PIAKO COUNTY COUNCIL,

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 154, 15 May 1886, Page 2

PIAKO COUNTY COUNCIL,

— — • — • The usual monthly meeting of the above Council was held in the Borough Chambers, Hamilton, on Thursday (ifch inst. Present : Ors W. L. C. Williams, ('chairman), J. C. Firth, W. T. Firth, I). Murphy, E. Maclean, W. P. Chepmell, and C. Gould. The meeting commenced directly after the arrival of the 10.30 a.m. train. Prior to the meeting, Cr. J. C. Firth expressed himself as being greatly pleased at their being able (through the courtesy of the Hamilton Burgesses) to obtain the use of such a large, comfortable and bright room for their meetings at Hamilton. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed ; after which correspondence was read. The Clerk stated he wrote to Wellington again on the 17th ult, re permission to expend the balance of the subsidy for tracks on Waiorongomai goldfield, on other tracks in the sam o vicinity, but had received no reply. On die motion of Cr Firth, it was resolved to eomunicate again with the Minister of Minos on the matter. Sledge Tracks,— Mr H. McLiver wrote, stating that Emmett and party, had finished their contract, and Hogan and party would soon have completed the other section. Shaftesbury Road.— Mr E. Y. Cox wrote, asking permission to plant trees along the diagonal road at Shaftosbnry, in the space between tho fence and tue drain. Permission granted, provided that only deciduous trees were planted, in such positions as would not impede traffic. Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. — Mr Greenville from Thames, was introduced by Cr Murphy, as having come from Thames to attend the Council meeting, re this matter. The clerk read a telegram Cr J. B. Smith forwarded from Soutlibridgc, Canterbury, which he had received from Mr Greenville, asking him to recommend the Council to appoint him as their representative at Thames, on the Hospital Board now that the Hospital had been constituted a separate institution. Cr Smith in forwarding tho telegram advised the appointing of Cr Chepmoll, if anything was done in the matter. On the motion of Cr J. C. Firth, it was resolved that the council take no action in the matter being opposed to the whole system as most unjust. A long discussion ensued amongst the councillors re this subject. Cr Chepmell referred to what had taken place at the recent meeting of delegates at Hamilton, when a motion was carried recommending that the Pinko district bo separated from Thames. Cr J. C. Firth referred to a clause in a circular which had been issued as a result of that meeting, which was to the efTecc that Piako County Council bo asked to assist with the view of bein^ included in a new district ; he was of opinion that Piako County was quite large enough, separate enough, and wealthy enough, to standby itself, and he moved " That this council petition the Government to amend the schedule of the Act, with a view to making Piako County a separate district ; and that their member be requested to support the petition." Seconded by Cr Murphy. Cr Chepmell disagreed with Cr J. C. Firth's remarks, and thought it would be much bettor to try and combine for hospital purposes with other counties as proposed. Cr J. C. Firth, said it would pay Piako County better to pay double the present rates for patients from their county in Auckland Hospital, than to establish a hospital of their own at present. The taxable value at Piako County alone was about a million and a quarter, and they were quite strong enough, and able enough to carry on their works. He believed the taxable value of the other districts (viz counties of Waikato, Waipa, Raglan, and Borough of Hamilton) was only equal to a like sum. Cr Chepmell : At present we pay 75 per cent of the cost of the Hospital. Cr J. C. Firth ; If tacked on to Waikato, etc., etc., we shall have to pay 50 per cent ; whilst those other districts have a far larger population than Piako County has, and Piako county would probably have only a third in the representation. It would simply mean they would be ruled by Waikato. Cr Firth's motion was carried. Roches Gorge. — In accordance with instructions received from the council, Mr Pavitt, engineer, forwarded plan and particulars respecting the drain across tho road cut by Mr E. F. Roche, Shaftesbury ; and which had since, by the action of the water, so enlarged that a bridge and approaches had to be constructed by the council at considerable outlay ; the report stated that the drain was first cut by Mr Roches order in 1882. Lengthy discussion ensued on the subject ; it having been resolved at the previous meeting that legal advice be sought as to Mr Roches liability for cutting this drain across a public road. It was ultimately resolved, on the motion of Cr J. C. Firth, That all further action be suspended till the next meeting of council, in order to give Mr Roche an opportunity of contributing towards the expense the council had been put to. Mr Pavitt, engineer for the Aroha Riding, reported that tho work of making approaches and bridge at Roches Gorge, Shaftesbury, had been satisfactorily completed by the contractor Mr

