MOUNTAIN ROAD

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 372, 9 November 1878, Page 2

MOUNTAIN ROAD

Tun Taranaki Herald of Saturday 2nd Novembor says—The road between Stratford and Uawera we fear will not be made fit for vehicles tins summer, and another winter is likely to pass over our heads before it will be in such a condition that Cobb’s Coach will venture to adopt that route instead of the tedious and lengthy journey round the coast. The formotion of the railway as far as the Waipahu village is being pushed on by the contractor in an energetic manner, and the rails arc likely to be laid by the middle of next month at the farthest. Mr Wilkie lias not an engine yet, but as soon as the railway authorities let him have one lie will commence ballasting, and a month or two will sec bis contract finished. The road beyond Waipnku, as far as Stratford on the Patea River, a distance of about ton miles, it is as yet unformed, and, during the past winter has been in an impassable condition. There are deep holes here and there making it dangerous even to travel on horseback. Prom Stratford for a distance of four and a half miles, the road has been formed, but the next section about two and a half miles in extent, will be a month yet before being out of the contractor’s hand. Prom that point to Ketemerao, which is also two and a half miles, the work of formation is finished, and the road will be a good one during the summer months. Prom Ketetrarae to Normanby, about a mile, the road is very fair, the centractors being at work on it at the present time ; and from there into Hawera (four miles), there are no difficulties to be encountered. Prom the above it will be seen that the distance between Inglewood and Hawera is about twenty four miles, but owing to some eight or ten miles being in a very bad state the road is not likely to .be made available for general traffic yet awhile. Owing to the light soil, two days rain would render the road impassable if much traffic was on it. However, the sum of £IO,OOO has been placed on the estimates for this work, and we hope that the Government will sec fit to push it on, so that the shorter and more convenient road to reach Hawera by may be made speedily available to the public.

PATE A COUNTY COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting of the above Council was held in the Council Buildings, Carlyle, on Wednesday last. Present: Messrs Bridge (in the chair), Kells, Honeylield, Sherwood, Milne, Wilson, Dale, Davidson, and Livingstone. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A number of letters, mostly in reply to letters received, were read, which bad been forwarded since the last meeting of the Council.. Inwardcorrespondenceincluded: Letters quoting the prices of tile drain pipes; from the Commissioner of Grown lands, Wellington, re the Sub-Inspector of Sheep ; from the Chairman of the Town Board, Waverley, asking for permission to make an alteration on the County Road ; from George Rogers, Foreman of Works, asking the Board to provide him an office at Normality ; from* W. Colson and. Co., and H. F. Mason, makingapplication for slaughtering licenses; from G. S. Cooper, containing a request to amend some of the bye-laws ; from G. T. Potto, asking permission to erect two posts in front of his shop in Taranaki Road ; from the Town Board, Carlyle, covering resolution re water accumulating on section 7, block 18; from J. Jackson, threatening legal proceedings, re the storm water running on to his property. Mr Sherwood explained that he had no intention of being disrespectful to the Council in being absent from two meetings, lie had been engaged on business connected with tiie Council, in Wellington, as three letters from members of the Assembly would prove. Had he stayed away from the meeting without being on duty fo> - the Council, he would not object to being fined.—The Chairman having read the letters, said they bore out Mr Sherwood’s statements.—On motion of Mr Davidson, seconded by Mr Honeyfield, it was unanimously resolved, That the explanation given was satisfactory. ' In reference to letter from Wellington, as to bye-laws for slaughter houses, the Chairman said the Colonial Secretary was in error, and thereupon read clause in the Act. which gave the Council power to make bye-laws. A letter was received from Mr W. C. Wright, late Foreman of Works, tendering his resignation, mentioning his appointment as'lnspector of Works, at Wanganui, and asking for a testimonial. Mr Sherwood expressed approval of the manner in which Mr Wright had performed his duties, and moved, That the Chairman be respectfully asked to draft a testimonial for Mr Wright, and that upon approval by the Council, it be signed by the Chairman, by leave, and the County Seal affixed. Seconded by Mr Kells, and carried. On Mr Jackson’s letter being read, Air Dale made a motion, which, after a few remarks had been made, was altered and submitted as follows—“ That the Foreman of Works report to the Chairman of the Council, and that he take any action he thought necessary.” In speaking to the necessity for a report from the Foreman of Works as to the amount of damage done to Mr Jackson’s property, Mr Dale stated that the Carlyle Town Board having been applied to, replied that they had nothing to do with it. lie had been told that one of the Councillors had said to Mr Jackson, “ As you bought the laud, you also took the water.” * That was no fair answer. The water went from the County road, and the Council were bound to abate the nuisance.—Mr Sherwood approved of the motion, and would second it, remarking that he had been told that the culverts had been stopped up by the Town Board. —Mr Wilson said the work of diverting the water would be most expensive. He believed that the course now used was, the old and original channel, along which the water had run for years past. —Mr Kells had no objection to something being done to abate the nuisance, and after mentioning cases of water being run from roads made by Government on to his own land, said he had tried hard to get some compensation, but had failed. He had been told there was no redress against the Government, and ho believed it was the same with the Council.—Mr Davidson being of opinion that the motion was a proper one, and that aggrieved parties should have some mode of redress, would vote for it.— The motion was then put and carried. On motion of Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Wilson, permission was given to Mr G. T. Potto to erect two posts in front of his premises, subject to the approval of the Foreman of Works. —Mr Livingstone asking if the Council would he responsible in case of accident, Air Sherwood said the Town Board Ordinance granted power for the erection of posts, and they had been erected.

