Piako Comity Council.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43095, 21 May 1907, Page 2

Piako Comity Council.

The monthly meeting of the Piako County Council was held yesterday afternoon. Present: Crs Gavin (chairman), McCaw, Main, Keely, Donaldson, Thomas, McGloin, Ring. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr O’Donoghue interviewed the Council in regard to a drain cut by the Road Boaid affecting his place. It would be necessary to cut a three feet drain, and if they would make the drain he would guarantee to keep it clean.

Cr McGloin considered before they did anything they should find out whether it would he a natural outlet. The Chairman proposed to leave the matter in the hand of Cr Thomas, Foreman and Mr O’Donoghue to do what was necessary, seconded by Cr McGloin and carried unanimously. The Thames Valley Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, in reply to Council’s letter of March 29th, re road leading into Te Uruwhao creamery. The Company decided to dedicate the road to the Crown forthwith, and inquired if it would be necessary for them to have the deed prepared or if the' Council would do it. Messrs Porritt and Mueller also wrote enclosing dedication of road to the Dairy Company for the consent of the Piako County Council, and stated they understood from the secretary of the Company that the Council had agreed to take over the road and metal it if the Company dedicated the land. The Clutha County Council forwarded the following resolutions, passed at a meeting of their Council on April 26th, and asked for their co-operation and assistance: —“ 1 That this Council is unanimously of opinion that the present system of valuing properties throughout the colony by the Valuation Department is unreasonably costly, and presses unduly upon the already heavily burdened taxpayer. 2 That the various local authorities having a thorough knowledge of the respective values of properties under their control, could with confidence make all valuations for less than one-half the charges now imposed by the Valuation Department. 3 That with the view of bring about a much desired change, a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all County Couneils thoughout the colony soliciting their co-operation and also the assistance of their' representatives in Parliament.” The secretary of the Seddon National Memorial, Wellington, in reply to Council’s letter of October sth, wrote stating that owing to the impossibility of securing a suitable site for a Technical University, it had now been decided to erect a public monument in Wellington to the memory of the late Bight Hon. R. J. Seddon. -The monument is intended to be a National Memorial, and it is hoped that you will see your way to canvass your county for subscriptions. A subscription list was enclosed. The Matamata Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, wrote urging the need for some action to be taken re cattle straying on the public roads. Settlers are continually being pestered with straying cattle, and consider that a pound should be selected and a poundkeeper or ranger appointed accordingly, and trusted the Council would take steps to remedy the evil. John Rowe, of Te Aroha, wrote applying for a slaughterhouse license, situated on section 111. block IX., Te Aroha. Mr J. L. Hart, Hamilton, wrote as follows: “ Having in conjunction with Mr Wm. Wood, of Christchurch, purchased the B portion of No. 1 Block, Okauia, from Mr J. McCarthy, and I intend to bring it under cultivation. To facilitate this a bridge is necessary across the Waihou river on the road leading from Matamata to Tauranga, via Kimi-road. I am given to understand that this road when opened would be of considerable advantage to through traffic from Tauranga, and also to the Maurgawhero settlers who have sections on the other side of the range. It would be of advantage to us, and in consideration of which we are prepared to find 25 per cent, of the cost of a bridge.

Mr M. P. Butler, Morrinsville, wrote drawing the Council’s attention to the urgent need of a road to give access to his property, Lot 6 Piako County. At present he had no m§ans of a road except through Mr Allen’s property, nud he has lately locked the gate. The place has been paying rates ever since there was a Road Board, and he hoped the Council would give the matter their earnest attention, and open the dedicated road as soon as possible. A communication was received from Mr A. Swarbrick, Hamilton, re Waitoa roads.

Mr Dennis Murphy, Te Aroha West, wrote bringing under the notice of the Council the dangerous state of the road in time of flood between his gate and the bridge, there being some very narrow escapes from accidents during the last fresh, though the water was not within three feet of the fresh of January. The traffic on this road is now 100 times more than what it was fifteen years ago, and all this traffic is stopped for days at every high fresh. Something must be done, or there will be a serious accident sooner or later, and he recommended that the following works be taken in hand :—1 That the drain two chains long and six feet deep, now close to the metal be filled with stuff out of a new drain Ihe same length, to he made alongside the fence and that the pipes now across the road be expended to the new drain, and that the place over them be filled in level with the ground. 2 That the lowest plaoe of the road be raised four feet, the filling to be carried level, to run out to nothing at back ends —a total length of about eight chains, 3 That the traffic portion of the road be increased in width t>y five feet at each side. The earth

for widening and raising can be got a few chains away. The raising of the road four feet will not in any way endanger the bridge. He thought it would be advisable to put a set of two-feet pipes alongside the top set now in. The lifting of the road as here asked for will not put it above the high freshes, but will make the road safe for all traffic. The road at present is badly in need of some sort of directing poles to show the line of traffic in time of flood.

