PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 378, 30 November 1878, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The annual meeting of the above body, for the election of Chairman, was held in the Council Chambers, Carlyle; on Wednesday last. Present; Messrs Dale, Sherwood, (old members), Horner, McGuire, Partridge, Milne, King, and Winchcomb (new members). This was the first meeting of the newly-elected Council. Mr G. S. Bridge, Chairman of the late Council, not being able to attend, a temporary Chairman was necessary till a permanent one could be appointed. On the motion of Mr King, seconded by Mr Milne, it was carried on division, «That Mr Dale be appointed temporary Chairman.” Ayes—King, McGuire, Partridge, Milne, and Dale. Noes—Sherwood and Horner. Proposed by Mr King, seconded by Mr Partridge, and carried on division, “ That Mr Felix McGuire be Chairman of the Patea County Council for the ensuing year.”—Ayes : King, McGuire, Partridge, Milne, and Dale. Noes: Winchcomb, Sherwood, Horner.—Before the motion was put, Mr Sherwood objected to the election, on the ground that it was absolutely necessary that the Chairman should live near the place where the County Offices were situated. A great loss and inconvenience had been experienced by having a Chairman that lived so far away. The annual meeting was then adjourned.

ORDINARY MEETING. Present—Messrs McGuire (Chairman), Winchcomb, King, Partridge, Sherwood, Horner, Milne, and Dale. Minutes of last ordinary meeting read and confirmed. Correspondence included —Letter from P. Murphy, Hawera, enclosing an account for tools, asking Council to pay; from Crown Lands Office, stating that the purpose of sections Nos. 10 to 13, Block 35, Carlyle, had been changed from “ sites for public buildings,” to “ sites for offices ,of the Patea County Council, and had been gdzetted;. from Hawera Road Board, covering amended statement of expenditure ; from J. B. Roy, Hawera, covering donation of £7 7s for hospital fund; from J. L. Perry & Co., Hawera, applying for license for slaughter-house ; from G. S. Bridge, resigning seat as member of the Patea Harbor Board ; telegram from E. Hughes, Waverley, enquiring when money would be paid on account of Manning and Hughes’ contract; from J. Hughes, Waverley, on same matter; letter from Taranaki County Engineer, re repairs to Taungatara Bridge, stating that the bridge was in very bad order, and asking for- instructions to complete Patea half, as he was about to repair portion belonging to the Taranaki County, and the work could done cheaper than by employing labor separately ; telegram from J. Knowies, asking Council to forward detailed state-

