COUNTY COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3552, 15 May 1880, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

We conclude our report of the proceedings at the Council yesterday :— THE PUMPING QUESTION. The business postponed from last ordinary meeting was then resumed, the application of the Moanatairi Company for aid to the Big Pump being the first matter brought up. Cr Bagnall, and Carpenter 'Spoke in favor of Cr Brown's amendment—that the asked for aid be granted—repeating the arguments used when the matter was last considered. The latter gentlemen said that the drainage area should be clearly defined, and a committee appointed to clearly arrange matters. CrDeeble supported the amendment on similar, grounds. In giving the companies aid they only gave them what they would not get if pumping stopped. Cr Brown then spoke commenting on the change in the tone of the discussion. He would be inclined to waive his amendment if the Council would go a step further and vote a fixed sum'of £50 per month for an indefinite period, and let the Council be represented in the directorate.

The Chairman thought that the suggestion was a good one. If they voted a sum from the gold duty, there would be constant squabbling. Cr Porter spoke strongly against the motion, saying that the same arguments used with reference to the pump could be used in respect to every mine in the district. He pointed out that at the time the County got^ their water race, four other water races were handed over to other Councils so that it was not as a return for taking over the securities that they got the race. This was the wonderful bargain referred to by a certain gentleman in favour of the amendment. The pump was now as much a" private speculation as a whiskey'shop, and he had as much right to get the Council to give him £50 a month to prospect the Owharoa mines as the Moanatairi Company had to get aid for the Pump. He strongly objected to County funds being voted fur works outside the County, and would endeavour to upset the decision, which he was sure was illegal.

Cr Brown's amendment was then put and lost, and Cr Bagnall moved an amendment to the effect that the sum of £40 per month be granted as long as the pump is kept working from the 400 feet level. , Cr Brown seconded. Cr Carpenter moved a further amendment that 'for the present the sum of £25 per month be voted. ' He said that he did not believe the County received £20 per month from the operations of the pump at present. He would be willing to increase it when the gold .duty was larger. Cr Porter expressed his intention if the amendment was carried, of tabling a resolution that £1100 Ohinemuri gold duty hypothecated to the Big Pump, be refunded. Cr Bagnall's amendment was then put and carried, Crs Carpenter, Porter, and Greenville voting against it. THE WATEB BACE. Cr Brown moved, "That the Council take into consideration the best means of utilising the water from the race to the greatest.advantage, and that Crs Deeble, •Jouttu, and Carpenter be a Committee to report."^ He said during the summer there was great dissatisfaction about the manner of the disposal of the water which was his reasou for moving the resolution. Cr Bagnall seconded. ,^.- The motion was adopted. OHINEMUMI CEMETERY. Cr Porter said the people of the district which he»had the honour (o represent, were put to much inconvenience and -expense in consequence of there' not being a burial place in Ohinemuri, and having therefore to convey dead, bodies down to Shortland for interment. ' There was a block of land suitable for the purpose situated behind the township of Paeroa, and he thought application should be made to the Under-Secretary for Goldtields to exchange it for another piece. The block contained about fifty acres, and he did not think the owner (Mr H. D. Johnson) would mind an exchange. He moved a resolution in accordance with his suggestion. Seconded by Cr Brown and carried. I The Council then adjourned.