HOBSON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 228, 15 December 1893, Page 4

HOBSON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting ef the Hobson County Council was held in. the Council Chambers, Aratapu, on Wednesday. Present. —Crs. Harding (chairman), Bassett, Dareu-ville, Slade, Cobbald and Spiers. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, Crs. Harding and Cobbald moved that the Engineer and Cr. Slade after visiting the Tangihua district be authorised to prepare plans and specifications for Government grant expenditure on Tangihua road, and submit same to Chief Surveyor for approval, and that tenders returnable at February meeting be called for the work. Tatarariki Bo ad Kink. —An old plan of Mr Palmer’s, made in 1885, was laid on the table. It showed the Tatarariki road, also Mr Andrew’s fence crossing same, Dargaville Election Petition. —This petition had not disturbed Cr. Spiers in the possession of his seat. Drain at Aratapu Pound.—Mr Morgan wrote declining to contribute anything to this work. —Mr E. Bassett was willing t© contribute whatever the Council considered lair. —Mr Woollam was willing to contribute his fair share of the cost. Mititai red hill Cutting.—B. E. Beasley wrote declining to contribute anything towards this work. Messrs Masefield, Dreadon and Montgomery were also reported to be unwilling to contribute. W. J. Hand wrote accepting offer of Council for deviation at Tangiteroria. Fitness Bros, wrote agreeing to pay for cost of repairing damages to Mangawhare wharf dene by any of their logs. Peter Langton wrote re Dargaville foreshore question. The letter was couched in very objectionable terms, being personal and dictatorial; and displayed considerable ignorance of Council doings.—Crs. Harding and Slade moved that the letter be consigned to the waste paper basket. —Cr. Slade considered that the letter was a personal attack and tvas of the nature of an insult to the Council.--'Crs. Cobbald, Spiers and Bassett also considered the letter objectionable and the motion, was carried unanimously. SLAUGHTER-HOUSE REPORT. To the Chairman, —Sir, I have the honour to submit to you the following report with regard to the Slaughterhouses within the County : During the past year the whole of thelicensed Slaughterhouses have been kept in a satisfactory state and although a little more water and whitewash might occasionally he used upon some of them still there baa been nothing to complain of. I would bring before your notice a question which seems to me of some importance and needs consideration as it affects the licensees of Slaughterhouses within this County and necessarily affects its revenue though only t© a small extent. It is with regard to the Slaughterhouses within the Otamatea County, which are unlicensed as the Otamatea Council do not issue licenses, or in any way administer ‘ The Slaughterhouses Act ’ arid which cannot be administ - ered by any othe'r local body or person within a County wherelH th® Counties Act is in operation. The Slaughterhouses Act provided tnat it the Counties Act is not in operation the Act shall be administered and licenses issued by a Bench of Magistrates such as is done in the Eden and Manukau counties. Therefore it was never intended that the Act should become a dead letter as is the case in the Otamatea County. Of course it would be no business of mine whether the Slaughter houses Act was administered in the Otamatea County or not did it not affect the business within this County. The fact is that certain persons who reside and have Slaughterhouses within the Otamatea county trade in and sell meat within this County, and of course, not being under any regulations or licenses, can afford to sell cheaper than our own licensed slaughtermen. If the Slaughterhouses Act is considered a vexatious law then I would suggest that it become a dead letter within this County, bat if it is a protection to owners of cattle and to consumers of meat then steps should he taken to have the law administered in the Otamatea County so that all sellers of meat would work under the same conditions. — Horace Hammond, Inspector of Slaughter bouses. Messrs C. Webb (Mititai), J. Trounson (Flax mill aud Maropiu), Pullan (Scarrotts), HarC?i»g (Aoroa), Meld (Horehore), and Dan of or (Tatarariki) applied for slaughterhouse licenses' f ° r 1894 for the P laces llamed above. — Granted. _ , Tr , . An application from Walters, being a new one and not a renewal, viE' S dtderle ° next meeting. Besolved 'that the Otamatea Council he written to asking them whether they will enforce the Slaughterhouses Act in their County, and that a copy of the Inspector’s report be sent them. Vehicle licenses.—C. Kuhneand W. Chadwick applied for vehicle licenses, and J. Meld applied for transfer of Mr Borer’s license to him.—Granted. Besolved that Mr C. Webb be given per-

