and the manner in which gravel should be spread. It was decided that in all cases the Council should find gravel, the contractor being responsible only for cartage. Mr°Middlemas mentioned the estimated expense of repairing certain portions of road as that between Patea and Kakaramea, which was set down at £450. —Mr Bridge thought that only patches should be done, to keep the road passable till spring, and moved, “ That not wishing to bind the Foreman of Works too closely to any particular action with regard to keeping the road in repair, it is the opinion of the Council that it is only necessary to keep the road in a passable state until the fine weather next season.” The motion was seconded by Mr Honeyfield, and curried unanimously. A proposition, moved by Mr Middlemas, seconded by Mr Winks, That tenders be called for delivery of gravel at so much per yard, the number of yards not to be definitely stated, and to be terminated at pleasure of Council, was lost. Six voting against and 2 for the motion. It was proposed by Air Honeyfield, and seconded by Mr Bridge, “ That tenders be

called for widening the road to 15 feet, and gravelling the same 1 2 inches thick, from the Masonic Hotel to the corner of Mr Taplin’s premises.” Mr Keuah objected to the expenditure being incurred this season, and thought the mover asked for too mud!. Half the proposed expendivure would, in Ins opinion, be ample. The voting showed 4 for, and 4 against the motion. The Chairman threw bis easting vote with the noes, and the motion was lost.

Proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by Mr Honeyfield, “ That tenders be called for widening the road, where necessary, from the Patea Bridge to the Carlyle Town Hall, and for generally putting the road in a passable state of repair.” Air Honeyfield urged the necessity of the named portion of road being done at once, on account of the heavy traffic it had to bear. He believed £7O would cover the cost. —Mr Dale was also in favour of immediate action being taken, as the present was a most suitable time for the work being done.—Mr .Middlemas was of opinion that the heavy portion of the proposed work might very well be allowed to stand over for a time, and would vote against the whole work being done at once.—ln reply to .Mr Bridge, the Chairman said he thought letting the work by contract would be the most economical, and that the work could be done much easier in the winter time than in dry weather, the sand hills over which gravel would have to be carted, being firmer'>| wet weather.—Air Aliddlemas, and 1 | Winks, voted against the motion, and th other six councillors for, and it was declared carried.— It was decided that tenders for the different contracts be sent into the Council office on or before the 17th instant, at noon.

Mr Middlemas referred to the matter of engaging a staff of labourers, and said he had observed the Foreman of Works engaged during the day in cutting down thistles within the Emigration Barrack enclosure, work which he considered not likely to add to the dignity of his position, —The Chairman looked upon the objection as trivial. The Foreman of Works was a very willing worker, and as it was necessary for him to be at hand in case Councillors desired to consult him, said as the Foreman had no other special work to do, he (the Chairman) had asked him to fill in his time on the work referred to. Moved by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Middlemas and carried unanimously, “That a special meeting take place on Wednesday, the 18tb instant, at 11 a.m., to receive tenders for said Works, and replies from surgeons.” The necessity for a sheep Inspector being appointed for the Patca County was pretty generally felt, and after a number of suggestions had been made, the following resolution, proposed by Mr Kenah, and seconded by Mr Kells, was carried unanimously, “ That this Council desires most respectfully to urge upon Government the pressing necessity that exists for having a competent Sheep Inspector for the Batea County, and that the Hon. Major Atkinson he asked to use his best elforts to ha\e the appointment made with as little delay as possible. The Council are, of opinion that the sheep rate within the County will amount to about £135 per annum It was resolved, That the Council request that the Colonial Secretary advise His Excellency the Governor to appoint Mr J. Black, as Registrar of Brands, for the Patea County.” It was proposed, and carried, by G votes to 2, “That the Clerk of the Council ho instructed to proceed at once to collect the dog tax, in conformity with (he Provincial Ordinances of Wellington and Taranaki.” The Chairman mentioned that he had made arrangements with the Bank for an overdraft for current expenses. Moved by Mr Middlemas, seconded by Mr Winks, and carried unanimously, “That this Council endOiSOS the action of the Chairman in the arrangements he lias made with the Bank of New Zealand for an overdraft to the Council of a sum not exceeding £3OO, the same to be charged to the County Council account." On the Public Pound question, it was decided that no action should at present be taken. On the suggestion of Mr Middlemas, it was decided that the Foreman of Works prepare estimates and jffans of works required. A number of accounts were passed for payment. In reference to Dr Walker’s account, the Chairman explained that that gentleman bad promised to give bis services to the Hospital gratis, but on leaving the district bad apparently altered in's mind, and bad sent in an account for medical attendance, amounting to over £34. —OtherCouncillors remembered Dr Walker promising to attend hospital patients gratis.—Mr Dale referred to an item for attendance on a man named Wood, which bad been paid to Dr Walker by Mr &haw. —During the debate it was mentioned that charges for medicine had been made by botli Dr Walker and Mr Packcnharn, who had dispensed the medicines. The Clerk was instructed to forward the account to Dr Walker for explanation, and to remind that gentleman of the promise made in regard to attending Hospital patients gratis. The next ordinary meeting of the Council will be held on the first Tuesday in May. The Council adjourned.