TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 5 November 1907, Page 2

TARANAKI COUNTY COUNCIL.

The 'l'aranaki County Council met yesterday. There were present—Councillors Brown (chairman), Hill, Hopson, Stevens, George, and Andrews.

NEW BY-LAW. At a special meeting the Council adopted a by-law to deal with damage to roads by heavy traffic, providing that no person should conduct or cause to be conducted all or any of the following kinds of trallic—that was to say, the

"arriage of timber in logs, sawn timber, split timber, firewood, stones, broken metal or gravel, or drive, lead, or conduct any vehicle, contrivance, or machine containing or having thereon any timber in logs, etc., uj on or along any road under the control of the County Council unless the cost estimated by the said Council of reinstating the road consequent upon the injury to be occasioned by such traffic had been previously paid to the Council. The by-law provided a form of application for an estimate, and. a fine or £2O or less for any breach of the by-law. The by-law is to come into force on Ist January next. CHAIRMAN'S HONORARIUM. Councillor Hopson moved that the chairman be granted an honorarium of £SO for the past year's work. The mover expressed his full satisfaction

with the manner in which the chairman had carried out his official duties. He referred to the time taken by the chairman in visiting various parts of tho county to ascertain the local requirements.

Councillor Andrews seconded the motion, and after Councillor Hill had endorsed the mover's remarks it was carried unanimously. The chairman returned thanks for the vote. After all, he agreed with Councillor Tate that the honorarium didn't nearly pay for the time taken. He had always done his best for the ratepayers. FOREMEN'S REPORTS.

Foreman Walker, Junction-road, reported having repaired the deck of the Mangaoraka aud Waiongona (bacon factury) "uridges. Roads and bridges were in fair order. The engine-driver reported that during the month the crusher worked four days, and 328 yards of stone were crushed. Foreman Jones, Tariki (Moa riding), reported having repaired the Kurapete bridge. The Inglewood Borough Council should pay half the cost. He had, upon the instruction of the chairman, repaired the Tariki' road, at a cost of £7B Bs, being for metal £G6 10s, labor and cartage £ll 18s. One of the wing walls in die Manganui bridge (Tariki-road) had given way, and he had put in two l'/i----inch bars to brace the wing walls to- | gether, which, with the filling in the

centre, would be sufficient to keep them in place. Messrs. Cameron and Brooking were carting 10UO yards of boulders along the Mountain road near Tariki to the station, and 1000 yards from the MaKetawa river to the Norfolk-road station. The decking on the Mangamawhete bridge was in a very rotten condition and not: fit to carry two yards of boulders on a two-wheeled dray.

The foreman was empowered to procure 200 ft of decking for bridges. Foreman E. Bennett, Junction-road east, reported, on work done. He required 300 yards of stone for recoating the worst part of the road near Inglewood, which was completely worn oud. Tenders will be called for 300 yards of metal from Turner's pit, and the foreman was empowered to procure pipes. Foreman Holmes (Waitara riding) reported having filled approaches to the Waiwakaiho bridge; stone had been delivered for metailing the Richmond-road. The boulder contract at Waiwakaiho was proceeding. He suggested that iron rods which came out of the old bridge should be used for fencing at the new bridge. The foreman was granted further metal for Waiongona hill, and his suggestion re fencing at Waiwakaiho was adopted. Foreman Brosnan (Omatasouth) reported general road repairs. The road between Okato and Oakura dairy factory required a supply of 1200 yads of stone, but there was sufficient stone at tho Puniho end for the next twelve months. An ugly dip at the Werekiuo bridge needed attention. The last clause was left to Councillor

Andrews, with power to act. Councillor Andrews brought up a complaint that Mr. Oliver, contractor for carting in the Omata riding, refused to carry out the contract. The foreman had been greatly inconvenienced by the contractor's failure, and the latter had stated that, having had the cream of the contract, he was going to let it slide. The foreman had had to pay 2s a day above contract price. The contractor will bf called upon to pay this excess. Foreman Evetts (Omata) reported the road through Mr. Morris' property to the beach was fit for the carts and crusher. He had culverted the junction of Blagdon, Devon, and South roads.

ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer (Mr, John Skinner) reported that the Waiwakaiho bridge had been completed and the temporary bridge removed. The asphalt was now setting hard, and with attention should make a permanent decking. The Manganui bridge was not yet out of the contractors' hands, the District Roads Engineer not having given his approval. This was necessary in all work subsidised by the Government. Through an accident one of the extra wing walls had sprung and required supporting. This was being done by the foreman to plan supplied by the Roads Department. The Mangaoraka bridge was being proceeded with, most of the material being on the ground, and the carpenters working at the centring. He had inspected the South-road through Okato township, and would recommend the lowering of the road for about ten chains and remetalling, the side track to be filled level with the new metal. This could

be done more economically and satisfactorily by the road foreman with extra labor. He had pointed out the work, and the foreman fully understood what wanted doing. Mr. Skinner again reminded the Council that a new culvert was required for Waorau stream, Southroad. This, as he had already reported, should be renewed in concrete. As instructed, he had again inspected Tapuae Hill deviation, and found the filling over the river-bed to be two feet above the level given in Harford's contract, and there was notliing to warrant the assertion made at last meeting of the Council that the filling had sunk six feet below its proper level. He had prepared plans and specifications of work retpiired to be done to lift the filling six feet and leave the bank 24ft on top instead of 30ft, as it is now. To leave it to a width of 30ft would cost £450, and to have it a width of 24ft, £3lO. The advantage to ue gained would be to "shorten the grade on either side one and a-half chains. It would not alter the hill grade ;u the slightest. Against this would be the disadvantage of reducing the width for five chains from 30ft to 24ft. Plans and specifications were ready, and tenders could be called for the work at once. Specifications and estimate allowed for lengthening the tunnel culvert as well as filling. He forwarded plans, etc., for new reinforced concrete bridge for Te ilenui river (Junction-road deviation). He proposed to have this bridge in two -pans, one of 00ft and one of 50ft, and to a height of 40ft above the river-bed. The plan was for a ribbed plate bridge similar to that at Oakura, South-road. He had added to the length so as to avoid extensive wing walls. Earth would be allowed to run round the south abutment. There was no advantage gained in shortening the floor, as in concrete this did not decay. Concluding, he wrote: "I have to thank your Councillors and representatives of other local bodies for kindly and appreciative references to my work of reconstructing bridges made at the opening of the Waiwakaiho bridge. I may say that encouragement of this kind is always appreciated by engineers, and your Council will realise that it is doubly so by me." In answer to Councillor Hopson, the chairman and engineer explained that

the Manganui bridge repairs were not serious. It was decided to renew in concrete -the Waorau culvert near the Oakura dairy factory, "THE TAPUAE." In answer to Councillor Andrews, the engineer said the, Tapuae filling wouW not shrink- very much now. iiic shrinkage had already been allowed for on three different occasions. Councillor Andrews maintained again

that the Tapuae filling was still eight feel below the contract level. Mr. Skinner: "Then you know more about if than my instruments and myself. I go by my instruments." Councillor George considered »vny further expenditure at the Tapuae was not justified. Councillor Andrews considered that in two or three years it would be necessary to raise this tilling. lie suggested that nothing should be done until the settlers in the district had been consulted, . ■..,•.»'...].:»!-,'

Councillor Hopson deprecated any further delay. Councillor Hill wanted to know if the engineer favored Councillor Andrews' scheme.

■Air. Skinner: "I see no advantage I whatever in doing it." He had consulted otlicr engineers on this matter, and they all thought it would be waste, of money to raise the iilling. Councillor George moved that the engineer bo instructed to take over the road and declare the work complete. If the Council didn't do this "the thing would hang out for another year." The. engineer said the Council was straining his honesty. It was to his interest to spend the money and get the commission. But as an engineer and a ratepayer he did not like to see money wasted.—No action taken. THE IIENDI BRIDGE.

The chairman said he had consulted the county solicitor, and he advised that the Borough Council could be cited to contribute towards the cost of the deviation as well as the bridge and approaches of the Hcnui bridge. In answer to Cr. Tate, the engineer said the cost of the bridge and deviation, with compensation, would be about £2200 or £2300.

The engineer's plan was adopted. Cr. Tate said the Council would have to go warily. He opposed the proposal to call for tenders Before the Council had ascertained the amount of the Borough Council's contribution. He> favored raising a fresh loan.