ment of estimated cost of opening Mountain Road ; letter from Wanganui Borough Council, re admitting patients into Wanganui.Hospital, stating that patients would be admitted (so far as the accommodation' of the Hospital would allow), provided a guarantee was previously given that half the cost of every patient would be borne by the Council during the time they were inmates —the total cost of each patient being estimated at not leas than £1 Is per week ; from Crown Lands Office, re Manutahi Cemetery Reserve, stating that the District Land Officer ,at’ Patea would be immediately referred>to, and the position of the - Cemetery definitely ascertained ; telegram from T, W. Fisher, Waverley, to detain advance to Hughes and Manning ; letter from Treasury, Wellington, that fines under Dog. Nuisance Ordinance were revenue of the Colony, and payable to the public account; letter from J. Hughes, giving notice to abandon No. 5 contract, Mountain Road; from Chairman Wanganui County Council, asking- that Handley’s license fee be refunded, having been paid in error ; from Collector of Customs, Wanganui, covering returns of licensing fees received for Patea County ; from Dr Warren, re deduction from his account; from Fisher and Baliara, Waitotara, that they had taken over? Manning and Hughes’ contract ; from J. Whelan, for permission to erect posts in front of his shop ; from J. Barton, Hawera, that Mr Rogers be allowed to re-engage him on road. A motion by Mr Kjng,'“That Mr Murphey’s account for tools, be passed,” fell through for want of a,seconder, the tools having been- procured -without the. sanction of tbe Proposed by Mr Pale*,* seconded by Mr Sherwood, and carried, “ That the proposed expenditure of the Hawera Road Board of the rates for 1878-79, be approved of.” The mover hoped the Board would be more punctual and correct in future, as it placed them in a peculiar position. The Council then adjourned until 2 p.m. On re-assembling— It was proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Milne, and carried, “ That the proposition contained in letter from Taranaki County Engineer, re Taungatara bridge, be complied-with.” Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded bj r Mr King and carried, “That Mr John Whelan’s application be granted, the work to be approved of by the Foreman of Works.” The Foreman of Works reported the main line of road from Taungatara to Waitotara, in passable order, .in consequence of the weather v being in its favour. —Johnson’s cart had been at work patching the road from Patea to the Sand Hills. It had been found difficult to keep this part of the road in repair, the bottom being very soft.*—Delamore’s dray had been _ at work seven days this month, patching between Kakaramca and Manutahi. The road was in fair order on this length, with the exception of the parts measured off for contracts. —Water-tables on each side of the Manutahi Gorge had been cleared out, which tended to improve the road a little.—A man was employed clearing out water-tables on Manawapou Hill, and dressing same for a coat of gravel. The water-tables at Tongahoe had also been cleared out, and the hill was being got ready for gravel. Logs had been taken out of Manawapou River, near the bridge, which had dammed back the water. The Foreman had discharged a man named Burton, for not attending to work.—Some of the worst places on.the Waimate Plains between Inahai and Kaiippkohui, had been repaired. The gravel Ibid been cleared off the Kaupokonui'bridge, and several of the worst planks replaced.—There were a few very bad culvbrts'near the bridge, constructed of fern-trees'. He: had- ascertained tliat there was some rimu to be got up the Kaipokonui river, belonging to the natives, which he ,had lj advised Forbes to see about, and find out what they would deliver same for, as it would do very well to replace those culverts.—The Mountain Road, from Hawera ’to Schoolmaster’s house, at bush end, was in a very bad condition, the new gravelling having had no surface man to look after it, and fill in- the ruts ; consequently thb road had been cut up in holes, some of which were from eighteen inches to tiro feet deep, ed nothing was done this-summer, he fearlf it would be in a bad state next winter ; in fact almost impassible.—No. 2 contract, (Mr Twigg) was drawing to a close, and would be completed in a few days.—Manning and Hughes’ (No. 6 contract) had not been pushed on so well this month ; but the contractors bad made a fresh start, and the Foreman hoped to be able to report it completed by thfc end of the next month. —-No. 6 contract (Aikman) svas getting on well; the cuttings having all been run through, and there were only the banks and slopes to dress now. Within a few days, goods could be carted seven miles np the road, doing away with the pack horse system.—Mr McLean had at last made a start in earnest, having over forty men employed on his contract. 1 TheForeman hoped by the new year, to have three more miles to add to the seven already drawing towards completion.— Foreman had ordered planking from Ketemarao Saw Mills for repairing bridges, to be all good sound - matai, free from sap or shakes.—Had been Lying to get a set of union screws, in order to screw up the bridges all through the County. The Council decided that the, Foreman of Works was justified in Burton, and, 1 therefore. ;rqcoih-' mend his.; bping taken'op-again;' T _ : Abstract of aoiwiH&B fpr, the, .xnonth of. Novembershowed—-Receipts: General rates, £lO5 11s 7d; rent of Office by Town Board, )£B 3s; donation to Hospital, £7 7s. Total, £ll9 Is 7d. Expenditure ; Public Works, £lB9 Is 9d; .general account, £4117s 8d; hospital, £6B os'2d;,Manning and Hughes, Mountain Road contract, £ISQ. Total, £448 19a 7d.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcornb, and carried, “ That application be at once made to the Government for the. building known as the Military store, for the purpose of using the same for an hospital. The following accounts were passed for payment-Day men, £127 6s ; J. Swinburn, ss; P. Larsen, £2 Is; W. Dale (insurance), £7; Jordan’s passage to Canterbury, £3 15s; attendant’s passage, &c, £7 10a; Patea Mail, £l3 13s 6d; J. McArthur, 10s. The Council then > weht into committee to receive tenders, &o. On resuming, the report of the committee was received and adopted. ; The following tenders were accepted . No. 19, 64 chains, £3 19s per chain, J. 0. Nathan, £252 16s; No. 20,90 chains, £ll3s per chain, J. C. Nathan, £l4B 10s; No. 21, 109 chains, £3 -10s per chain, J.C. Nathan, £3Bl 10s; No. 22, 92 chains, £2 15s per chain, J. C. Nathan, £253; No. 23, 91 chains, £2 15s per chain, J. C. Nathan, £250 ss; No. 24, 44 chains, £2 19s per chain, J. C; Nathan, £129 16s; No. 26, 89 chains', £2 9s 6d per chain, T. Delamore, £220 5s 6d; No. 27,108 chains, £2 10s per chain, F. Woller, £270; No. 29,51| chains

