COUNTY COUNCIL.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 388, 4 January 1879, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above body was held in the C mncil Chambers on Tuesday last. Present—Messrs McGuire (chairman), Winchcomb, King, Partridge, Sherwood, Horner, Milne, and Dale. The minutes of animal and monthly meetings were read and confirmed. Correspondence included —Letter from Grown Lands Office, re Manutahi cemetery and gravel reserves; from the Secretary 7. Treasury, that Mr Gano had-complained of Council as to expenditure of deferred payment money; also, that the Colonial Treasurer was satisfied with explanation sent as to Mr Gane’s complaint; from Dr Croft; accepting office of Surgeon to tlie hospital; from the Defence Minister, that iron store could not bo handed over to the Council for hospital purposes; from the Town Clerk, Wanganui, re admission of patients into Wanganui Hospital, and inviting delegates to attend meeting : from J. McLean, Waverley, tendering his resignation as Councillor. Correspondence was also read about Hospital, Mountain Hoad, Waitotara to Stoney River vote, &c. On motion of Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr King, it was resolved to request the Foreman of Works to icport on road in the Whakamara Block, about which Mr Cowern had written.

In speaking of Major Atkinson’s letter as to land revenue [previously reprinted in the Main], which Mr King asked to be read, Mr Sherwood said lie considered that it was only an attempt to introduce political matters into the Council. The County Council was an administrative body, and nothing of a political nature should be introduced. He considered that Major Atkinson should have replied as soon as he had received letter from Chairman of Council in reference to the matter.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Horner, and carried on division, ‘‘ That it is undesirable that any further action be taken by the Council re the expenditure of money in the Whakamara Block, as authorised at last meeting.”—Ayes: Horner, Winchcomb, Partridge, Sherwood,McGuire. Hoes: King, Milne, Dale—Mr Sherwood strongly objected to any individual member of the Council, whether in the capacity of Councillor or privately waiting on the Ministry and trying to upset the action of the Council, and thereby holding up the Council to ridicule.—Messrs Horner ami Winchcomb spoke with Mr Sherwood. — Mr Dale said lie had a perfect right, as a private individual, to interview the Government on any matter he thought proper. In reference to Mr McLean’s objection to certain contracts on Mountain Road being let, Mr Sherwood stated (hat as Mr McLean had made no application for his deposit money to he returned, the Council need not fear any action in the Supreme Court, as was spoken about.

Permission was granted to MrKomvorthy to erect hitching post. Application having been made by the Manager of the Bank of Australasia that monies due to Mr Nathan should be paid to the Bank, the question was considered, and objection taken by some of the Councillors to the proposed action. Proposed by Mr King, seconded by Kir Winchcomb, and carried, That the request of Mr Colson for slaughtering license be acceded to, and a license granted in terms of Act.

A petition was presented by Mr Dale on behalf of settlers residing between the Tongahoe and Manawapou Rivers, asking that the same be proclaimed a Road District. Petition received.