Mr Dale said that as there were no byelaws in force bearing on slaughter-houses, he would move, That the applications made for slaughtering licenses should lie on the table for tho present.—Seconded by Mr Sherwood and carried.

Deferring to the prices of drain pipes which had been received, Mr Sherwood said there was excellent clay for drain pipes in the County, and he thought it would pay local bodies to offer a premium for their manufacture in tho district. There was also within the County deposits of a valuable earth commercially known as “ Tripoli.” He had taken samples of both to Wellington, and they were now deposited in the Colonial Museum. Moved by Air Livingstone, seconded by Mr Sherwood, and carried, That the application of the Chairman of tho Waverley Town Board, re formation of streets being carried on to the main road, be granted, work to be done subject to the approval of the Foreman of Works. Mr Wright’s resignation of office of Inspector of Slaughterhouses, was accepted. Letter having been read from Dr Warren, tendering his resignation as surgeon to the Patea Hospital, on account of bis leaving the district, the same was accepted. A large number of accounts were passed, and ordered to be paid. Mr Dale observed that Dr Warren had sent in an account for twelve months’ salaiy, and thought therefore that the Council had a claim on his services for the whole of that period. On an account for medicines, from Dr Warren, being read, Mr Sherwood thought tho items were heavy, but supposed there was no option but to pay, and Mr Kells asked for an explanation as to the outpatient (Brownt for -vvliom medicines had been charged. He understood that the man so described was Dr Warren’s servant. The Clerk being referred to, stated that the man had been in the hospital over three months, when Dr Warren said he was not to remain any longer as an inmate. The doctor then took him from the hospital, and treated him as an out-door patient. Other questions were asked. _ The Council adjourned until two o’clock, but on reassembling at that hour, further adjourned until three o’clock. On resuming, Mr Kells said he did not intend to impute blame to the Chairman

as to hospital management, but thought there should be some one to look after and check the accounts. The Chairman replied that ho looked after (he hospital accounts as far as he could, but could not check every account. He did not think the Council should pay the amount charged for Brown, as the man had left thehospital to act as servant to Dr Warren. He did not see how the amounts for medicine for Brown, could be certified to —the Dr sending them in was a sufficient guarantee for their correctness.

Objections being raised to the expense of using two horses for metalling tiie County Hoad, inquiries were ordered to be made before action was taken.

