Cook County Council.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 916, 9 February 1881, Page 6

Cook County Council.

The following is a condensed report of the Council’s proceedings on-Friday evening last.

The Public Works Department have consented to consider the supply of 6 miles of rails to connect the present line of tram rails .with the quarry at Patutahi.

Mr. E..F. Harris’ objection to pay rates was fully discussed,"and it was decided to ascertain if Mr Harris was a grAntee in the block in which he claimed exemption. A long discussion took place on Cr. Johnson’s motion, re the Patutahi drain :—■ “ That Mr Winter be authorised to have the drain cleaned out, estimating the cost of the repairs chargeable to those who have on their private property made water-holes, and that such amount be demanded from them.” Seconded by Cr. M‘Kay. Councillors, generally, took part in a lengthy talk, when Cr. Scott moved, as an amendment:—“ That public notice be given to the Patutahi Highway Board handing,, the main drain over to them, and that a subsidy be granted towards the expense of undertaking the work.” Seconded by Cr. Chambers; and eventually was lost on the casting vote of the chairman. The following letter, addressed to the Council was received and read from Mr. W. L. Rees Dear Sir, — On the 28th of September of last year I had the honor to submit a proposal for your consideration in regard to the construction of a bridge over the Waimata River, near its.junction with the Taruheru, which your Council was so good as to take into its consideration. I have now to inform you that the construction of a bridge over the Taruheru River has been finally decided upon. The bridge is to be completed in or about the month of May next, W. J. Davis, C. E., of Napier, being the contractor. The cost of this work, £2OOO, is to be borne solely by the-Native owners of land in the vicinity of the bridge.

I would again press upon your consideration the extreme desirability of bridging the Waimata, and thus of connecting Kaiti with the town of Gisborne by way of the Taruheru bridge. "’ It is clear to me that the Native owners cannot themselves undertake the liability which the construction of the two bridges would entail upon them, Neither do I venture to think ought they to be called upon to bear such cost. I know no instance where European owners of land have been called upon to undertake works of so large a nature, whereby the public interest is so greatly advanced.

I would urge upon you that the County Council might well agree to Eay the half-cost of the Waimata ridge, the site being chosen and the plans approved by the Engineers representing the County Cocncil and the Native owners, or if the Council might be deterred from 'such an agreement by a fear that the expense might in the first instance be unlimited, I would suggest that in such case the Council should guarantee to find one-half the cost of the proposed bridge, such contribution by the Council not, however, in any case to exceed the sum of £1,500. In the interest of the district, as well as of the Native owners, I hope the Council will be able to meet my proposal in a favorable manner. Were the Kaiti flat connected with Gisborne I see no reason why a large increase of settlement should not take place, stretching over Kaiti and Pouawa towards the area of land in Pouawa now offered to Mr G. M. Reed and his friends.—l am, &c., W. L. Rees. There was a general feeling amongst Councillors that when the bridge was erected would be the proper time to consider the question, whereupon Cr. Porter proposed, “ That on the completion of the Taruheru bridge, and after the sale of Kaiti and Whataupoko blocks, this Council will favorably entertain Mr. Rees’ proposal, and supplement the amount of contribu-

tion £1 for £l, not exceeding £1,500.” Seconded by Or. Scott, and carried nem con. A penalty of £5 inflicted, on Mr. Boland for non : f ulfilment of contract, was remitted on the motion ;of Cr. Johnson. Owing to no access being obtained to the quarry, and in accordance with Mr. Boland’s wish, it was resolved that Mr Boland be relieved of the No. 3 contract for the pitching of the Ormond road, near Bruce’s. It was further resolved that fresh tenders be called for the work, Mr. Loughran also applied for a remission of a penalty imposed, which was granted.

A petition was presented by Cr. McKay from Te Arai residents, praying for the construction of the road from Pipiwhaka Bush to the Arai bridge, and the metalling of it, as far as the Waipaba river ; also calling attention to the spread of variegated thistles, and asking for some law to be passed to eradicate them. Cr. McKay moved, “ That tenders be called for forming and gravelling the road named in the petition.” Seconded by Cr. Johnson, and carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. The question of eradicating thistles was deferred for further consideration.

Cr. Porter’s amendment, “ That the consideration of the prayer of the petition stand over until the annual estimates in March are prepared and submitted to the Council,” was lost. Cr. McKay called attention to the practice of persons riding at a gallop over the Arai bridge. The tender of Mr. Gilmore for the sum of £65 was accepted for outlet and side-drain and culvert. Messrs. Douglas, Aitkin, G. Chute, and A. Stevenson, also tendered.

Permission was granted to Mr J. Sommervell to take a quantity of gravel from the Waipaoa river-bed. The valuation roll for the ensuing year was submitted. The total amount of the valuation is £41,968 6s 6d, or about £lOOO less than last year. Notices of Motion.—Cr. McKay to move “ That this Council take into consideration the advisability of urging the Auckland Waste Lands Board to bring the Homestead Act into force in this district; and that a letter be written to the Government for the same purpose. The blocks advised to be opened areßalance of Patutahi, part of Motu, W aihau, Hungaroa, and Waimata.”

Cr. Chambers to move that this Council resolves that in all new contracts entered into, no application for remission of penalties, or extension of time, will be granted or discussed.” Cr. Johnson to move at the next meeting the following bye-law—“ That no horse, animal, or vehicle, shall cross any bridge within Cook County faster than a walk, undey a penalty of 40s.