The Foreman of Works reporter] that from Waitotaru fo Waver! 03% a distance of 7 miles, about. 5 miles was well adapted for forming 1 iedit side tracks. From Waverley to Whemiakura about 3 miles could be easily formed ; also from the top of the hill north side of Whemiakura to the hill south side of the Patea River could be formed cheaply. All the above mentioned light hacks could be cleared of flax and fern, &c., at a moderate cost. From Pater, to Hawera corner, about 12 miles of light tracks could be constructed. Beyond this point the road was good on to Waingongoro Bridge, and the traffic being light, side tracks were scarcely required, He Imped to put the surface men to this work when they bar) done clearing out culverts. The Foreman reported gorse growing ou the road near Waverley, and that he had had it cleared off. There were gorse hedges near Waverley, about which lie bad spoken to the owners, who had promised to have them attended to as soon as possible. Mr Nathan had been taking gravel for No 22 contract out of Mr Williamson’s pit. The gravel was not what he would like it, but the best was being picked for use. Tne Foreman had been around to all the pits about Waverley. 'flie gravel in Johnston’s pit was very inferior, and in his opinion it was very little use putting it on the roads. There was no gravel near Waverly equal to the shell gravel out of Verry’s pit. Mr Nathan had about fifty-five chains of No 22 contract gravelled. Culverts between Waverley and Whemiakura having become unserviceable through being stopped up, he had had a man employed mending and opening up tnese culverts. Delamore had been gravelling contract No 20 from his own pit at the back of the Hotel, Kakaramea. The gravel was very good, and would make a serviceable road. About sixty chains had been done, but the contract not being up to specification depth, would have to begone over again. Hughes and Johnston’s conti act at Manawapon Hill was all but completed. The Foreman had drained the Taranaki road junction on as cheap a plan as possible, and was of opinion that the place would now keep dry. All the bridges fiom Waingongoro to Oiakeo had been cleaned. The Waingongoro bridge had very inferior sheeting on it, and had only been patched as yet. The counter braces were falling out for want of being screwed up. Carts had been employed mending the worst parts of the road along the Plains. Some gravel had been put on Waingongoro Hill, ami Kanpnkonui. Contract No 2, on Mountain Hoad, had been completed, and the work welt done. No 5 contract was drawing towards completion. Mr McLean was still proceeding with his contracts, and had started a third gang of men, hut he still required more men to get his contract finished by the time specified. Christmas holidays were against contractors. The Foreman applied for an increase of salary, as the present was not sufficient for travelling expenses, &c. Mr Sherwood took exception to that part of the Foreman of Works report referring to furze on the Main Roads in which he stated that he had ordered a man to clear same. There was an Act providing that the owners of property must keep their hedges property trimmed, so that furze should not encroach on the roads ; and he (Mi 1 S) hoped the Chairman would see that the Act was strictly enforced. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, and carried, “ That the

Foreman of Works be'requested to prepare plans and estimates for clearing and forming light tracks on Arbadddes—where convenient ami requisite.-’—The mover stated that a great deal of the heaviest traffic was done by bullock drays, and the metal road was not used if it could be avoided. Side tracks would effect a great saving. H would also inform the Council that : peculiar system was in force, by whie : owners of property took part of the ion.. for ditching. The encroachments on both sides of the road would occupy about ten feet. If an accident occurred in these ditches, the Council would no doubt be responsible.

Mr Sherwood had heard while in New Plymouth that the Mountain Road, as surveyed and being carried out, would net be beneficial to the County, and in some places would have to be reconstructed. A slight deviation in parts would greatly improve the road, and reduce the cost considerably. Proposed by Mr Kin", seconded by Mr Winchcomb, and carried, “That instructions be given to the Foreman of Works to cause a deviation of the Mountain Road, when such deviation can be accomplished without extra expense.”

Abstract of accounts for the month of Decemhersho wed—Receipts: Rates, 1877-8, £2 5s 9d; rates, 1878-9, £7B 13s 7d; reimbursements, IGs; licensing fees, £-12; hall: year’s subsidy, £Bl4 10s'Id. Total, £968 5s srl. Expenditure; General account, £SO Ss Sd; public works, £147 I.la lOd ; hospital account, £29 3s; 24th Road Board (land revenue on deferred payments), £295 Is. Total, £522 4s Gd. Accounts passed for payment. Proposed by Mr King, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, amended and carried, “ That the Foreman of Works’ salary be increased by £52 per annum, and that such increase be taken from the Mountain Road vole.”

Proposed by Mr King, seconded by Mr Winchcomb, “That the Foreman of Works take steps to remove tiro logs laying across the Mountain Road, and to improve the few bad places as mentioned by Engineer Skinner, so that the coach may be able to run as soon as possible ; if practicable, the Foreman to arrange with the contractors of those portions where the obstructions exist, to assist with lire work, the cost of of such work not to exceed £100.”

Amendment by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Partridge, was carried on division, “ That the words after works be struck out." Ayes—Partridge, Sherwood, Dale, Horner, Milne, McGuire. Noes—Ring, Winchcomb.

The original motion was then carried as amended.

