OHINEMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 215, 13 August 1887, Page 2

OHINEMURI COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting (adjourned i from previous Satuiday), and also a special meeting of above Council, were heJd at the County offices, Paeroa, on Tuesday last. Present : Crs, Cock (chairman), Corbett, Nicholls, Strange, Walsh, Moore, Humphreys, and Butler. Minutes of the previous meeting wore read and confirmed. Correspondence. — A great deal of correspondence, both outward and inward, was read, including the following :^ From Mr N. Dickey, asking foi certain road repairs. The Chairman stated the matter had been attended to. From Messrs. J. Phillips and Son, re the dangerous state of the old Waitekauri hiil track, and stating they would hold Council responsible for any accident which might occur through their neglect. j Some discussion took place relative to thia letter, and as to whether Council were obliged to keep thiß track in repair ; seeing , the present state of County finances, and | also that there was a good road to Waite- ! kauri, via Owharoa. Cr Humphreys being of opinion they were not. Letter received. From the Public Works Department, Wellington, acknowledging receipt of letter, re flood damages to County ro.uls, etc , together with Engineers report thereon, and asking assistance towards effecting repairs. The reply stated tint at prepeat there were no funds available for the purpoie, but the matter would be borno in mind whon estimates were being compiled by now pariiainont. From Secretary Thames Hospital Boaid, requesting remittance of £208 8a 4d, due by Council. On the motion of the Chairman it wa« resolved, "Tint the Board be aakod to accept the amount by instalment*. From Mr John Buchanan, requesting that iiin n.uno be removed from tho rate roll aa liable for rates on Otainauraogunui block. Resolved that tho request bo not complied with. From Property Tax Department, Wellington, stating that a voucher for £202 5b 2d, amount due Council for rates on Native lands, 1886 7 had been sent on to Treasury Department. Reßolved on motion o£ Cr Nicholls that the Tieasurer bo requested to place the amount to the credit of Couucii at once. Debentures, under Roads and Bridges Construction Act.— From the Treasury Department, Wellington, requesting payment of L 33 14s 3d, being interest for! half year on L 1348 9s lOd, debentures under tho Roads and Bridges Construction Act, inscribed at the Treasury under "The Government Loans to Local Bodio3 Act 1886." j The Chairman stated that since the Financial Report, which would bo laid; before the meeting later on, had been drawn up, they had received this letter stating that the amount owing under Rds. ; and Bgs. C. Act, had been inscribed the result of which would be that L 67 would now have to be paid annually instead of L 222. He had paid the interest referred to, L 33 14s 3d. Resolved, "That the Chairman's action in thia matter be approved. From Mr A. J. Tharp requesting that a copy of tho specifications of Shawi contract, Paeroa- Hikutaia road, be placed foi' inspection at the County Office, and requesting to be informed if the contract had been finished and passed. To this letter the Clerk had replied, stating that the specifications referred to were in the hands of the Engineer, who had been requested to return them to J the County office, and also stating that the work had been passed as finished. From Mr H. C. Wick, complaining of out fall drain not being < large enough, j whereby his land was injured by water, j and stating he would hold council responsible for any further damage done in con- ! sequence. It was stated by some of the Crs. that the drain was large enough, except in cases of great flood. Cr Moore : Then a similar complaint might be made respecting Ohinemuri river at times. Cr Butler said this matter has been attended to frequently both by Thames County Council before separation, and since, and lie should not be surprised if Mr Wick would next come up and ask them to sow his land for him. Cr Nicholls : The drain referred to was cleaned out at a cost of L 25 by us. Letter received. Waitoa Ratepayers : A Protest—The following letter was read : The settlers of the upper portion of the Waitoa Riding protest against being made in any way responsible for any loan raised by the County Council, which, as at present constituted does not fairly represent the ratepayers demand readjustment of representation, and that each Riding be made responsible for its own borrowing. Signed : J W McCormiclc, Allen A Bowlor, S F Scott, F Strange, Edward Bowler :

John Mellon, C B Edwards, Jun., John Brinkley, C B« Edwards. Letter received, no action berni? taken in this matter. Thames Hurhonv Bowd Extension^ etc. — From the Colonial Secretary's office, Wellington, stating that by proclamation of the Governor, the district within Ohinorauri County had boen constituted a Biver Board, under the River Boards Act, 1884, and that the County Council had been constituted tho Board thereof. With reference to this matter the Chairman said : No doubt n>o»t of those present would remember that Borne two yeaiH ago or so, an attempt was made by paities at the Thames to launch a syatem of taxation upon them ; in which they wero then defeated, as the country would not sanction such a thing. Now they had tried it on again in a different way, and to a certain extent succeedcd,and he