COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 234, 13 September 1884, Page 2

COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following is the continuation of the report of Thursday’s meeting:— Waimata Riding.

Cr. Johnson moved that the new district proposed to be called Waimata should be constituted a new Riding and that one member be taken from the Tologa Bay Riding and given to the Waimata Riding. Cr. Gannon said that would leave Tologa Bay with no member at all. Cr. Johnson said it would leave it one member representing £Bl2 per annum. Cr. Clarke seconded the proposition which was carried. Cr. Johnson then proposed that the Wainiata Riding, as now constituted, be recognised as the Waimata Road District. Seconded by Cr. Westrup and carried. Ordinary Business. The ordinary business was then proceeded with, the outgoing correspondence being read. Incoming Correspondence. From W. J. Petchcll applied for £3O rent due for the right to run the tramway through section 19, Ormond. Cr. Westrup proposed, “ That the Engineer interviews Mr. Petchell and ascertain the best terms he can make with him as to allowing the line to remain.”—Carried. From G. F. Ritso with reference to the proposed railway which has already been published. The Engineer said the reason for having the line to Opotiki was in order that anyone along the line could claim under the Railway Construction Act, whereas if it only went to the quarry at Patutahi, no one could claim any advantage under the Act. Cr. Johnson after discussion moved that the letter be left over for the Clerk and Engineer to answer. Cr. Clarke seconded.—Carried.

From C. Evans forwarding an account fm £7 10s. for work done in tending the Te Arai Bridge during the recent Hood. Cr. Gannon wished to know if men could not be employed for less than 10s, a day at this time of the year. Cr. Clarke said the work was a very uncomfortable one, the men being wet nearly the whole time, but he thought to save the expense the settlers on the other side of the bridge should put their heads together, and pay half of the expense incurred. The amount was passed for payment. From Seivwright and DeLautour, and Whitaker and Russell, forwarding bills ol costs re sub-lease of buildings. It was decided to hold the matter over.

From Sergeant Bullen, recommending the granting of the Council’s request to allov Constable Bower, Ormond, to accept the appointment of Dog Registrar. Petition. Cr. Gannon presented a numerously signed petition from persons resident about Kaiteratahi, praying the Council to make some provision for the maintenance of a ferry at that place. He hoped the Council would give thf matter favorable consideration, as it was a question of urgent necessity. Engineer’s Report. Gisborne-lVairoa Road.— l have inspected this line of road as far as Te Reinga (the boundary of the county), and have let a contract to Mr. Burke to repair all culverts and otherwise improve that portion between Te Reinga and Waihau Lakes, for the sura of £35. This does not include removing -slips, &c., on the newly-formed portion of road, which I am informed has not been taken over by the contractor, and is under the supervision of the chief surveyor of Napier. On that portion between Waihau and the Patutahi Flats several heavy slips have occurred (completely blocking the road), and many small ones. I estimate the cost of removing same at £BO. I instructed Mr. Burke and party on their way out to remove sufficient of the large slips to admit of traffic passing. It is desirable that the slips be removed as soon as possible, and I would ask your Council to decide if the work be undertaken by contract or day labor. Waimata Road.— The several contracts on this road have been completed. I would recommend that a bridge be constructed over the creek near Mr. Barker’s residence, the present rough culvert being dangerous for traffic. It will be necessary to clear out the natural water course leading into which we have cut an inlet drain through Mr. Gray’s property. I would ask authority to get this work done at an estimated cost of £l2.

Tenders. — I propose calling for tenders for forming and gravelling road leading to the Repongaere ford in a fortnight’s time, and for draining, forming and gravelling portions of the Mangatu Road, between Scott’s gate and Rangatira crossing, by next meeting, subject to the approval of your Council. Pakirikiri Ferry.— ln accordance with instructions, I have made arrangements with Mr. Heeny to continue his services at this ferry for two months longer at 20s. per week. Conservation of River Bank Ormond.—l have inspected this work (which is being carried out by Mr. McLeod) since the flood which occurred about the middle of last month, and I find that no portion of the groin has given way, or any portion of the bank fallen in, in the prescribed distance which he proposed to protect; all the willows which were planted by him last year are growing well, and he has lately planted the whole of the bank, thickly with Osier willows. I am of opinion that the work which has been done will have the desired effect, viz., of preventing the encroachment of the river at this point, and I recommend a progress payment of £lOO, your Council paying £5O and the Ormond River Board paying £5O. In the event of any portion of the groin being washed away or it being deemed advisable to raise it in the centre Mr. McLeod is willing to do the work, there is still a balance in hand of £5O. Contracts. — The contracts in hand are being satisfactorily performed. Tenders— lt was agreed to call for tenders within a fortnight for the removal of slips as recommended by the Engineer, and also to have the work done at once with regard to Mr. Barker's culvert. The work of gravelling the road to the Repongaere ford was held over. Ormond River Conservation. With regard to the progress payment for the above work to Mr. McLeod as recommended in the Engineer’s report, Cr. Gannon said he was opposed to it. If the Engineer stated the work was complete and would last, then let Mr. McLeod be paid. The Chaiiman said that that was a matter which would now be costing them something like £l,OOO or £1,500 if Mr. McLeod had not carried out what he had undertaken. At the time Mr. McLeod started the work it was within 10 feet of the road, but since he had taken it in hand not a particle of the bank had gone. He would suggest that this Council votes a bonus of £5O for the work.

Cr. Gannon suggested that thv terms of the contract entered into between Mr. McLeod and the Council be carried out. Passing bonuses in the way proposed was wrong. He proposed that the Chairman give notice of motion of the bonus.

Cr. Johnston seconded the Chairman’s motion as he considered that Mr. McLeod was fully entitled to the money.

Further discussion ensued. All the members voted in favor of the Chairman’s motion with the exception of Cr. Gannon. Payments. Accounts amounting to £7OO odd were passed for payment. Kaitcratald Ferry. The Chairman proposed that a subsidy of £l5 a year be allowed for the carrying on of Kaiteratahi Ferry. Cr. Gannon seconded.—Carried. Dog Registration. Cr. Clarke moved that to secure the registration of all dogs, an increased portion of the tax to be alloted to the collector. Cr. Stewart seconded.—Carried.