Proposed by j\lr Sherwood, seconded by Mr King-, and carried, “ That as it is the intention of the Government to ini mediately constiuct tiie railway to Stratford, this Ootl/icil wonM xii'gn tipott Lins Ixlinintav oi; Public Works the absolute necessity of expending the whole of the available fund in constructing the road from Stratford to Norm an by, in order that through traffic may be secured before winter.”— iiie mover Would like the Chan man to take steps in the matter. If Government were not kept up to tiie mark, the Council need not expect anything from them, Proposoh by Mr Dale, seconded by Mr Wineheomb, and carried, ‘‘ That a committee, consisting of the whole Council, four to form a quorum, be appointed to inspect the different valuation rolls of the Boards within the Comity, and if necessary take steps to appeal against valuations made.” It was resolved' that the first meeting of the eotinniUeo should take place at the Council Chambers, on the 23rd January, at 11 o’clock a.m.—The mover pointed out the advantage of having a uniform rate, the present system of valir.dion not being good. By appointing a committee of the Council to revise the valuation rolls, something like uniformity might lie arrived at. Mr Dale suggested that as no definite Order-in-Comieil bad been published by the Governor in reference to election of Harbor Board member, the Chairman communicate at once with Government, so as to bo prepared for the election in F ehrnary.

The Council then went into Committee on lenders.

On re-assembling the report of Committee was received and adopted. The following tenders wore accepted : Main Road—No. 32, Dingle Bros, Gi chains, at £4 5s ner chain; No. 25, D. Hughes, 9G chains, at £3 17s per chain; No. 31, J. Johnston, 77 chains, at £4 5s per chain. Mounlain Road—No. 12, 80 chains, £425; No. 13, 80 chains, £320; No. 14, 80 chains, £325, J. McLean; No. IG, 80 chains, £l5B, Burke and Co.; No. 17, 100 chains, at £8 10s per chain, Dingle Bros., gravel to be taken from Waingongoro pit. Declined—No IG. T. Jenkins. £1 W); No. IG. J. McLean, £219; No. 14, W. Hill and C. Clark, £397; No. 17, A. Bayly, £S 15s per chain. J. McLean's tender for No. 15 contract was held over, pending arrangements being come to between the Council and the contractor about deviation.

Notice of motion by Mr King that the metalled road through Hawora be taken over by the Council, was withdrawn by leave.

Mr Kino- then moved the notice of motion standing in his name, seconded by Mr Milne, “ That this Council would respectfully point out.to the General Government mid Crown Lands Office the advisability of holding the sale of the Waimnte Plains at Hawera, Mid the sale of the Alomahaki Block at Carlyle.”—The mover pointed out that New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Wellington had been urging upon the Government the holding of the Waimate Plains sale at their respective towns, and lie considered ho had a perfect right, as a citizen of Hawera, to advocate the sale being held there. Mr Sherwood expressed great surprise that the mover had the impertinence to table such a resolution. He had been carefully watching the County as a whole for some years past, and he felt confident that Government were only waiting for an opportunity to remove the District Land Office. Such a resolution, if passed, would have that effect. He (Mr S.) had himself urged upon the Government the necessity of having a Land Office in the Patea Comity, but he had not mentioned any place in particular. Government hai no doubt chosen the most convenient town, and he considered it a great want of judgment on Mr King's part in hringingdown the resolution. Correspondence on the above subject was open to Mr King’s inspection, if lie wished it. [Mr King : I don’t want to see the correspondence ; yon .are, always trying to drag your personal affairs into the Council.] —A rather warm discussion followed.

Mr Sherwood also blamed Air King for not studying his resolutions before introducing them to tlie Council.

Mr Dale was not in favor of the resolution,ami might state that the deputation which waited on the - Hon Mr Sheehan in Carlyle, had carefully omitted an}’mention

of Carlyle, as the place of holding the Waimate sale ; in fact, he believed, every member of the deputation would be satisfied if the sale were held at Hawera. Mr Horner also spoke against Mr King’s action. Moved by Mr Winoheornb, as an amendment, seconded by Mr Partridge, and carried on division, “ That in the opinion of this Council, the whole of the waste lands in the County should bo sold within the Land District of Patoa, as that course would be b: i st calculated to secure honcijule settlers. - ’ Ayes : Winchcomb, Partridge, Sherwood,. Horner, Dale, iMiiGuire. Noes : King, Milne. Three other notices of motion bearing; on the above, in Mr King’s name, were withdrawn after a considerable amount of acrimonious discussion. The meeting adjourned.

