COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 88, 15 March 1884, Page 2

COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Council took place on Thursday evening in the Council Chambers, Lowe Street. Present :—Crs. W. K. Chambers (in the Chair) Westrup, Johnson, Weston, Clarke, and Stewart. The business of the evening commenced by the Clerk reading the Returning Officer’s declaration of the polling for the election of a member for the representation of Tologa Riding to the effect that Mr. S. R. Stewart had been duly elected. At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr. Stewart then took his seat at the Board. bating roll. The Chairman then proceeded with the business relating to the Rating Roll, which had been set down for the special meeting to have been holden at noon on the same day, but which had lapsed for want of a quorum. The Clerk stated there were two objections to the Valuation Roll—the first one from Mr. McFarlane, who objected io being rated for Mangaheia No. 1, he being only a monthly tenant of the New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company. He (the Clerk) had written to the County Solicitor, and had received a reply (read) to the effect that in his (the solicitor’s) opinion, Mr. I/cFarlane was not liable for the rates, but thrt the said Company should be assessed for the same. Mr. Sievewright, who attended on behalf of the Company, contended that Mr. McFarlane was a yearly tenant, and had recently paid six month’s rent. The conditions of the lease provided that, should the Company, at any time, sell any portion of the block, Mr. McFarlane must, upon three month’s notice, give up that portion sold ; but he still held as a tenant for the remainder. He (Mr. Sievwright) was unable to produce the deed of lease that evening, as it was locked up in his office, and the clerk had taken the key.

Cj. Clarke thought the Council should act upon the opinion of the County Solicitor. The Chairman did not think it mattered how the Board decided as there was sure to be a lawsuit over it. He thought the best plan was to postpone the question until Mr. Brassey had seen the deeds, as he had only gone upon hearsay at present. Cr. Weston proposed, and the Chairman seconded “ That the further consideration cf the matter stand over until this day month.” Carried.

The next objection was from Elizabeth Jane Bell, on the ground of being excessively assessed for section at North Gisborne, and hoped the Council would not rate her according to her “ reckless bidding.” The Chairman thought they could not take a better valuation than the auction price. The objection was disallowed. The minutes of the previous meeting were then read and confirmed. outgoing correspondence. The following correspondence, which had been sent as follows, was then read :—To the Prope. ty Tax Commissioner, re Mr. Robertson’s objection to rating for Native land in his possession ; to Mr. Newman, re taking land for new road; to Mr. Hale, re btr&y cattle; to C. Grey, re drains on Waimata Road; to Mr. McGuire, re claim for £5 damages; to Mr. Grail, re land required for road; to Minister for Public Works, re Coast road ; to Mr. Wilson, re election; to Mr. McGuire, re election; to Minister for Public Works, re grants; to Mr. Robinson, re bill of costs ; to Mr. Sunderland, re appointment as land valuer; to Manager of N.Z.N.L.S. Company, re rates; to Minister for Public Works, re plans ; to Mr. Brassey, re valuation. incoming correspondence. The following communications to the Council were then read and discussed:— Letter from the Gisborne Institute, asking for permission to use office rooms for the purpose of holding classes in them. The Chairman thought that, as it was for such a good purpose, the required permission should be granted. Cr. Johnson moved, and Cr. Weston seconded, “ That the request be acceded to.”— Carried.

Cr. Westrup pointed out the necessity of protecting the Board’s furniture, as it did not belong to the members, but to the ratepayers. The permission given would entail considerable wear and tear. The Clerk was instructed to see that every care was taken to protect the furniture, and to inform the Institute that the permission would be terminable at a week’s notice. The folio-wing letter was next read from Mr. J. Sandlant:— Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —I would call your attention to the Waimata Road. I am told that it is proposed to expend £3OO upon it from the bridge upwards. This, gentlemen, is manifestly unfair, for whilst it is possible to get along the road from the bridge up to Caulton, beyond that it is, in some weathers, altogether impracticable. I was told by Mr. Barnard, prior to purchasing, that the road would be continued forthwith, and I am satisfied that he believed it would be; but the Government have not carried out either their intention or instruc- i tions to their engineer, so that they are either I guilty of wilfully misleading, or they do not care how a purchaser may get on when they have once got his money. ;