Jas. Shine, and that the formation work,' Whitaker and Bridge streets, Te Aroha, would he completed by the following Saturday. John Mace, a settler on theTe Aroha West Block, wrote asking the Council to give him a ticket of admittance to the Thames Hospital, as he had been laid up for over twelve months with rheumatism. Or Murphy strongly supported the appli cation. The majority of the Councillors were of opinion that as the case arose within the district for which they were rated, the applicant had as Ttiuch right to be admitted to the hospital as any one in the Borough of Thames, and no special ticket was required ; and they declined to give such. Inspector of Nuisances. — The Clerk asked, should Inspector Kiely's reply be favourable with respect to the appointing of Sergt. Emerson as Inspector of Nuisances for Te Aroha district, what salary would be attached to the appointment. Cr Murphy moved that the salary be £,12 per annum. Cr J. C. Firth said it was the Sergeant's duty, as an officer and guardian of the people, to look after these things. Cr Muiphy remarked, the Sergeant had no power to take action in such matters, unless appointed by the council. Cr J. C. Firth then moved that a salaiy of £5 per annum be given, as an acknowledgment, which was carried.

TRAMWAY MANAGER'S REPORT. The Tramway Manager reported the number of true'es delivered at the battery for the month as 356. About 15 chains of the upper horse track had been repaired and metalled, and two new bridges made. The portion of the track near Diamond Gully would require a good deal of labour expended on it, and blasting would be necessary. The amount expended on repairing the track so far, bad been about £23 19s 4d ; in addition to this about £G had been expended in exploring the track to Tui. The manager further reported having repaired a bridge in the township which was previously in a very danjerous condition.

THE TUI TRACK. Mr Cookson, tramway manager, who had been appointed at the previous council meeting to prospect for and report as to piobable cost, etc., for a sledge track to connect the termination of the county tramway at the Premier mine, with the mines afc Tui Creek, Te Aroha, thereby opening up a most valuable belt of comparatively unprospocted auiiferous country, submitted the following report : We made a start on this work about a week ago, and I think that a very good sledge track can be made from the end of the tramway to the county boundary. The distance, I should say, would be about three-quarteis of a mile, or thereabouts ; and the probable cost of making such track about £2 per chain. The most difficult part would be from Premier to the the top of the hill, a<3 the country thereabouts is composed of hard rock, but from the top of the hill to the boundary is comparatively easy country, as it follows tho leading range right into the Tui district. I have been through several times, and my opinion is that it would be most beneficial to both districts to have such a track, as it would tend to encourage people to prospect the country. There are no heavy engineering difficulties to face, the only place likely to give any trouble being, as I before mentioned, the Premier hill, beyond that it is plain sailing. Bad weather dm ing the whole time engaged on this work made bush travelling slow and unpleasant. The distance right through from the Premier to Kirker's claim, Tui, is about two miles. No objections were raised by any of the councillors, with respect to making of the proposed track. Cr Murphy requested that tho clerk be instructed to write to the Ohineinuri County Council asking if they would undertake the formation of the portion that would be in their county. Cr Murphy urged the desirability of proceeding with the work as it would enable piospectors to go out, and also assist the tramway. On the motion of Cr J. C. Firth it was resolved " That the clerk be instructed to telegraph the Ohinemuri County Council (their being no time to communicate by letter prior to their next meeting) asking if they would co-operate (as suggested by Cr Murphy) in carrying out the work ; and fuithcr, that the clerk be instructed to telegraph the Minister of Mines pointing out desirability of this work, and same time asking reply letter 17th ; also that in case of a favourable reply being received that the chairman and Cr Murphy be authorised to act on behalf of the council so as to save unnecessary delay. Tramway carges. — Cr Murphy referring to the tramway carges said he considered it would be well for the whole subject of the working of the tramway to be considered. He was of opinion that the council should make no profit out of the tramway. (Cr J. C. Firth : nor loss either.) The council obtained a large revenue from gold duty : he therefore gave notice that at the next meeting of the council the whole subject be considered. Bridge afc "Waiorongomai. — On the motion of Cr Murphy, it was resolved that the tramway hands be employed to repair a bridge at Waiorongomai town-* ship (which was in a dangerous state) at a cost nob exceeding £10. Main lload. — Cr Murphy said the road between "Waiorongomai and Te Aroha required attending to, and in order that it might not; get into a bad