PATE A COUNTY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY SPORTS. The above sports were held on New Year’s Day, the weather being all that could be desired. Through being unable to agree to terms with the Cricket Club, Mr E. Keys’ Paddock was leased for the occasion, and proved to be a very suitable as well as convenient place, there being a large flat on which to hold the sports, with rising giound on one side, which served alike for Mr James Rhodes’ refreshment booth, and for such spectators as preferred elevation. The running ground, which embraced a large circle, had been marked off .and mown, a nice straight run having been cleared across the paddock for the short races. A dressing-tent, and another for the Secretary and Committee, had been provided. Amongst the office-bearers, we noticed the following as being present, and who may take all credit for the excellent manner in which the programme was carried out : President —R. C. Tennent, Esq.; Hon. Treasurer —Mr T. Kells.; Hon. Secretary—Mr D. M. Harris.; Committee —Messrs 11. S. Peacock, R. B. Hamilton, T. Kells. S. Taplin, H. Chadwick, W. Dixon, Sam Dixon, C. Dascnt, A. Hutchinson, J. Adamson, and D. M. Harris. Except that one of the tiltors was found with extra rings in his pockets, which necessitated the tilting being gone over again on Thursday morning, we have not heard of a single hitch or disagreement, spectators being highly pleased at the excellency of the sports, and winners and losers alike being satisfied that they had been fairly dealt with. Whilst all the Committee are deserving of high praise, we certainly think the Hon. Secretary came in for the lion’s share of the work. The following is a list of the events : Flat Race, 100 yds, Boys under 15— Ist prize, 15s; 2nd prize, ss. 6 entiles, A. Eiarw, l; G. ilackctt, 2; D. Paterson, 3.

Maiden’ Race, 150 yds £1 10s; 2nd prize, 10s. 6 entries. W. Dascnt, 1 ; Lynch, 2 ; J. Kitchen, 3. The race was a good one—Chadwick was booked to win, but fell just at the finish.

Patea Cup, Handicap (three events); Ist event 100 yds—lst prize, £5; 2nd prize, £2: 3rd prize, £l. 10 came to the scratch —\V. Dixon, 1 ; W. Williams, 2 ; J. Smith, 3. Second event, 200 yds—B came to the scratch—W. Williams, 1 ; Copeland, 2 ; J. Adamson, 3. Dixon fell, or would have got second pjace. Third event, 300 yds—3 came to the scratch— Copeland, 1 ; W. Dixon, 2 ; W. Williams, 3. Result-— Williams, 9 point* ; Copeland and Dixon tied with 8 points, and divided the prize. Neither of the Williams’ wore in their usually good trim, one having been on the sick list for a couple of days, and the other having been spiked on the ancle. Running Uteri Jump £l 10s; 2nd prize, 10s. 3 entries —Julian and Downes tied at 4ft. 9in. and divided pr’zes. Broughton competed. Quarter-mile Flat Race, Boys under 15—1st prize, £1 10s; 2nd prize, 10s. 6 entries—Hackelt, 1 ; Paterson, 2. Standing High Jump —lst prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s. 4 entries Downes, Broughton, and Dixon tied at 4ft. 4in., and divided the prizes ; Julian also competed. Quarter-mile Hurdle Race, Handicap, 8 hurdles 3ft Gin high—lst prize, £3; 2nd prize, £l. 4 entries —Copeland, 1 ; Adamson, 2 ; W. Williams, 3. Maori Hurdle Race, 220 yds, G hurdles 3ft Gin high—lst prize. £1 10s; 2nd prize, lUs. 3 entries —Monroa, 1; Jim, 2; Racket, 3. Sack Race —lst prize, 15s; 2nd prize, ss. 4 entries—Ronga, 1; Minto, 2. Vaulting with Bole —lst prize, £2; second prize, £l. 5 entries—D. Kitchen and Ronga tied at 9 feet 3 inches, and divided. This event took a long time to decide, all the competitors being excellent jumpers. Very groat interest was manifested throughout. Champion Walking Race —lst prize? £4; 2nd prize, £l. 5 entries—D. Kitchen. 1 ; 0. Dasent, 2 ; the other competitors being W. Dixon, M. H. McCarthy, and J. Kitchen. Dixon look the lead, but Kitchen came up at the second lap. At the third lap, Kitchen, Dixon, and Dasent were in a cluster. J. Kitchen was the first to cave, ami McCarthy gradually fell to the rear, hut stuck to the race. Dixon fell out at the eleventh lap, and there was a good and exciting race to the finish between D. Kitchen and Dasent. Kitchen kept the lead, and when about half way round on the fourteenth lap, ho put on a spurt, and came in fresh as a daisy, about fifteen yards ahead of Dasent. Dascnt’s walking was good, but Kitchen was voted a perfect model.