It was on the distinct understanding that the road would be continued that I purchased the land, and how does their not having done so affect me? Why, gentlemen, I did not purchase as a speculator, but simply to earn my living on the land. How am Ito do this if I cannot get on to it ? I therefore respectfully request your Council not to lay out all the funds at this end of the road, as by so doing it would blight all my prospects and keep me in forced idleness, a position in no way desirable, and which I am in no case able to sustain ; and I further ask you, gentlemen, to kindly consider this matter, and by causing a culvert to be placed opposite Caulton’s, and by forming a track round No. 9 to give me a chance of providing a home for myself and family. One hundred pounds would amply suffice for the purpose.— I am, gentlemen, yours most respectfully, J. Sandlant. The Chairman characterised this as an unfortunate case, and thought it should be referred to the Government. The Council could not possibly help the complainant, as the land was still in the Government’s hands. Mr. Sandlant, who was present and strongly urged his case, was advised to get his fellowsettlers in the neighborhood to sign a petition, and the Council would then forward the same to Government. The next letter was from Mr. Stephens, contractor, the consideration of which was allowed to stand over until the Engineer’s report was read. Mr. J. McLeod wrote complaining that Natives refused to allow him to take stone from Pukatapu. Cr. Johnston had no doubt but w’hat there was some European influence at work. He would suggest that if the metal could not be got they should put sand on the road. This having been agreed to, Cr. Johnson moved—“ That the penalty for overtime in the Kaiana bridge contract be remitted.”— Carried. On the Clerk next reading a letter from Mr. Fitzgerald, offering himself as dog tax ct lector to the whole district, the Chairman said that as all arrangements for the present year had been made, the communication could be considered next January. turanganui bridge. On a communication being read from the Borough Council re the Turanganui Bridge, Borough Councillor’s Townley and Lewis attended as a deputation to urge upon the County Board the favorable consideration of the request that the County Council grant the sum of £250 towards the erection of the bridge over the Tauranganui river, and then to make application under the 18th section of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, for an additional £750 from Government.

In addressing the Board, Cr. Townley said there was not much necessity for his going into the question as all the members of the Board were fully acquainted with the circumstances of the case. He would but mention that the Borough Council were most anxious to avail themselves of the liberal Government grant of £1,500 which had been voted for this purpose. But as the bridge could not be built for £2,000 the Mayor had communicated with the authorities asking whether, in the event of the district contributing one fourth, under the 18th section of the Act, the Government would entertain a further application for £l,OOO more. The Borough now asked the County Council to grant the £250, and to make the required application. The reply to the Mayor’s enquiry had been most favorable, and there could be little doubt but what the money would be obtained. He sincerely hoped that the matter would be favorably entertained by the Board, as the bridge would undoubtedly prove of great benefit in opening up the country. The sum asked for was small, and the proportionate benefit very large. He had heard some Crs. say that it would be far better to spend the money on the coast road, but when he was up the coast the other day, the settlers had expressed a different opinion, and were in favor of the bridge. The matter now rested entirely in the hands of the County Council. Cr. Lewis followed, and in urging the matter on the attention of the Council, mentioned that the £250 would not be wanted for the next six months, when the application would be made to the Government, and tenders called for. He strongly urged the favorable consideration of the request. Cr. Westrup wished to ask whether the plans had been submitted to the County Engineer, with a view of obtaining his opinion as to the feasibility of constructing the bridge for £3,000. The question was, would the Government allow a £3,000 bridge to be constructed after sendiiig in a £4,000 estimate.

Cr. Townley said the Mayor had given his opinion that the Government would not make any objection of that sort. Cr. Stewart wished to know whether the £250 was to be deducted from the coast roads expenditure, and was answered in the negative.

The Engineer did not think that the Government would object to a £3,000 bridge. It was not necessary to send in plans of the work when applying, and they need only state what sort of a bridge they proposed constructing. Cr. Westrup said the question was, would the Council vote £250, and apply to Government under the 18th section of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act for a sum of £750 ? He would point out that the money would h_.ve to come out of a future Government, a.id they might refuse to grant it. Perhaps, in the event of such a thing transpiring, the Borough would finish the bridge. Cr. Johnson enquired what position the County Board would be in if the Government refused the £750? The County could nox possibly go in for £l,OOO towards the bridge in their present financial state. Cr. Weston moved—“Thau the £250 be provh ed, and that the requisite application be made to Government.”