mission to slaughter a beast at Montgomery’s as it cannot be driven. Mr Houston forwarded two letters from Marine Department. One stating that steps were being taken to vest the Dargaville wharf in the Council as all obstacles had now been removed. And the other that the Minister would consider charges made by Survey office as soon as elections were over. TENDERS. West Coast Boad, Contract LXXI, Carting and spreading sand. J. Seymour 2s 3d per yard, F. McGowan 2s per yard (accepted). Contract LXXII, Mr McDougall’s road. — Estimate £l9 10. P. Moloughney Junr. £l7 15s, D. McDougall £l7 10s (accepted.) W. Hailing wrote asking to have road opened between his ©wn and Bogers sections. —Besolved that Mr Harliug be asked to make an offer for cutting and burning teatree on road. The Commissioner Crown Lands wrote suggesting facilities in assisting intending settlers in taking up lands, namely that the County Clerk should keep necessary forms for applicants and assist them in filling them up if desired.—Besolved that a reply be sent expressing the willingness of the Council to render every assistance as suggested. Charitable Aid.—The Chairman reported that he had during the last, fortnight sent an Austrian and an Italian to the Hospital. Tangowahine Bridge . The Surveyor General seat notice that the £4OO granted for this work was available and asking that agreement be signed. Also the same re vote ©f £2OO for MaropiuKai Iwi road.

Besolved that the Chairman be authorised ta sign the agreements. Besolved that Clerk write to Survey office re £2OO for Tatarariki road, £4OO Opanaki bridge and road and £SOO for Toka Toka road.

Crs. Bassett and Harding moved that this Council write ta the Minister of Lands to the effect that certain rumours are current in this district that it is the intention of the Government to lay off a portion of the Crown Lards lying betweeu Hobson and Hokianga Counties as a special settlement, and that this Council consider it would retard the future welfare of the Hobson and neighbouring counties. This Council would suggest that the above lands should be at once surveyed and opened for selection under the Land Act 1892, as there are a great number of working men in this district waiting for this land to be opened up, and that copies of the letter be sent to Messrs Thompson and Houston M’s.H.B.

Dargaville. Foreshore. —-Or. Dargaville in accordance with notice given moved That resolution passed at last meeting authorising County Solicitor to file appeal in Supreme Court be rescinded. If the case were taken to Appeal Court and there decided in favour of Council it would be taken by Trustees of Dargaville estate to the Privy Council and heavy expense would be incurred. He considered that Judge Conolly before giving his decision had consulted his brother judges. Cr. Slade seconded the motion.

Messrs Devore and Cooper wrote that injunction had been issued and Council ordered to pay costs £ls 15s. Messrs Hesketh and Bichmond wrote that they felt fully justified in strongly recommending Council to appeal. They enclosed a copy of judgment and pointed out where they'- considered same had. In order to appeal it would be necessary to give security for costs to the amount of £IOO. The total cost of this case to date appears -to be —X. McLeod £1 4s, Hesketh and Bichmond £32 11 s, Court fees £5 15s 6d, Devore and Cooper £ls 15s. Cr. Bassett said evidently the Council had a very good case or Mr J, M. Dargaville would not be so anxious in running round the Aratapu ratepayers in an endeavour to get a meeting to'bring pressure on the members for that riding.

A warm passage here took place between Crs. Dargaville and Bassett. Cr. Slade said he had endeavoui-ed to think out this matter independent of the parties concerned. The only point he could see in favour ©f proceeding was that a revenue would accrue to the Council. On the other hand it seemed that an iixjustice might be done to individuals.