state lie would suggest that a surface man be put on for the three winter months, and also that the tramway manager be requested in spare time, to supply a few loads of gravel, Mr Pavitt to supervise the work. Cr Murphy offered the use of a dray and harness to assist the work, as the tramway manager had none. It was decided to carry out the suggestion, and Mr Murphy was thanked for his offer to insist by lending t cart and harness. , ( -- A Completion of Tracks? — The only tender for constructing three rough bush bridges, to complete the new prospecting tracks made at Waiorongomai was that of Messrs Hogan, Southey and Courtney, £65, which it was decided to accept sulject to Mr McLiver's approval. Shaftesbury Road. — For the formation of 85 chains of this road, viz., from Mr Roches stockyard to the southern boundary of Mr Gnge Brown's land the following tenders were received : — Jas. Shine, £152 ; John O'Biien, £187 4s. It was stated that the Engineer's estimate for the whole work was £190, including the bridge, etc., at Roches Gorge ; whilst it now appeared the bridge portion of the work alone had cost £164:. Cr J. C. Firth remarked this would, taking the Engineer's estimate, leave O'lly £26 for expenditure on that portion for which tenders were now sent in. Cr Muipliy said : The whole thing should have been lot in one tender, according to instructions, last January, when it would have been done for far less The Government had promised a subsidy of £1 for £1 for this road for the benefit of the Gordon settlers, total cost not to exceed £250. On the motion of Cr J. C. Firth, it was resolved that neither of the tenders be accepted, as there were no funds available. Cr Gould moved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Engineer and ask him to explain how so great a discrepancy existed between the estimate and tenders. Seconded by Cr (Jhepmell, and carried. Cr Murphy drew attention to the hardship that would ensue to the Gordon settlers through the road not being completed. Clarkes Drain. — Cr Chopmell, aa one of the committee appointed to inspect this drain, stated that the committee decided that it would be best to let the water for the present run tlnough the culvert and along- the road drain. Rosolred : That the water be allowed to enter the culvert at (he same level as formerly, that pnilim which hal been lately deepene 1 to be again tilled up. To Aroha Streets. — A resolution passed at a recent meeting of the Te Aroha Improvement Committee, and handed in by Cr .Murphy w,is then road, as follows : — That this committee request Mr Murphy to briny: before the County Council ut their first meeting the necessity of expending a sum of £90 for the immediate improvement of Whitnker and Bridge stieets, Te Aroha: The amount to be charge 1 against the next separate rate ; and further, that the County JEngineor be requested to prepare a schedule of works to be carried out throughout the riding, with the funds accruing from the said rate. Cr Murphy spoke in favour of the request being granted, and referred to the present state of Whitaker street, which, although lately formed, sadly needed metalling, as did also Bridge street. He considered the work shoulJ be carried out at once. Cr Chepmell moved, " That the letter be received, and that the question be considered when the whole question of expenditure in the Riding was considered. Seconded by the Chairman, and carried. Cr Gould remarked the carrying off of nuisances from the back of that street was quite as important as its being metalled. Track at Stoney Creek.— The following petition was read : " We, the undersigned miners and residents of Te Aroha and Waiorongomai, do hereby earnestly pray that you will be pleased to vote a sum of money for the purpose of making a sledge track up the Stoney Creek as far as the big boulder, which would be about 25 chains from the claims working under great difficul ties, the quartz having to be carried on men's backs a distance of about 1^- miles. One party had already carried about 2 tons, and obtained therefrom a very satisfactory return from the battery, but the almost insurmountable difficulties, together with the expense of having to carry tho quartz, precluded the possibility of makI ing it pay Avages. The working of the Grand Junction claim olone, had cost over £200. If tho track were made as suggested by your petitioners, there would no doubt soon be a number of claims take up, which would prove a source of revenue to the county and soon cover the cost of making tho track. We think that a track to answer the purpose would cost about £80, and it would prove a great boon to the district generally, etc., etc." One hundred and eight signatures were attached. Cr J. C. Firtu said they had applied again and again to Government on this matter. The money had been allocated. He thought it was a great hardship on those concerned that there should be such delay ; and hoped the Chairman would telegraph to Government and put the matter in such a way that if any further delay or refusal occurred, it would be placed on Government's shoulders, and not on theirs. Mr R. Mackie, Te Aroha, was in attendance, and complained that in times of heavy rain his land at Waiorongomai suitcrcd through overflow from the-

roari drains, and asking the council to assist in enlarging his drain. On the motion of Cr J. C. Firth, the matter was referred to a committee' of three to report on, viz. r Crs Murphy, Chepniell, ond Gould. Several accounts Svere passed for payment. The next meeting of the council will be held on Saturday, May 29th ; and it is proposed, as being more convenient to some of the councillors, that the meetings he held on Saturdays instead of Thursdays. The question wiil be discussed at next meeting.