could only eharacteiinethe manner in which the thing had been done as most despicable. Judging from what wan publicly known of the matter they could only infer that both the request from those at tho Thames to have the port of Thames extended so as to include the navigable partions or! rivers within Ohinemuri and Piako Counties, and also the petition from Ohinemuri residents praying that Ohinemuri bo coasti tuted a River Board, were before the Governor at the same time, and the granting of the River Board petition at all was in his opinion merely a duty ruse, seeing that the proclamation extending the limits of the port of Thames was given priority by about a week, and practically nullified the constituting of the River Board altogether, as the Harbour Board had such greatly superior powers. They would have to do all in their power to have the proclamation extending the powers of the Thames Harbour Board upset ; and the matter waa now in the hands of Devoro and Cooper, solicitors. Ho might also stato that Mr J. B. Whyte would assist them in getting rid of this great injustice that had been done them. Cr Humphreys spoke strongly condemning the action of Government in this matter, which he considered was a most dishonorable transaction, in fact a more disgraceful thing he considered scarcely ever came before a local body. Fancy a Government granting Thames jurisdiction over all their riverß, and then a lew days afterwards constituting Ohinemuri County Council a River Board. The Chairman Btated he had receivod telegrams re this matter, to the eilect tii.it Mr L. Bagnall and others were anxious to co-operate with tho Council in endo.ivouring to havo the proclamation revoked, and an elective river bouid constituted, who should have control of the rivers from their mouth to head of navigation . That Meßsrs Devore and Cooper advised every possible publicity being given the m.itter both through the press*, local, Auckland, and at Wellington ; by the couveuitig of public inoetingB at every possible centre, etc., to condemn the action of Government in this affair, etc. Also stating that the Colonial Secretary in reply to enquiries made stated the Marine Department, of which Mr W. J. M. Larnach is at the head, waa responsible for this transaction. Crs. wero unumiuious in expressing their condemnation of Government in this matter. From the Treasury, stating th.it LB7, grant for improvement of Paeroa-Uwharoa road had been placed to the Council's credit at the Bank of New Z'*al vnd. From Bradley and Co. complaining of tho stale of the loailn. Resolved that tho mutter be attended to. From John Kelly, one of the sureties of W. Banott, contractor for formation of tramway to Railey's battery, asking Couni.il to take over the work. Considerable discussion took placo ru this letter, both Kelly und B.urett being allowed to address the Council. It was generally admitted the contractor, also Kelly ,hi« suiety, wuro heavy lofaers through having taken tho contract so cheap, still Council could not help that, and the contract would havo to be carried out. Resolved : That the Engineer be instructed to finish the lower (section of the tramway, and when that was done, that Kellys letter be considered. Some conversation took place relative to contracts carried out by Barrett (PaeroaTe Aroha road, and others') The Chairman Crs. Nicholls, Strange, and others expressed tho opinion that Barrett had carried out his contracts exceptionally well. Mr Dod, registrar of dogs, having neglected to render any statement of accounts it was resolved : " That the Clerk be | instructed to draw his attention to section , 172 of tho Counties Act; proceedings to be ! taken against him, under this section if necessary. I Advertising. — Some communications i addressed to the Editor Hauraki Tribune, drawing attention to the amount of space i occupied by advertisements inßorted in his, paper, were read. A notice of motion by Cr Ilumphrey, " That all previous resolutions re advertising be rescinded," whioh lapsed owing to the raoverd absence from the previous meeting, and reinstated by Cr Strange was next dealt with. - - -- , Resolved on the motion of Cr Strange j seconded by Cr. Hnmphreys : " That all former resolutions re advertising, be re/scinded." < Some discussion took*- place s re thJ3 question of advertising',"" and the' Hcon,sideiation of an offer by the proprietor's of the Aroha and Ohinemuiu News to insert all Ohinemuri County Council advertisements for twelve months for forty pounds. It was stated the acceptance of this offer would be the means of effecting a great saving to the county, (considering what advertising in the Hauraki Tribune had cost in the past.) Or. Strange moved, and Cr. Corbett seconded, that the offer made by the proprietors of the" News be accepted. , It being generally understood that 'tfre Editor of the Tribune would be offered similar terms -for inserting County .advertisements. Cr. Humphreys- sugges*ed_ that this should be incorporated with the resolution, and the mover and seconder consenting thiß was done, and the resolution then pvt and carried unanimously. It was 'stated th© offer voado by the proprietors of the News would reduce the cost of advertising by 40 to 50 per cent. (It appears that for advertising the last County balance pheet alone the Tribune charged between Lll and Ll2 ; the balance sheet being distributed over three sides of the ( paper,)

