Waimate County Council.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 10, 26 January 1905, Page 3

Waimate County Council.

The usual monthly meeting was held yesterday, present—Messrs P. Studholme (chair) and Lyall, Hardie, Walker, Elworthy, Bassett, Hart, Breen and Milne. After the reading of the minutes the Council passed a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr Duncan McLaren, for many years an esteemed member and chairman of the Council. engineer’s bbpobt. ' The Engineer’s report was read as follows:— Upper Pareora Riding.—Contract No. 488, Frenchman’s Gully road, has been satisfactorily finished and the contractors relieved from further responsibility in connection with it. The culvert at the creek has been built and the crossing thoroughly drained. A few extra loads of shingle are required at each approach and a timber apron to receive the creek overflow in flood time. These works will be attended to during the ensuing month. Contract No. 493. Cabbage Tree Point road : The road formation and repairs have been completed, and -metalling operations have been in hand since the 19th Inst. Contract No. 489, Pareora Gorge road : The contractor hopes to be on the ground and make a con-menoe-ment on the 30th inst. A shortage of timber prevented the earlier completion of the Pareora bridge. The odd unfinished jobs are now in hand, and it is hoped to finish up by the end of the week. Lower Pareora Biding—Contract No. 498, Talbot’s road. This work was satisfactorily completed in the early part of the mon h. The extension of the footbridge accommodation on Jefcoat’s crossing, Pareora River, has also 'been done, and provides a dry crossing when the river is low or slightly swollen by flood water. The contractor for old Bluecliffs road hopes to be able to complete it by the end of February. In the, meantime he ie engaged on contract work for the Council in other parts of the County. Otaio Biding —Contract 501, Daledew road, Government Grant £5O. It is hoped to commence this contract'in the first week in February. Contract 502, Daisy Hill road. This work is in the same contractor’s hands and will be started upon the completion of contract No. 500 in the lower Pareora Biding. The contractor for the Esk Valley road baa intimated his intention of starting this work immediately his teams have finished ihier present undertaking in the Upper Pareora riding. The Hillborough road metalling, which wae laid down last year, has been examined, and I am of opinion that it would not be advisable to do anything by way of blinding it. The metal has sufficient natural blinding in the form of sand and small grit, and is rapidly consolidating into a smooth surface; a little more traffic is all that is required. Attention will be given to fitting hand-rails to the culvsrt at Eek Valley school whenever labour is available for the purpose. My attention has been directed to the frail construction of a bridge used for heavy cartage on the Esk Valley line, and with the Coun ail’s approval it will be stiffened with supplementary beams to meet the requirements of heavy traffic. Makikihi Riding—Labour was cmployed enlarging and extending the drains of the Makikihi Swamp road, consequent on the closing of the former channels on the late Mr. P. Quinn’s land. The work, however, has been abandoned fcr a week or bo, as the contractor was required elsewhere. The contractor for Sherwood and Hook etation roads is at S resent emyloyed on the contract for the ouncil )n the Deep Creep riding, but will undertake this work immediately the other is out of hand, Deep Creek Riding—With the Council's approval. Contract No. 498, Sam Geren’s road, was extended to double the original contract. Good headway is being made, and the carting should be finished by the week. Lowe’s land metalling was completed on the 11th inst., and contract labour has since been employed breaking the stones. It is more than probable the whole length will require heavily blinding with clay, owing to the shape and smoothness of the beach shingle, which otherwise will slide about and not set. The Council teams completed the forming and other surface improvements to the Urutane road, and having finished the term of employment the riding was entitled to, removed to Waihao, where they are now working. The applications regarding Ford’s drainage at Studholme and road surface Allen street, have been

examined. In each case metalling is required, and could bo seen to when teams are available.