Chairman said that the Council had to carry out the law and he considered it to he the duty of Councillors to make revenue where possible from roads not immediately required. This foreshore was made oyer t© the Council really against the wishes of the Coxxncillors, who desired a road direct from the Kaihu bridge to the Post office. Cr. Dargaville’s motion was then put. For —Crs. Dax-gaville and Slade- Against—Crs. Harding, Cobbald, Spiers and Bassett. Cr. Dargaville moved that the County Solicitor and other legal advisers be informed that it is the desire ef the Council that the ~t m ? ese@diiigs in respect to the intended legu. _ * - of yipf.Qria Street, Dargaleasing ola, ' lyjtp as little adville be brought to '« - anti jljat no ditienal expense as possible, matter, further law costs be incui-red in the .

C. Harding moved and Cr. Spiers seconded, an amendment that on x'eceipt by the County Clerk of £4O to be retained by him and for ■ feited in case appeal is given against the

Council and returned in case appeal is won, the County Solicitor be instructed to carry the case to the Court of Appeal, the Chairman md Clerk to make necessary arrange-

For Amendment —-Crs. Harding, Bassett, Cobbald aud Spiers. Against—Crs. Slade and Dargaville.

Cr. Dai-gaville asked that his resolution might now be put, but the Chairman informed him that his resolution had been defeated by the amendment carried and could not be again moved. Law Charges.—The Chairman reported that he had interviewed the County Solicitor and Mr McLeod had agreed to carry on rate cases at 2/6 (on printed forms), special cases to be at his ordinary charges, Court appearances as per arrangement.—Besolved that Council agrees to scale of charges named. Besolved on the motion of the Chairman that this Council will enter into an agreement with the Kauri Company not to interfere with their occupancy of the reclamation fronting County reseiwe at Kopuru far a term of six years, on condition that the Company give the public free access to the wharf, and put the same in good order within three months. Cr. Cobbald bi’ought under notice some large holes in Tatarariki road and unsafe places in road near Dicken’s at Bedhill. Placed on list of works for Surface man. Chairman moved and Cr. Spiers seconded that nstice be advertised that all Drainage rates unpaid by 10th Janxxary will then be sued for forthwith. Cr. Cobbald brought forward the urgent necessity of making drain on Tatarariki road for 48 chains from junction of Matthews’ road. The road was impassable last winter and would he useless next winter if drain were not done. Cr. Bassett considered it would be unfair to do this road work from Drainage Board funds until Watson’s outlet had been dug. When the Drainage Board was formed it was understood that the Council would assist in road works ; tw© years rates had been collected and only £25 had been spent there from County funds. After furrlier discussion the matter was allowed to stand over till next meeting to allow Councillors to inspect road. Besolved that the public be notified that the road between Opanaki and Maropiu is dangerous. Besolved that the metal at Aoroa wharf be spread for a width of six feet starting from Orurariki bridge and that tenders be called for the work returnable at next meeting, Besolved that the surface man after completing his work cutting teatree on Kohekohe road, with the assistance ©f another man, be sent to fill in holes in Tatarariki road and then to Bedhill. Besolved that Surface man and Cadet be allowed one week’s holiday at Christmas, and the Clei’k a week when he can fit it in withoxxt hindrance to the work. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The Chairman, —Sir, I have the honor to submit to you the following report ; Tenders.—l have prepared specifications etc. and called for tenders which are returnable today for Contract LXXI for improvements to the West Coast Boad which I estimate at 2s per cubic yard, and Contract LXXII formation of 26 chains of the Tatarariki West Q oas t road which I estimate at £l9 10s Works Finished—Since last meeting I have had the following - works done, viz :—Large box culvert put in on Bedhill road near DeGraotville’s. The tea tree cleared half-a-chain wide on the Kohekohe road through the Mangatawhiri block and six chains of Dreadon’s deviation metalled with limestone. Metal—l have obtained another CO tons of ballast which I had landed at Dargaville and now have four men on breaking the ballast for Yictoria Street, Dartraville.