The" ordinary meeting was thon ad journed and a Hpeeial meeting declared opon tv consider the question' of redistribution oE representation. Petition from Waitoa ratepayer (Rangioiu portion). — i The following petition was then rend, and presented by Cr Moore i ' ' Netherton, April 20th, 1887. / To the Chairman and Gentlemen of the Ohinemuri County Council. Wrc the undesigned ratepayers of the Netherton portion of Waitoa, flnd that our roads, and ajl other County matters are entirely .separate from the Waitoa portion of our Riding ; and feel sure that our interests cannot be fairly represented under existing circumstances. We therefore pray that your council will take such stops that will lead to the division of this Waitoa Riding. And the forming of this end into a now and separate Riding to be called the Nytherton Riding. Also that in future we may have tho powor to elect a member to represent our interests. We respectfully suggest the dividing boundary line should be from junction of Waihou river, to Waitoa river, in a straight line. And we theundersigned will ever pray: — William Moore John Adamson, Jan. George Smith Mrs Smith L. J. Bagnall H. C. Giliespia John Read James Darrow Robt- Comer Thames Borough Council by the ! Town Clerk, F. C. Doan. ! Win. John McKo« H. N.Ofjttlton A. Smith G. Simpson Cr Humphreys opposed any incre,i«e in tho number of members, and suggested Hut one member bo taken from Paeroa riding; and given to VVuitoa. Cr Mooie moved that tlio petition bo granted. Cr Strange seconded tho motion, spoke strongly in its support, and stated he had done all he could to have the wants of all residents in the Waitoa riding attended to, andthe roads in the riding made passable. He considered the potition w.ib a leaaonable and just one, but did not think Paeroa should be deprived of a member, seemg 1 they had the power to appoint a fresh member. In hia opiii'on Paeroa riding was no moro than fairly lepresented now, if fairly. Cr Nicholls : lam in favour of granting the petition, and appointing a new member to represent them ; it is quite impossible for Or Strange to look after tho interests of the settlors referred to ao fully as they require. Cr Strange : I consider tho council wrong in neglecting to alter the redistribution and that the present distribution o£ seats does not comply with the provisions of the Counties Act. Cr Nicholls seconded Gr Moores motion Cr Corbett moved an amendment as follows : " That a new riding bo constituted out of poitionB of the Paeroa and Wait ia ridings, via., all that portion or. the Paeroa Hiding, north of the JKomata Cioek, and tho northern portion of the Waitoa Hiding, taking- a line due vest from the junction of Komata creek with the Thames river to the western boundary of the Waitoa Hiding, and one member to bo taken from Paeroa Hiding to represent the new riding," seconded by Cr Walhh. For the amendment there voted Crs Coibott, Humph ley a, Walsh, and Butler, the motion was then put and declared cam d on tho casting vote of the Chairman. The Council then adjourned for tea, and re-asfeembling at 7 p.m. A notice of motion in Mr Nicholls name, re General Hate, was dealt with. Resolved on the motion of Cr Nieholl's, That a general rate of six farthings in the pound bo levied, payable on September Ist. C.irrieJ. Report of Financial Committee :—: — Report of the committee appointed at the ordinary general meeting of Ohinemuri County Council, held on the 2nd day of July 1887, when it was resolved that a committee consisting of the Chairman, Cr Moore, Cr Nicholls and Cr Corbotfc be appointed, to consider the financial position of the County, and t3 prepare a report on the same, embodying any suggestions they may have to make with regard to financial matters generally. Three to form a quorum. The Committee attach hereto a statement of the liabilities and available assets of the County to the period ending 31st October, 1887. This estimate gives an approximate statement of all liabilities that now exist or will fall due at that date, and also a statement of all revenue that may reasonably be expected to accrue within that date. The Committee recommend that the geneial rate of 6 farthings in the £ agreed to by the Council at its general meeting on the 7th May, 1887, be made pay-able on~tlie Ist September, 1887 and that in view of the heavy liabilities that have to.be , met by, the 30th September, 1887, it 1 be publicly notified that all general rates not paid by that date( Ist September) will be sued for at once without further notice. 1 • ; - - ' I The Committee draw attention to tho fact that the special rate just collected, is that, which fell due on the Ist April, 1885, collectable during the year 18851886 to meet the debentures which were paid by the Council out of its general revenue in June 1886, and months following. , | . ;' ' ■ That the special rate wlifch Was due on the Ist April. 1886, payable' during "the year 1888-1&87 «b r 'nteeMhe payment of debentures due last May, (1887) has not yet been collected! at. all. And lastly that the special rate struck by the Thames ,Qqu;nty>to meet the payment of debentures under the Iloads and Bridges Construction Act, the collection which was hart'deil "overdo the Ohinemuri County on its separation from the Thames, only realises the 'sum of £193 Is 4d annually, whereas the annual sum I payable for redeeming debentures is £221 7s Od, leaving a deficit each year of £28 5s Bd.

