COUNTY COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3470, 7 February 1880, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

A deputation consisting; of the County Chairman, Crs Porter, Deeble, Thorburn. Brown, Greenville, and Carpenter waited on the Hon. Mr Whitaker this morning at 10 o'clock. The deputation was introduced by Sir George Grey as member for the district.

The Chairman introduced the subject of the. throwing open of lands in the goldfield on the Homestead system. He wished to know was there any prospect of their wishes being carried out in this respect.

Mr Whitaker said that several of the blocks were not available, not having been handed over, while others were covered by timber leases. He was desirous to afford facilities for settling this land, and would communicate with the Hon. Mr Bolleston, Minister of Lands, concerning the lands that were available —that was if they informed him the blocks referred to would meet their requirements. The next subject brought up was the Water Race. The Chairman gave a history of the handing over of the Water Kace. They wished to obtain the fullest powers to prevent the water which was now nsed for domestic purposes being polluted. Mr Whitaker said that he had not had time to go through the papers. He was inclined to think that it would be made a public bill. The Government would take all steps to complete the agreement. The Chairman said that they had been carrying out their part of the' agreement since August, 1879, and that cost them money. Wr Whitaker said that whether the money would be handed over before the agreement was completed or not he did not. know- The proclamation could not be issued till the County had completed its arrangements with the Borough. He did not anticipate the least difficulty about the matter, though it seemed to him to be a complicated matter.

The Chairman then spoke on the desirability of the County having its share of the vote for roads in Native districts handed over to them.

Mr Whitaker requested them to put this in writing.

Mr Brodie said there was a vote for roads in goldniining districts to subsidise local bodies. His opinion had been asked on the matter, and he recommended that the Government subsidise the local bodies' expenditure at the rate of £2 for £1. He wished to know what had been done in the matter.

Mr Whitaker pointed out that that was out of his department.

The Chairman then introduced the matter of the Komata obstruction and the Ngatiliako outrage.

Mr Whitaker said the latter matter was of course a question of general policy, and he could not give an opinion on it. He would recommend Mr Bryce to leave the Komata matter to Mr Puckey and Mr Brodie.

In reply to Mr Brodie Mr Whitaker spoke strongly against the commencement of the railway until the land was acquired. Mr Brodie said they had settled the claims as far as they were concerned with the exception of one, and in that solitary-instance, the person was willing to submit the matter to arbitration.

Mr Whitaker expressed pleasure at the forward state of the negotiations, and hoped they would be able to settle with Tukukino, who he was convinced had a real grievance. He believed that Mr Young, who had purchased the Komata Block, had disposed of his claim to the Government.

The Chairman referred to the purchase of. Block 27, and Mr Greenville reminded Ivlr Whitaker of his promise re the matter three years ago.

Mr W hitaker said he would see if he could fulfil his promise. He thought money expended fof that purpose would have to be voted by the House.

The deputation then withdrew.