Throwing Heavy Hamper—ls* prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s. 5 entries—WPronso, 1 ; D. Williams and J. McCarty tied for second place, Prouse throw but once, and seemed equal to anything required. Champion Mile Race —lst prize, £5; 2nd prize, £2. 6 entries—Copeland, 1 ; Kiilooh 2 ; Kitchen, Smith, Locker, and W. Dasent, being 1 the other competitors. Time, 5 min. 35 secs. Running Hop, Step, and Jump—ls* prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s. 4 entries— Hood, 1 ; Copeland, 2.

Champion Race, 100 yds—lst prize> £3; 2nd piize, £l. 7 entries—Broughton, 1 ; P. Hurley, 2. C. Hargreaves, W. Dixon, D. Williams, W. Williams, and Hood also ran. A good start, but D. Williams fell early, and W. Williams at the finish. The<rest were all close together, Hargreaves making a close shave for place. Running Long Jump —lst prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s. 5 entries—Downes, 19ft. 6in.. 1 ; P. Hurley, Rift. 2im, 2. ' Wrestling (Cumberland style)-—lst prize, £3; 2nd prize, £l. 4 Europeans and 2 Maoris entered. Though, the Maoris seemed to shape well, they could not Re made to understand the rules, and withdrew. Downes, 1; Pearce, 2. Pearce was

much applauded for his first throw, and was booked certain to win, but found more than his match in Downes. Half-mile Race— lst prize, £3; 2nd prize, £l. 3 entries—Copeland, 1 : J. Smith, 2. Three - legged Race— lst prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s. 3 entries—Broughton and Ronga, 1 ; C. and W. Dasent, and Jones and Hood, tied for second prize. Flat Race, 200 yds—lst prize, £1? 2nd prize, 10s. 4 entries —Broughton 1 ; P. Hurley 2. # Quarter-mile Flat Race, Handicap —lst prize, £3; 2nd prize, £l. 6 entries —Smith, 1 ; Copeland, 2. Consolation Race 2nd prize, £l. 4 entries—P. Hurley, 1 ; Hood, 2. A boys’ race got up by Mr S. Taplin, brought 14 to the scratch. A good start was effected, the winners being Cecil Wray, 1; F. Schultze, 2. A private race between two Carlyle residents, one a heavy weight, the other spry and spectacled, proved for the time of all absorbing interest. The heavy weight was confident of victory, but kissed mother earth about half way between the start and the finish. The spectacles won. Tilting in the Ring —lst prize, £5; 2nd prize, £l. 17 entries. Darkness came before this event could be finished, and it was decided to finish the contest next morning, all unable to attend to have their money returned. Five took their money back. Besides which it was found that Mr Lichewick, reported to have won at Waverley, carried a supply of rings in In's pocket. • After doing the round, he came back with four rings on his tilt, although two were in sight still hanging from the posts.- On Thursday morning eight competitors settled the event as follows—A. Julian 1, with 6 rings; J. E. Keys 2, with 5 rings ; Derritt coming 3rd with 4 rings.