£3l os Gd per chain, D. Hughes, £194 8s 3d. Vincent and Vivian, J. O’Sullivan, J. Johnstone, Jackson & Cleary, and J.- Bowie also sent in tenders, but some being too high and others, informal, they were not considered.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcorab, and carried, “That so soon as the Government inform the Council that it may proceed with the Mountain Road, a special meeting be called for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of at once calling for tenders for the whole work in order that through traffic may be established during the coming summer.” The mover stated that they had now arrived at that stage when they ought to get the Mountain Road opened. It yvas one of the most important questions the Council had to deal with.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Dale, and carried, That the Foreman of Works be requested to report—lst, upon the encroachment of furze upon theOounty road; 2nd,upon the advisability of clearing flax, fern, &c., from the roadsides, and the formation of light tracks on one or both sides, so as to relieve the traffic from the centre of the road ; and in the event of such a work being considered necessary, an approximate estimate of the cost to be furnished.”—Mf Sherwood, in moving this resolution, said by clearing the sides of the roads, a great; saving would be effected, as a great many horsemen and drays would take the side of the road in preference co the centre. The late Foreman of Works had . reported favorably on this matter. The Council ought to take steps to prevent the inroads of furze within the County. Ijt had ;h,em .found a great nuisance in other places/’ A discussion cropped up as to the manner of signing cheques, when it was proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr King, and carried, “That Councillors Dale and McGuire be appointed to sign cheques.” Mr Partridge gave a slight explanation of the delay that had occurred in the Hawera Road Board not forwarding the proposed estimated statement for 1878-9, and stating that the Clerk was no doubt to blame.

A deputation of settlers from Whakamara (consisting of F. J. Gane and others) waited on the Council with reference to the deferred payment money held by the Council, and urging that it be handed over for expenditure at once. Mr Gane acted as spokesman, and blamed both the Council and Hawera Road Board for the delay. The Council then adjourned till 7 p.m. On re-assembling—lt was proposed by Mr Partridge, seconded by Mr Whincomb, and carried on division, “That Councillors be paid the sum of 30s as travelling expenses for each meeting of this Council.” Ayes: Winchcomb, Partridge, Sherwood, and McGuire. Noes: Dale, Horner and Milne.—An amendment by Mr Dale, “ That members residing in Waverley and Hawera Ridings be allowed'2os for attending each meeting of the Council as travelling expenses,” fell through for want of a seconder.—Mr Whinchcomb considered the time had not arrived when men could afford to give their time for nothing. No doubt a few were able to do it, but the majority could not neglect their own affairs, without being paid their expenses. He would not be in favour of prolonging sittings for the purpose of putting monoy into their pockets.—Mr Sherwood also spoke strongly in favour of payment of members. There had been a great cry against the payment of the Chairman, but it had been confined more to the members of the Council, than to the ratepayers. He believed the ratepayers would look at the matter fairly, and if they did so they must see the justice of the act. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Whinchcomb, and carried, —“ That Dr Croft be asked to continue in charge of the Hospital,' upon the same conditions as those under winch Dr Warren held the appointment.” On the motion of Mr Dale, seconded by Mi Sherwood, The resignationof Mr Bridge, as member of the Patea Harbour Board,was accepted. Proposed by Mr Winchcomb, seconded by Mr Partridge, “ That the Chairman of this Council be paid £SO per annum during his term of office, as salary.”—Mr Dale would vote against the resolution, as he did not consider the work required of the Chairman was sufficient to warrant the payment of a salary. He had been opposed to it from tne' first.—Mr Sherwood would vote for the motion. He was of opinion that very much was expected from the Chairman, and he ought to attend at the County office more frequently than the late one. Too much work should not be saddled on the clerk, who had plenty to do without having the Chairman’s work to look after. The Chairman should occasionally pay a visit to different parts of the County, more especially to the Mountain Road, where such important works were being carried on. —The motion was then put and carried on division. Ayes : Winchcomb, Partridge, Sherwood, Horner, Milne, McGuire, Dale.—Mr Dale having voted “ Aye”-in mistake, and Mr Sherwood claiming the vote, Mr Dale entered the following objection : “ I hereby enter my protest against my vote being recorded with the ‘ Ayes,’ on the last resolution, on the ground that I was not addressed by name.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Milne, and carried, “That fresh tenders be called for contracts Nos. 28 and 32, to be sent in by next meeting.” The members of the Otoia Riding hotifiedtotheCievkthattheir honorarium be paid in to the credit of the ; Hospital fund.