Shells—Captain McCabe offered me a 24 ton load of shells at 5s per ton and as they were cheap and we shall need shells before the winter I secured them and had them landed at Dargaville.

Maropiu-Kai Iwi—ln company with the Chairman and Cr Bassett I i - ode through to Kai Iwi to lay out the work to be done for the £2OO Government grant. Mt. Wesley-Maropiu Boad—The road from Mt Wesley to the Flax Mill is in a very had state and will need thoroughly draining and informing from the Mangatai-a Creek for a distance of 120 chains. The cost of such work would he about £220. From the Flaxmill to Maropiu the road is fairly good, hut there are a few places that require attention aud £ would suggest that the Surface man with another man horse and cart be put on for three weeks which would he sufficient to put the road in a fair state of repair. Metal—Thei-e is a large quantity of ipstal lying at the Aoroa wharf and I would suggest that it be spread along the Main road from the Oruariki bridge towards the horse trough and that tenders he called for the carting. West Coast Bead—l am having the road down Glinke’s gully on the Coast Reserve done by day labour. The contract for the bridge culvert on the Aratapu-Dafgaville yo.ad has been completed in a very satisfactory manner.—l have etc, Hon ace, HubWSB, Engineer . “ -°d that the Kauri Company he Besoi'v kabikatea logs now doing Skis***"* 4 M "

ACCOUNTS. The following accounts were confirmed :■ — C. Cody Jr. £4 6s. Bobinson £4 10s, Bingloso £lO, Filby £3 ss, H. Hammond £l9 3-s 4d, B. Lendrum £2 10s, Stamps £2, W. H: is well £l7 10s; Total £63 4s 4d. The following accounts were passed for payment:—Miscellaneous Boads and Works £1 5s 6d, J. McAneny £1 2s 9d, W. Stansfield £3 6s 9d, F. J. Hosking£ll 10s, Price Bros. £1 4s 6d, J. Seymour £1 Bd, J. Paton £5 4s J. T. Morrison £2 16s, Thos. McCabe £6, 0. Cody Jr. £4 10s 4d, J. Cody £2, C. Cody Senr. £4 12s 4d, Auckland Hospital £7 16s, N.A.C.Aid Board £9l 0s lOd, Neil McLeod £5 8s 2d, J. Stallworthy £3 3s 9d, Office expenses £1 5s 4d, N. A. McLeod (£4O returnable for expenses) £lO9 9s 2d; Total £263 3s sd. Cr. Bassett moved that tenders be called returnable at next meeting for the lighting of one lamp at Baynes’ wharf, one at Main wharf, one at each of the railway crossings and one at the Post office Dargaville. Cr. Dargaville considered it a piece of impertinence for Cr. Bassett to interfere with the lighting of the township for the mere saving of the cost of three lamps. Or. Bassett replied, that he was a member of the Hobson Csunty Council and would take an interest in all parts of the County. Cr. Dargaville said Cr. Bassett took too much interest in the township for his liking and moved an amendment that tenders be called for lighting township as at present.— The amendment was lost, Crs, Spiers and Dargaville only voting in favour. Cr. Bassett’s motion was tlien carried. For: Crs. Harding, Bassett, Cobbald, and Slade. Against : Crs. Spiers and Dargaville. ridings’ balances.

Debit Credit Aratapu £603 16 2 KoTsmru 29S 15 6 Dargaville — £791 14 6 Wairoa — 354 17 2 Ukahu 4S5 18 11 Ii. and C. Aid 122 14 9 Tatarariki Dr Bd.167 6 4 Overdraft — 532 0 0 £1678 11s The council rose at 4.40 8d p.Til. £1678 11s 8d