In the face of this llw committee recommend that in accordance with powers grunted under Sue. 160 Counties Act, 188G, tiie Council do inciease the special rate now leviable for the year 1887-1888 to four lathings in tho £ until such time as the deficiency of «£st> Ha 4d is cleared off, and further that the above special rate fer tiio your 18rf7 ami ltfSb bo at once demanded together with the special late, I^6-1887, (shown ns arronrsjin one demand — that the payment of the above double rate be made in two instalments, the mst to fall due on the Ist December, 1887; and the second on the Ist Fcbiuury, 1888. Also that in view of tho fact that large sums have been paid out of the general revenue, which should have fallen on the Special Rate Fund j tlw Council do from time to time repay to the former account funds, accumulating in the latter by the receipt of special rates. lv considering the statement of accounts attached, and roughly estimating the revenue and expenditure fur thefollowing six months ; the committed have arrived at the conclusion that there will be no funds available for even keeping the main roads passable, apart from the urgent necessity for important works elsewheie ; they therefore recommend the Council to take the necessary steps to initiate a loan under The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and the Local Bodies Loans Act, lor the sum of £7000, to be expended according to the following schedule, or such other schedule as the Council may adopt. In the matter of the Hospital and Charitable Aid item, £3GB IGs Bd, the committee would recommend that those bodies bo wiitton to, requesting 1 them to. allow the payments to be made in three equal instalments, on the Ist September, Ist December, 1887, and the Ist February, 1888, respectively. In carefully considering the question of the maintenance vi roads and tl'e construction of any new ones that may bo necessary, tho commit tea find that thoro are about 40 miles of main roads which must be kept in lepair with the bridges, &c. on them ; and about five miles of this length is through bush, requiring 1 considerably more than the average cost of maintenance to keep them passable. When our revenue,apart f rom Government grunts and subsidies, is taken into consideration (last years revenue amounted to £1773 17s 2d) } and tha necessary expenses of administration and actually necessary works is deducted, it will be seen that the balance is totally inadequate to even keep the main loads in decent repair, without considering exceptional circumstances, such a3 renewals of bridges, storm and flood [damages, which must in the ordinary course be anticipated and provided for and lastly, when the roads aro not yet so far thoroughly made, that their maintenance and repair is tne only question to h« considered with reference to them. Under these circumstances the committee ieconimend tliat the Government be asked to subsidise that portion of the | loan that it is proposed to appropriate Ito main road works, and further to annually subsidise our annual expenditure under that head ; or on the other hand, take over from the County all the construction and maintenance of main roads, the County for its part handing over to the Government, the Bum proposed to be appropriated out of loan to. main roads, and in addition guaranteeing to pay to the Government one half of its geneial rates as their subsidy towards cost of maintenance. The Chairman luving read the report, said : The Committee in arriving at tho conclusions set forth in the report, werein no way anxious to try and force a loan on the latepayers, who would do as they thought best in the matter. He mderstood tho goldfields members were willing, in order to make matters easier for the ratepayers and toassist in raising the loan,, that half the interest be derived from goldfields revenue ; by adopting this course only a sin. ill rate would have to be levied to provide the inteiest annually » The loan if raised would not be expended until atter the general couuty election. Or Covbett said : As one of the committee who compiled the report, he wished to state that it was the result of careful consideration and deliberation, and they had endeavoured to allocate it fairly. They suggested the loan to provide money for work that would have to be done, whether the money were raised by loan or by rates ; and, if the loan were obtained the interest (some L3OO odd per annum) would not amount to as much as the extra maintenance to keep the roads even passable. By adopting tho course suggested it would show they were in earnest in endeavouring to put the roads in good order, and they might rensonnbly look to Government for a subsidy seeing that the county had to keep some 40 miles of main roads open. If raised now, the money would be ready for expenditure in the dry season, and could be expended to advantage by the now council" Cr Humphreys said he, wished, to impress on the ratepayers the fact that it was compulsory. (OU the CpunciUb keep tho main roads open> and if they" did not do po Government could, under, the Public Works Act, have the work done and compel them to pay Cor it; If tho loan were raised and 1 half the interest provided out of goldfield'a revenue, he believed a halfpenny rate would be sufficient to provide the balance, for interest. 'He 'hoped the ratepayers would all vote in favour of tho loan. Or Strange objected, on the giounds that with present prices for produce, etc, the settlers could not stand being rated any further ; also, he objouted to the allocation'for main roads ; and generally strongly opposed the proposed loan. - . Cr Humphreys movod, and Cr Walsh seconded, the adoption of the report j'aud 'all Comicellors where hi favour of the motion, with the exception of Cr Strange, who voted against it, The motion was dcclaied canicd, and the meeting rose*