Cr. Stewart re- .arked that the settlers would far sooner see a good road than a bridge. The Chairman said he had thoroughly made up his mind to vote against the motion. He took this course as having the ratepayers* interests at heart. The County would not be benefitted in any way by the bridge, and should not give anything towards its construction. There was no dray traffic over the Turanganui, and he could not see the justice of spending the County rates on the bridge. The papers had talked about the matter resting with the County Council, but he thought this looked like an attempt to force their hands. The winter was coming on, and they wanted all their money to lay out on the bad roads. H i was sorry, but he must oppose the motion. Cr. Westrup had much pleasure in seconding Cr. Weston’s motion, on account of believing the bridge to be the beginning of a great work. He should also be in favor of giving the £250 if only for the purpose of getting £750 spent in the district, which must materially benefit the ratepayers. If they could by any possibility get the £750 for the roads he would certainly not go in for the bridge, but as that had been proved impossible he should be in favor of getting the money for the bridge, which would undoubtedly open up a good communication with the coast. Perhaps this argument might put a different aspect on the matter. Cr. Clark remarked that the Kaiti owners should build the bridge. He should like to know what would be the position of the Council if, after voting the money, the Government would only give part. Would the County Council have to make up the deficiciency ? Cr. Lewis explained that, as the application was made under the 18th clause of the Act, the Government were sure to give all the amount, or else refuse it. Cr. Townley pointed out the fact that in either case the County Council would only be held responsible for the £250. The Chairman must oppose the motion, and would move, as an amendment, “ That the application be not entertained.” It was pointed out that this, being a direct negative to the motion, was not an amendment. Cr. Westrup wished to know whether, providing the £250 was now voted, the Borough contemplated going on with the work, and was answered in the affirmative. The motion was then put and carried, Crs. Chambers and Johnson only voting against it. A letter from the Town Clerk of Caversham, asking our member’s support in endeavoring to get grants for hospitals, was read and agreed to. Letter next read from Crown Lands Department, re rating ; from Public Works Depart-

ment, re coast road; from Treasury Department, re debentures; from Director of the New Zealand Land Company, re proposed bridge over the Waimata ; from Mr. Newman, re new road on his property, engineer’s report. Contracts.— The contract for the Karawa bridge has been completed in a satisfactory manner, althovgh not to time. I would recommend that the penalty be not enforced, as the delay was not occasioned through any fault of the contractors, but in consequence of the difficulty experienced in procuring the long lengths of timber at the mills ; and the public were not inconvenienced in any way.— The contract for draining and forming 56 chains at Scott’s Flat has also been completed, but not to the specified time. Thia was owing to the contractors being unable to procure drain pipes in Auckland, there being only a few in the market. I would reccommend that the penalty be not enforced, all other work in the contract being completed to time with the exception of laying the pipes, and the public not having suffered. All the other contracts (with the exception of that for clearing out drains from Makaraka to Waerenga-a-hika, and that for repairs to Te Arai road) are being pushed forward in a satisfactory manner. Day Labor.— The work on the Gisborne Wairoa road is taking longer than was anticipated, and consequently costing more money ; but the work is being well done, and the road in many places improved. I expect it will be another three weeks before it is completed. During the past eight or ten days the party has been employed in completing Sampey’s contract, which the contractor would not do. An accurate account of the time on this work is being kept, and the amount will be deducted from the balance of moneys in hand.

Gravel.— l find that it will require another 200 cubic yards to repair the road thoroughly between the town boundary and Makaraka. I would ask authority to procure this quantity, but I understand the present contractor will require an extra 4d. per yard. I would also recommend your Council to procure from 500 to 1,000 yards for repairing the main road during the winter months. This could be deposited in depots, and utilised as required. There is no doubt of the advisability of taking this precaution. Mr. Stephenson, the contractor for the supply of gravel, requests that he may be allowed to procure the 50 yards required for the Bridge road from the Mataw’hero ford; if permitted to do so he will deliver 60 cubic yards in lieu of the 50 contracted for. Although the gravel is not so coarse as that at Waerenga-a-hika, it is comparatively free from silt, and I am of opinion that it will bind well, and make equally as good road as that from the latter place. Will your Council grant the request? Pipitchaka Bush Road.— About 80 chains of this road will required to be fascined before winter, otherwise it will be impassable for traffic and dangerous for stock. This I am afraid will be an annual source of expenditure, until such time as the old corduroying can be removed, and stone procured for forming the road.