The report from the Foreman of Works* filling five sheets foolscap, being read :

Mr Sherwood said that as to the six planks mentioned in the report to bo required in the bridges, he knew of some which wanted a good many more than that to make them perfectly safe. In some of the bridges more than Half of the planks had gone. He believed that nothing would be lost by having a good supply of timber for repairs. He bad no objection to make to tiie report, and ho was glad to find it a good deal better than be expected to hear. A conversation ensued as to the use of tile drains, the Chairman and many of tho Councillors expressing the opinion that tiles were of little use unless put at least four feet under the ground, as otherwise they were not able to bear the pressure of heav} T loaded carts. Several instances were cited of tiles having to be taken up, and wooden culverts put down. As to the blocks, many of the Councillors were of , opinion that rata was the best wood that . could be got.—Air Kells said he had rata / posts which had been in the ground great many years, and they were still good * and sound. —Air Wilson said that rata was a very tough wood, while matai was brittle, and broke easily under heavy He had seen rata which had been under ground eleven years, and was still sound and good.—No resolution having beeil made, the subject was passed over. The Chairman made a long statement as to slaughter-houses and licenses, and suggested that the bye-laws relating to them should not bo sent to the Government for approval, but should be kept in tho office until an alteration had been made in the laws.—The suggestion was agreed to by the Council. Moved by Air Sherwood, seconded by Air Alilne, and carried, “Thatin answer to tho application of Messrs Colson & Co. and Air Alason for slaughtering licenses, they be informed that until they comply with clause 24 of ‘ The Slaughter-house Act, 1877,’ the Council lias no power to issue the licenses, and that copies of the clause referred to bo supplied to tho applicants.” Proposed by Air Alilne, seconded by Air Sherwood, and lost on division, £1 That tenders be called for gravelling the main line of road. Tenders to be opened next meeting of the Council.”—Amendment moved by Air Kells, seconded by Air Livingstone, was carried on division, “ That tenders be called for metalling tho main line of road in accordance with the Inspector’s report. Tenders to be opened at next meeting.” Ayes: Davidson, Dale, Honeyfield, Livingstone, Sherwood, Alilne, Wilson, and Bridge. Noes; Kells. The Chairman read a testimonial ho liad written for Air Wright, which was approved of. Also informed the Council that fresh printing tenders would shortly have to be called for.

The Chairman explained that, after making enquiries, he had arranged for the blind man (Morgan) being taken to Christchurch by steamer for treatment, whereby the expense of an attendant would bo saved.

A discussion took place on the question of signing blank cheques, when Mr Sherwood explained that he had been in tho habit of signing cheques as they were required. He did not impute motives to those who had signed blank cheques, nor did he say there had been dishonesty in so doing.—Mr Iloneyllnld said he bad simply signed cheques whenever the Clerk had asked him. It was \ ery annoj’irig to notice paragraphs in the papers insinuating that something wrong was going on. That was why he had brought the matter forward,—The discussion was continued for some time, each speaker disclaiming any intention of attributing wrong-doing to those who bad been in the habit of signing blank cheques. Mr Dale moved, Mr Livingstone seconded, and it was carried on division, 1! That the Hawcra Load Board be informed that they must understand that any money received from rates or subsidies for the year commencing Ist April, 1878, and ending 31st March, 1879, cannot be legally expended until the Board’s proposed expenditure for the year is approved by the Council.” Ayes Kells. Livingstone, Sherwood, Milne, Wilson, Dale, BridgeT Noes —Davidson.