The Council then adjourned till' qext morning, awaiting, a reply from Hawera Road Board, before deciding upon the proposed expenditure of money available on deferred payment system. Great blame was thrown on the Hawera Road Board, for not complying with resolution of the Council, and furnishing an estimate o£ proposed expenditure. A telegram had been received while the Council was sitting,

bearing on the matter, but was considered so unsatisfactory, that it was decided to sit the next morning, and get a proper reply to resolution, in order that the money lying at the Bank might be handed over to Road Board, to bo expended in roads through deferred payment land.

On meeting on Thursday morning, the following telegram was read from the Hawera Board:— ‘‘ Hawera Road Board resolved to .expend money derived from deferred payments of Whakatnara Block for year 1878-79—first instalment on Ingahapi Road, £295 ; second instalment on Noonan Road, £295.—M. J. Goodson, Chairman Hawera Road Board.”

A deputation consisting of Messrs H. F. Christie and F. J. Gane, waited on the Council with reference to the above matter, Mr Christie setting forth the advantages of Noonan Road, and stating that a good many settlers would be benefited if it were done. He would like the Council to consider which road would most benefit

deferred payment land.—Mr Gane objected to the expenditure on Noonan Road, as it would not benefit selectors on the deferred payment system. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, “ That the proposed expenditure of the Hawera Road Board, as set out in telegram, signed by the Chairman, be appi’oved of, and that the money be expended in the manner therein proposed.”—Mr Dale proposed as an amendment, seconded by Mr Milne, “ That the question of approving of the proposed expenditure of the deferred payment money within the Hawera Road District, stand over till the first ordinary or special meeting of the Council, to enable the purchasers oEddie said lands to to the proposed expenditure if they think fit.” —Mr Sherwood strongly urged the immediate handing over of the' money. If the Council could not depend on the statement of the Road Board, who were they to rely upon.—Mr Partridge considered that by passing Mr Dale’s amendment, the Council would be interfering with the functions of the Road Board, arid a further waste of time would occur.—The amendment was then put, and lost on division, . Ayes Dale, Milne. Noes ; Winchcomb,, Partridge, Sherwood, Horner, McGuire.—The original motion was therefore carried. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, and carried on division, “ That the Chairman of the Hawera Road Board be telegraphed to, informing him that the Council have approved of the proposed. as contained in his f tejggrkmof „ this . morning. l ’- - ; ; A yes ; Winchcomb, Partridge, Sherwood, Horner, McGuire. Noes: Milne, Dale. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, and carried unanimously, “ That Mr Horner be appointed a member of the Harbor Board, vice Mr Bridge, resigned.” The.question of cattle straying on the main road, was raised by Mr Horner, who said it was time the nuisance was abated. Mr Partridge said he had been spoken to about the nuisance at his end of the district, but it was not likely a Councillor was going to travel away from home to pound cattle. Someone ought to be appointed to see into the matter.

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Milne, and carried, “ That the Government be communicated with, requesting them to have regulations made in accordance with the 35th Clause of the ‘ Harbors Act, 1878,’ to enable this Council to hold elections of representatives from this Council to the Patea Harbor Board.”

Proposed by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Sherwood, and carried, “ That a special meeting be held after the next meeting, for the purpose of making bye-laws.” A discussion took place on the matter of Wanganui County contractors taking gravel from pita this side of the river, when the Patea County had been put to trouble and expense,of opening up roads to same. It was strongly urged that a toll gate be erected, as a means of putting a stop to this unjustifiable conduct. Proposed by Mr McGuire, seconded by Mr Sherwood, pro . forma, and carried on division, “ That the Chairman of this Council correspond with the Chairman of the Wanganui County Council, pointing out the injustice done to the County, by the removal of gravel from this County to the Wanganui County.” McGuire.' Noes: Sherwood, Milne, Dale. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded'by Mr Horner, and carried, “ That a special meeting be held on the day of the special meeting re Mountain Road. Business—to consider the matter of the removal of gravel by the Wanganui County from Waitotara.” The Council then adjourned.