The chairman said the Council had to renew the bridges and keep the roads open. There was sufficient loan money for the bridge this year, and the road work would have to be paid out of next year's funds.

Cr.' Tate said the Moa riding had only £OOO loan money. If the riding were going to absorb other loan funds the Council's previous resolution would have to be rescinded.

The chairman: You didn't raise that question when you got four or five hundred ahead on the Waiwakamo bridge. It was decided' to call tenders for the erection of the bridge, and to apply to the Borough Council for half-cost, the Moa riding members to confer with the Council.

The Government will be asked to forward the loan money for this bridge. TIMARU BRIDGE. Cr. George moved that the engineer be instructed to prepare plans for a new bridge over the Timaru stream on the South road.—Sccowled by Cr. Andrews and carried, A ROYALTY COMPLAINT.

Cr. Hill Baid the Maoris complained that they did not get the royalties paid for metal taken from the Mahoetahi pit. The money was taken by the Public Trustee for surface damage to the property. . Cr. Tate said he had seen the Public Trustee on this matter, and Mr Jack had informed him the maney was used in liquidating some debts on the property. The Council would havo to go

on paying to the Public Trustee. Members agreed that there was a hardship to the Maoris, for any surface damage was loss to the native occupiers individually. The chairman and Cr. Tate undertook to interview Mr Jack again on the matter.

SUBSIDIES. The Barrett Road Board asked the Council to reconsider its decision not to grant the Board a subsidy. The clerk (Mr P. C. Morton) pointed out that the Council received upwards of £4OO in rates from the Barrett road district, and not one-third of this sum was expended upon the main road in the district. The Council had granted subsidies to other Boards, and the Barrett Road Board was entitled to the same treatment.

Cr. George said that there had been a large amount of money, spent in improvements to that district, by the making of fottpaths, grading Morshead's Hill, and so on. He saw no reason for re-opening the question.

In answer to Cr. Tate, Cr. George said the Barrett Road Board was not in the same position as the other three Boards which received subsidies, for the latter had to maintain their own principal roads, whilst the Barrett Road Board's niiiin road was the South road, maintained by the County Council. No action taken. HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Cr. Stevens moved, and Cr. Hopson seconded, and it was resolved—That the county solicitor be instructed to make a demand on Mr X. V. Simons for the sum of £SO for putting the Xariki road in order, on account of damage done to the road by excessive carting.

XENDERS. Tenders were opened for the supply of metal on the road between lioru road Allan's Hill, Omata:—E. R. Bayly, 5s 7d per yard, for crushed metal; F. G. Sole 5s 5d for 1800 yards, Os for 800 yards, 4s (id per yard for 1000 yards shingle; W. A. Thomas, 7s 5d per yard for 800 yards, Gs od for 1000 yards, and 6s for 1000 yards shingle; C. Henrickson, 3s (id per yard for 1000 yards shingle, 6s per yard for 1000 yards metal, or 7s 6d yard for 800 yards. The tender of F. G. Sole for 1800 yards crushed metal at os 5d was accepted.

GENERAL. The Department of Lands will be requested to vest Egmont County gravel reserves in Egmont County Council. A petition was presented from Okato ratepayers, asking the Council to increase the wages of the newly-appointed Foreman Brosuan.—Crs. Adlam (by letter) and Andrews, members for the riding, opposed the petition, and the Council, without discussion, decided to await application from the foreman himself.

The Council's public risk accident policy was placed with the South British Company, upon the application of Mr E. P. Webster, the local agent. Mr Henry Hine complained that tht Council had, by the erection of the apI proaches to the new Waiwakaiho bridge, blocked enrance to a gravel reserve on his land, and the Council decided to assist m making his new entrance. The application for a grant for experimental plot at the Technical School was deferred,.. It was decided not to call tenders this year for carting in the Omata riding, but that the foreman be empowered to employ the nearest carter on the different works.

The chairman was empowered to employ a man to tally the traffic over the Hcnui (Junction road) bridge, in connection with the Council's application for a borough grant. Accounts were passed for paymentsAdministration, £9O los Od; Moa riding, £IOB 17s; Waitara riding, £299 15s 6d; Omata riding, £B7 12s 6d; total, £SBO ss4d.