Mr Dale considered that they had treated this Council with the greatest disiespect.— Air Davidson said lie should vote against the motion. He objected to Air Sherwood calling the Hawera members ignorant.— Mr Sherwood denied he had ever used such terms. What ho said was, that they did not know what their duties were.—Mr Davidson said the last speaker had certainly used the terms attributed to him. As to the Statement of the Hawcra Board, he had prepared it himself, and left it with the Ciork to send down. He had asked the Clerk several times after it had been returned to the Hawera Board, if ho had sent it again to the Council, and the Clerk had t6ld him “ yes.” It was with astonishment he had that day learned from Mr Black that the Statement had not come. It was not the fault of the Board, but entirely that of the Clerk. Air Dale said that if tho Clerk did not do as he was told to do, ho should be at once removed. He (the speaker) was determined to bring the matter to a settlement, and if the Statement did not arrive before the next meeting of the Council, he should take further steps.—The resolution was carried on division, by 8 votes to 1. Air Rogers, the Foreman of Works, was called in, and asked by the Chairman why he wanted an office in Norm an by ?—The Foreman replied in order that he might have a place in which to keep his plans and papers.—The application was discussed at length, objection being urged that it was unnecessary xo go to sucli an expense for a temporary work, the former Foreman had managed without. —Air Davidson offered the use of his office for the Foreman of Works. —Air Dale moved that a building be rented at Normanby, at a cost not exceeding 8s per week.—Air Sherwood objected that such a building would be no safe place for valuable plans to be kept in. Motion put and lost. _ / Motion re payment of Councillors, held over from last meeting, was withdrawn by l^ave. The Chairman said he had now to move “ That the Hospital be closed as soon as

possible.” He looked upon it as a place where you sent a man to die. It was built of weather boards, and the wind blew through it in every direction. They could not ailiord to build a new one, and as the railway would soon be running to Waitotara, they would be able to send their patients to Wanganui Hospital, and if they joined that Hospital, the joint contributions would support a good institution. —Mr Wilson seconded the motion.—Mr Sherwood opposed the motion, as the railway was not yet opened, and if any accident happened, the expense of. sending the patient down would be enormous.—Mr Kells did not agree with the Chairman, although he admitted the Patea Hospital was a miserable building, and not fit for ■use as such. Still accidents were always occurring, and cases arose which required •treatment at once, and which could only be given in Hospital. If they closed the Hospital, they would be set down as worse •than barbarians. Ho would move : “That the patients in the Hospital, and tiioso from time to time admitted to the Hospital, be removed to the Wanganui Hospital for medical treatment, the Patea County paying the usual charge made at that Institution for patients sent there from distant places ; but that no patients in the Patea Hospital or admissible to the Patea Hospital, be removed to anywhere else for medical treatment, if the removal would be likely to be injurious to the health of such person or jmrsons. The medical officer in charge of the Patea Hospital to bo judge in this case.” Seconded by Mr Livingstone, and lost.

Mr Dale should vote against both proposals, and leave the matter to the new Council. He believed that if they spent i£2\onth° buildings it would make a ward as fnb«d as any in Wanganui Hospital. If they‘'spent this money the Government might assist them.—The Chairman said he had. been informed by a member of the Wanganui Hospital Committoe that they would take patients at 10s 6d per week, while here the cost was much more.—Mr Milne mentioned the case of a man who had bad legs, and walked from Pangitikei in 2k days, was admitted to Wanganui Hospital, and was now getting better. — The Chairman contended it was better to send the patients to Wanganui Hospital, where there were several doctors, and if one could do no good, another might. Here there was only one doctor, and if he could not effect a cure, there was no one else to trv.

The motion to close the Hospital was lost on division. Ayes Honeyfield, Milne, Wilson, Bridge. Noes Kells, Livingstone, Sherwood, Davidson, Dale.