Doas and Collars. —C. Wood, Kiwatahi, wrote stating he did not feel justified in paying for a collar for a cattle-pup four months old, also 10s for a fox terrier, which he thought should be reduced as the dog is kept solely for killing rabbits, and has killed close on 310 rabbits the last six months.

J. W. Raffey, saddler, Gumtown, wrote requesting the Council to forward his cheque when due for dog collars to Messrs Brace, Windle, Blyth, and Co Ltd., Auckland. He forwarded his account, and stated he could not see his way to reduce the amount for 500 collars, viz. £lO 8s 4d. J. O. Zartea wrote complaining of the treatment he had received at the hands of the dog tax collection. J. W. Starley, Kiwitahi, wrote complaining of the high tax on rabbit dogs. H. D. Atkinson, secretary New Zealand County Association wrote informing the Council that a conference of Council delegates will be held in Wellington on Tuesday, July 9, for the purpose of considering the Local Government Bill, 1906 and other matters of importance in connection with local government. A copy of Agenda Paper No. 1 was enclosed. Should the Council desire to appoint a delegate it was requested to forward his name and address within one month from date hereof.

The Cambridge Borough Council wrote acknowledging the communications of February 28th and 6th inst. They notified that the Bridge material for the Cambridge 'high level bridge was on board the s.s. Frankdale, which was due in Auckland next month. The contract had been let to Mr G. M, Fraser, an experienced bridge builder, at £5,692. The total cost of the bridge would exceed the estimate by about £1,500 owing to the rise iq price of material and labour. They requested the payment of the amount mention©! in letter of January 31st, and notified that interest at the rate of 6 per cen would he on each instalment overdue thirty I

days after first demand. The Council also* informed them that if they borrowed £1,600 they would be on the safe side. The Secretary of the treasury wired re application for increase of loan to £1,600 submitted for his approval. Had no doubt it would be approved of, and would wire result. A fresh application would be needed. The Lands and Survey department wrote re roads to be taken and closed under Section 13 of “The Land Act, 1892,” Section 1, block VII and 2, Block VI, Cambridge Survey District. They _ advised that the course to be adopted in this matter is for the local authority to arrange, to whom the old road, when closed, is to be given; and the lessees of section Nos. 1 and 2, should agree as to the disposal of the severance. It is quite certain that Mr Keely is entitled to consideration, seeing he will be deprived of his road frontage to such an extent. He would therefore suggest that the road, when closed, be given to him, and that Mr Bamock bo asked to surrender that portion of his lease between the new and old roads, which should constitute a new lease to be issued to Keely. The written consent of both leasees be ob- . taineck in respect of this at the same time, Warnock being allowed for improvements if any affected on portion surrendered, Warnock’s lease be returned to this Office for cancellation, and a fresh one issued, less the portion occupied by the new road and severance, he also being allowed a reduction n rent for the area occupied by new road and severance. A letter from the County chairman stating to whom 'the closed road is to be given, would be necessary. Mr Crammond, Aratiatia, wrote, stating that the bridge was broken down on. the Hungahunga-road by Hughes’, and he was unable to get out with his horse. J. Hanks, Te Aroha. stated that the Diagonal-road leading to his place is in a very bad state. He asked the Council to i clean drains and fill holes with metal. ! W. Lockyer, Hungahunga, wrote calling the Council’s attention to the bad state of the road near his place and asked for assistance to be given. A number of settlers interviewed the Council in regard to drains. Mr Lennard’s grievance was that the water was coming through Mr Mikklesen’s and running on to his property. The water was brought down the creek and into the drain. Cr McGloin said the drain seemed to be the main outlet for Waihou, Matamata, and Manawaru. He could not see how the Council would get the water away at present, Mr Mikklesen reminded Councillors that this was an extraordinary year for water. Mr Tretheway said the drain was in a very dirty state, and he thought if it was thoroughly cleaned and the snags removed, the water would get away. He mentioned that he had had twenty acres of his land often covered with water during the last two years. Cr Thomas said it was work for a Drainage Board, and he thought the people interested should form a Board, as that seemed to be the only solution of the matter. . Mr Lennard : We will never do that. < The Chairman : If the present Counties’ Bill should get through the House this session, the Council would have the power to ■ rate the settlers in proportion to the benefits they would receive. _ Cr Keely moved that the question be adjourned for a month, to see if the settlers would come to an amicable agreement, the Chairman to inspect the drain in the meantime.

Cr Main seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Montague, who had written a strong letter in which the words darn water and dammed back, came in with dam frequency, said the Council had done harm to the road, to him, and to the man they had tried to benefit, and if they continued they would make ten chains of the road into a creek. After discussion the Chairman moved that Crs McGloin, Thomas and Donaldson meet Mr Montague on the ground and inspect the cause of the complaint.—Carried. Mr J. Browne asked the Council to construct a bridge on the new road between Matamata and Hinuwera, alongside the railway, He agreed to pay half the cost up to £3O.