Waipaoa Bridge.— ln order to preserve the bridge, it is very necessary that the timber should be tarred and painted. It is now five years since it was done before. I recommend that the work should be undertaken. Tram Rails, Ormond Beach.— l would ask authority to call for tenders for taking up and stacking the iron rails at present on the Ormond Beach. If not done many of them will be silted over and not recoverable.

Pakirikiri Ferry.— l would ask your Council to decide definitely what shall be done with this ferry service. At present it is giving satisfaction to no one. Tenders were called some time since for repairing the approaches, but as the tender was considered too high, nothing further has been done. To put the approaches in repair it will require 2| chains fascining 30 feet wide, and 1 chain repaired. If this were done, I think some one could be found to work it for the ferry charges. lam of opinion that the traffic is not sufficient to warrant anyone paying a subsidy to the Council for the ferry. It has been proved that it is impossible to work the punt with a rope round a drum, owing to the strong current and length of span ; consequently, there being no further use for the rope which was furnished with the punt, I would ask authority to sell it. Waimata Road.— l have inspected this line of road with the object of ascertaining those portions which most require money under the Road and Bridges Act spending on them to open the line for dray traffic. Before definitely deciding this point, it will be necessary for you to say what portion of this road comes under your control. The question is this t whether the road from the Taruheru Bridge to its junction with the Gisborne-Opotiki road at the Quarry Tram is a main road, or only so far as its junction with the Waimata inland road, thence along the road to the interior. I would also ask you to decide what amount should be spent out of the vote in improving the main street through the North Gisborne township, this being portion of the Waimata Road.

It was resolved to adopt the two first paragraphs of the report. GRAVSL. It was resolved to pay the extra 4d. per yard for 200 yards more metal for the GisborneMakaraka Road, and to call for tenders for 500 and 1,000 yards more, to be deposited in depots for winter use. It was also resolved that Mr. Stephenson be allowed to procure 65 yards of gravel from the Matawhero Ford, providing the Engineer approved of the same. Cr. Clarke described the metal which was being used on the Pipiwhaka Bush Road, as almost useless. The Engineer was ordered to make the necessary repairs, so as to carry them over the winter. WAIPAOA BRIDGE. It was resolved that tenders be called for painting and tarring. The Engineer was also instructed to meet Mr. J. Clark with a view to cutting down the willows near the bridge. TRAM RAILS ORMOND BRIDGE. Tenders were ordered to be .called for the removal of the rails. PAKIRIKIRI FERBY. Cr. Johnson was of the opinion that the punt would pay if it was in the proper position, and was worked properly. The approaches must be put right. As the punt was now, it was no use whatever. The punt would be much required in winter time, as the Oweta Road would be impassable. The Chairman had been over the river, and saw the difficulties. As it was now it was a white elephant to the County. It was agreed that tenders be called for fascining the approaches. WAIMATA ROAD. The Council were unanimously of opinion that the whole road was not a County one, and ordered the money to be spent on that part from the Taruheru Bridge to Grey’s. EAST COAST ROAD SCHEDULE. It was proposed by the Chairman, and seconded by Cr. Stewart, “ That the amended schedule [already published] be forwarded to Government, asking them to consent to the departure from the original schedule, and stating as the reason that the £7OO was not sufficient to make a dray road, but that the money could be more beneficially spent in making a bridle track to Tologa.”—Carried. The Engineer was also instructed, if necessary, to spend £l9O on the road from Tologa to Waipawa river. RATES. Cr. Johnson said there were outstanding rates to the amount of over £4,000, and thev had an overdraft of £2,000. He moved, “ That rates be sued for at once, and that the Magistrate be interviewed with a view of getting two or three days set apart for hearing summonses.” It was decided that a week’s notice be given to ratepayers of this step. ROAD AT SCOTT’S. The Engineer stated he had forgotten to mention in his report the necessity for having the road from the Isle of Mull Hotel to Scott’i repaired. If something was not done, it would be impassable. He estimated the cost at £l4O. It was agreed that tenders should be called for the work by the next meeting. The Engineer was also instructed to report as to the probable cost of erecting a bridge across the Waikohu river, and forming a road across the hill to the Lawn property, as the Chairman believed that would in time be the main road.