The Chairman moved “ That in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that the Special Order proclaiming the mahi, line of road from Waitotara to Tanngatara, should be revoked—the system of two Local Bodies having charge of roads in the same district, being expensive and liable to cause collision.” He pointed out the great inconveniences which were occasioned by the Hoad Boards and the County Councils having antagonistic interests, and believed it would be best to place all roads in the hands of the Hoad Boards.—Mr Sherwood could not agree with the Chairman, and contended that fthe County Council could carry on the roads much cheaper than the Boards. The Boards of the ‘District now cost £1,200 a year for management. County Councils should have more power, and the members should endeavour to get more power, and extend their influence.— Mr Milne seconded the motion, and said lie did not agree that the Councils could do the work cheaper than the Hoad Boards. As far as his experience went the County Councils had made a mess of everything they had undertaken. His impression was that if the Hoad Boards could not do better than the Councils, the sooner all were swept away the better.—Mr Kells quite sympathised with the motion. There were too many institutions, but ho was not prepared to say which should be done away with. When it was first proposed to take over the main road fiom the Boards, he opposed it, as the Council was not in a position to accept tenders to keep the road in repair. He would move, “ That the different Hoad Boards be written to with a view to ascertain upon what terms they would be willing to take over the charge and maintenance of the main line of road through their respective districts.” Seconded by Mr Livingstone.—The Chairman said it had been stated that if their money was handed to the Road Boards, it might bo spent on the district roads ; but then they could make it a condition that it should not be so used. He contended that they were merely placing the Road Boards now in the same position as they were in before 1876, when the anain road belonged to the Road Boards. He had always opposed the Counties, and he srtjll believed the County system was an y^'or.— The amendment was put and lost.—The original resolution was then put and negatived on division. Ayes— Honeyfield, Milne, Bridge. Noes —Kells, Livingstone, Sherwood, Davidson, Wilson, and Dale.—Motion No. 4, of which notice had been given, was by leave withdrawn. It was resolved that the next meeting of the Council should take place on the 27th of November, insetad of the 4th of December.

The Chairman moved that the security given by the Treasurer be reduced to £250. After a short conversation, the ■motion was put and carried on the voices. Mr Sherwood, in a short speech, moved a vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, which was carried by acclamation. The ■Chairman warmly returned thanks, •and hoped the new Council would be able to look back with as much pleasure on what they would do, at the end of their time, as the present Council could on what they had done (cheers). Statements of Receipts and Expenditure for October, - showed : Receipts—Rates 1877-78, £5 Os 8d ■; Rates 1878-79, £431 2s 2d ; Dog and other fees, £ll 11s 3d ; Land Revenue (cash) £3lB 3s lid; Licensing fees', New Plymouth, £2: tottil £707 18s. Expenditure—Public Works, £lßl 13s ; Hospital, £32 6s ; General, £23 3s 8d ; Mountain Road, £405 ; Land Revenue (deferred-payment) 25th Road Board, £l4l 17s : total £783 19s Bd. The Council then adjourned.

though unconsciously, ollend numerous person-, among who n the favour of some may be valuable; and th erefore a shrewd man is not content to make himself neat now mid then, but always will appear well dressed. He keeps his clothes in good order, and is careful n the selection'of a tailor.

In bringing this maxim before public notice, R. A. Adams, Cardigan Tlou-o, is gratified by remembering that the disposition of a great many of his customers to appear in public well dressed has been met by the combination in Lis goods of-selection, material good fit. and low price. Ho obtains his clofhs in the most advantageous markets; he employs first-class cutters and workmen; lie avoids obsolete fashions;, and he is content with moderate profits in the place of the exorbitant percentage which only a few years ago was universal, and still is frequent in the tailoring trade. His gloves, hats, shirts, hosiery, ties, and scarfs, are also such as will please the most fastidious. Whatever experience, capital, care, and good taste can effect on the tradesman's side, is done by R. A. Adams, in order that all his customers may realise the substantial advantages of being well-dressed; and that his efforts give satisfaction, is shown by the rapid and steady increase in the number of those who deal with him. Attentive to the changes of costume necessitated by varying seasons, and of style by the dictatec of fashion, R. A. Adams lias now on hand a large and carefully selected stock of cloths suitable for all seasons. —R. A. ADAMS Cardigan House, Carlyle.— advt. Holloway's Ointment and Fills. — Complaints, Diarrhoea. —When these diseases prevail immediate intercourse should be had to this Ointment, which should be well rubbed two or three times a day upon the abdomen, and the intestinal irritation will gradually subside. All inllamalion will be subdued and excessive action restrained. This treatment by judicious doses of Holloway’s Pills, is applicable to all forms of diarrhoea and dysentry attended by heart sickness, griping, flatulence, and other distressing and dangerous symptons. After rubbing in the Ointment a flannel binder should be worn, and the patient should be restricted to a farinaceous diet for a few daj’s till the argency of the disease has been diminished by the persevering employment ofthese remedies. ■