Cr MeCaw move I that the Council take the matter in hand and construct a bridge sufficiently strong to carry forty tons. — Carried. Messrs Pavitt and Mclndoeof the Cemetary Board, asked if the Council could see its way to raise the road to the Cemetary, as when the river is in flood the water is often four feet deep ion the road.—Council to consider and see what could be done, Mr Mclndoe introduced Mr Clothier, a new arrival in the district, who stated that the culvert leading to his place was broken, I and he was unable to get his timber in for ™ fencing. , Foreman Johnson reported that the culvert was being repaired that day. Mr Flatt asked the Council to open the

road leading into his back property. The neighbours had erected fences across the road, and he was unable to get his stock 'through, and he had also been knocked about. The Chairman said the Council would consider the matter, and he and Cr Thomas and Mr Gilcnrist would go into the question of law. The Lockerbie settlers interviewed the Council to see what could be done to get the drains and roads opened up. The Chairman said all the Council could do was to urge the Bank to hurry on the work so that the roads would be ready for the next creamery season. Cr McCaw reported accepting the tender of Stafford and Eastwood for the 1,200 yards of

sand on tne fetation-road. —Approvea oi-«^ Ueuwiiao-koad. —On the motion Chairman, seconded by Cr Keely, the tion was accepted. Valuation Department. —Received. Seddon Memorial. —List to be left with secretary. Poundkeepeb and Ranoer. Chairman suggested that they apply to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for a piece of land

for a pound, or arrange with the auctioneers for a paddock. A letter was received from Mr A. L. Foster, surveyor, Auckland, in reference to the Tirau-road, on land held by the Bank of i New Zealand, asking thatCrs Main and Ring inspeot the road on June 11th- —Agreed to. ; Slaughter License. —Application, to be granted subject to the approval of the Cbairwho will'inspect the site. Railway Station.— Council decided to renew the request. Cr Thomas suggested that they include the Waihou station in their request. Mr Tretheway wrote in regard to the drains near his place, and reckoned that if Mikklesen’s drain was thoroughly cleaned out the road would, be dry. Bridge, Waihou. —Cr McCaw thought the bridge would cost £I,OOO. Foreman Mahood to report. Access (Butler). —It was estimated the cost of a bridge would be £l5O. Cr McGloin said he understood that Mr R. Allen was prepared to give a .right-of-way for a fair consideration. The Chairman moved that Mr Allen bet written to and asked if he could make any suggestion with regard to it. Dog Registration. Received. The Council decided to pay for the collars. Counties’ Association. —To be held over till next meeting. • Cambridge Bridge. —Cr Keely tabled the following motion, which was agreed to. Copy to be sent to Cambridge Borough Council. The following resolution was carried unanimously at a meeting of householders at Karapira. “That this meetiugrequests the Piako County Council to approach. the Cambridge Borough Council on the necessity of something being done to strengthen the sent Karapira bridge, or erect a new one in some more suitoble place, as this bridge has been condemned as unsafe for heavy traffic. Your petitioners urge that something be done at once, for the public safety. And your petitioners beg to point out that the very heavy contribution of this county to the high ' £

level bridge will be of no use if this bridge becomes impassable.” On the motion of Cr Keely, it was decided to pay the £675 due to the Council on the bridge.

The Chairman proposed that the necessary special orders be passed.—Agreed to. Parr and Blomfield, solicitors, Auckland, wrote on behalf of Mr It. Burke, of Waihou, ' in reference to the damage done to his property by the overflow of water from the Council’s drain. The Council had agreed to clean out and deepen the main outfall (Poole’s) drain and so relieve his property of the water brought thereon during the past twelve months. Unless the Council could see its way to meet them they would have to take proceedings to recover for damage done to Bis property. The Council denied any responsibility in the matter The agreement with Bourbe would have been carried out if the water in the drain would allow of the work to be carried out. Councillors reckoned it would be a good move if the Council was taken to Court and the matter settled once and for al l . Tendebs.—The following tenders were received for the different works : No 28, Curtain’s Bridge—J. B. B. Watts, •£IBB (accepted); H. Shinks, £l9l Is lid; George Small, £lB9 ; Johnson and McKay, £220 9s Bd. No 29, Waitoa Bridge.—A. Forrest £SO (accepted) ; Spinks, £SB 9s 4d; Johnson and McKay, £63 ; Watts, £sl, No 50, Piako Bridge—Watts, £42 (accepted) ; Forrest, £4B ; Spinks, £sl. No 51, Matamata Culvert—Forrest, .£164 (accepted) ; Spinks, £l7B 8s 6d ; Johnson and McKay, £232 10s ; Watts, £179 10s. •No 32, Johnson's Creek Drain—James O’Brien, 3s 9d per chain (accepted) ; John Byan, 4s. No 33, Matamata-road Drain —D. Bellman,. Is 4d per chain (accepted) ; James O’Brien, Is sd; Yoysey, Is 8d; Alfred Shearer, 2s 9d.

At this stage the Council adjourned ti'l this morning. Lengthy reports were furnished by Foremen Johnson and Mahood, and a number of important works were authorised.

A number of accounts were passed for payment.