HAWERA SPORTS. (from our own correspondent.) The sports on New Year’s Day were a srreater success than any previously held. Fine weather, a good attendance, closely contested events, and the all powerful attractions of the Hawera Brass Band, combined to form a most enjoyable day’s amusement. The arrangements made by the Committee were excellent. They were extrcinel}' sorry, however, that the accomodation provided for the ladies was insufficient for the purpose, numbers being unable to obtain seats. They guarantee, however, that there shall not be a similar cause for complaint next year. An enclosure was provided for the various jumping events, so that everyone could view the contest without the usual crushing. Dawson, who was in splendid fettle, having evidently done some good training, proved too much for his opponents in the long races, winning both the mile and half-mile with ease. Sheet ran a good race for £ mile, taking the lead, and never allowing himself to be collared. W. Harkness, though only a boy, with 30 yards start, made an easy victory of the 220 yards handicap. Mininix was again to the fore in the jumping, and Foley sustained his previous reputation as knight of the hammer. The egg and spoon race, which was a novelty here, caused great amusement. as also did the wheelbarrow race. Pfihh-a ran splendidly for the hurdles, winning a good race. The vaulting caused the greatest excitement dining the day, the struggle being left between Mininix and Curtis, who crept up inch by inch, until finaliy Oft. Biu. was cleared by the hitter, which proved too much for his opponent. The following is list of the winners of the various events ;

150 yards Maiden Race—lst prize, £2; 2nd, £l—Dickie, Ist ; Curtis, 2nd. 10 ran.

Hop, Step, and Jump—lst prize, £1; 2nd, ss—Mininix, 38ft, Ist; Pehira, 2nd, 100 yards Flat Race (handicap)—lst prize, £3; 2nd, £l—Mininix, scratch, Ist; Packer, 4 yds, 2nd. 150 yards Egg and Spoon Race—lst prize, £1 ; 2nd, 6s,— Crowhurst, Ist; Broadbent, 2nd. Running Long Jump—lst prize, £1 ; 2nd, os—Mininix, Ist; Dawson, 2nd. Quarter Mile Flat Race (handicap)—lst prize. £8; 2nd, £2; 3rd, £l—Skeet, 9 yds, Ist; Packer, 4 yds, 2nd; Dawson, 5 yds, 3rd. Time, 1 min. 200 yards Race, for boys under 14 — Ist prize, 10s; 2nd, 5s ; 3rd, 2s 6d—A. Middlemas, Ist; Secombe, 2nd ; R. Middlemas, 3rd. Vaulting with Pole—lst prize, £1 10s; 2nd, 10s—Curtis, 9ft. Bin., Ist ; Mininix, 2nd. One Mile Flat Race (handicap)—lst prize, £7; 2nd, £1 10s; 3rd, 10s—Dawson, 30 yds, Ist; Dougherty, 10 yds, 2nd ; Spurdle, 25 yds, 3rd. Time, 5 min. 30 secs. High Jump—lst prize, £1; 2nd, 10s— Mininix, sft., Ist; Pehira, 2nd. 220 jards Flat Race (handicap)—lst prize, £4; 2nd, £1 —[darkness, 30 yds, Ist; Packer, 5 yds, 2nd; Mininix, scratch, 3rd. Three Legged Race—lst prize, £1; 2nd, 10s—Mininix & Dougherty, Ist; Broadbent & Baddeley, 2nd. Standing High Jump—-Ist prize, 15s; 2nd, ss—Mininix, 4ft. 7in., Ist; Curtis, 2nd, Quarter Mile Hurdle Race (handicap)— Ist prize, £5; 2nd, £1 ss—Pehira, 2 yds, Ist; Skeet, 6 yds, and Packer, scratch, ties for 2nd.

Wheelbarrow Race, 100 yards—lst prize, 15s ; 2nd, ss—W. Adamson, Ist ; Tait, 2nd.

One Legged Race, 100 yards—lst prize, 10s; 2nd, ss—Pehira, Ist; Mininix, 2nd. Half Milo Flat Race (handicap)—lst prize, £5; 2nd, £1 ss—Dawson, 10 yds, Ist; Sheet, scratch, 2nd. Five ran. 220 yards Race, for boys under 16—1st prize, los; 2nd, os; 3rd, 2s C—Home, Ist ; Tait, 2nd; Adamson, 3rd. Throwing the Hammer—Prize, £1 10s —Foley, Ist. Consolation, 220 yards—Broadbcnt, Ist; Packer, 2nd.