Owing to the holidays, I was unable to deal with M Foley and others’ application for this meeting, but will do so at the Council’s next sitting in February. Contract No. 505, Yesberg’g and other roads. Satisfactory progress is being made with this contract, and it is expected to finish the metalling of Champion’s road by the end of the week. Waihao Riding—The contract quantities have been delivered on the following worksCantracts Nos. 487, 488, 492, 493, 494, and 496. On each of these undertakings stonebreakers are at work and should finish before next Council meeting. Extra inspection has been entailed on some of these works owing to the shelter afforded by the long grasS-oh the side widths, where many of the larger stones have been temporarily, placed by the sub-contractor, awaiting detection. These will require attention before the contracts are finally taken over by the Council. Contract No. 505, Pike’s Point road. Operations have been started on this line on the Duke’s to Pike’s Point section, Contract No. 507, Serpentine Valley road. The contractor is well forward with this, and hopes to complete it by the end of the month. Tenders will be laid before you to-day for Contracts Nos. 508 and 500, metalling on the Cock and Hen and Brown’s roads respectfully. An estimate is furnished herewith of the work applied for by Messrs Carroll and others on their road near Glenavy. The Council’s teams have been in the riding since the 6th inst., and have the tollowing works in hand:—Forming the continuation of Brown’s road (now finished), formation on Carroll’s toad, forming side width of Morven beach road, Mcllrick’s road, and the extension of Table Top road. The latter is now finished, and the team shifted to Hakataramea for a week or so. The labour gang on the Hatcheries roads, thirds account, Hakataramea Gorge, is on the 'point of completing the work in that locality, and will be withdrawn in the course of a wfiek. Hakataramea Riding—Contract 510, H.kataramea station road (metalling, Ac.). The contractor reached the ground on the 19th and started work on the following day. The surfaceman, with a team and extra assistance, has made repairs to metal at the Grampion, the Downs bridge, and Rocky road, and will now level up the fords at Storrie’s and McKay’s fords, when the boulders and netting work has increased the depth of water in the crossings. Gorse—Notices were duly served in the two cases reported at last meeting. In the matter of the notice issued on November 25th, the term for which has now expired, and in r’spect of which the Council’s order has not been compiled with, it would appear that in the interim the properties changed hands, and he would like the Council’s instructions before asking that further proceedings should be taken. Owing io the time being necessarily taken up between ordering and getting delivery of timber from Australia he would ask the Council’s authority to order necessary supplies of decking for next financial year’s opeiations, so that urgent works might be put in hand as soon after March as possible. By request of the Minister for Public Works, the Engineer met him at Timaru, with regard to the expenditure of certain Government grants. Authority was obtained to make proposals for £2OO on metalling Smithson’s road, £lOO metalling aod forming Central road, £looWainonoMaytown road (when legal acquisition of the proposed road ie obtained), and any further meta’ling on the road works in the Kapaa settlement strictly w .thin the boundarieaaof the settlement. Any contemplated'outlay on the mail coach road, Wajh»o Forks to Waimate, although assented to in the appropriation, could not be sanctioned under the speeial provisions of the latter grant. The Chief Engineer, of Roads sent notice of Gazette re taking land for road and closing road in Block 11, Otaio. Mr E. Richards, Waihao Downs, agreed to transfer of part of Lot 6, D.P. 1540, Block IV, Elephant Hill, for purposes of a road. E. T. George, Deep Creek ranger, reported handling 15 head of cattle, W. Kane, Hakataramea, said the roads were clear of stock. Mr J. Sinclair and others asked that the side channels on Main North road adjoining the Waimate Borough be cleaned and the culvert lowered—Engineer to report. Messrs Joynt and Andrews wrote asking what steps the Council was taking in regard to the deduction of Government subsidy. Two objections were receive! from (J. Flynn and W. Matthews) to Mr L. Wills erecting a swing gate at Nukuroa settlement, find his application was not entertained. The Borough Council wrote disclaiming any liability for any damage, that might result to the Council’s” horses, through the construction of drain through Borough section now occupied by County Council. The Bor ough held the County liable for dam . age, but would allow it to give up possession at any time. —It was decided to receive the letter. The Council pays £3 a year for the section, which ie very necessary. The Chief Engineer of roads asked that G. Stewart’s lessee of section 5, Waikakahi, be asked for consent to closing of road line in Block 11, Waitaki, S.D. An application was received from D. Herron and other fishermen, that the road through Messes H. and Walter Hayman’s be opened for traffic. At present it was fenced on one-side only, and was a part of Mr Hayman’s paddock. Great annoyance had been Caused to anglers by their horses stray - ing and being treated qs trespassers, Mr Walker objected to Mr Hayman fencing the road at all. A number of people used the road going fishing, and they needed access. Mr Walker said that in regard to this question a large and influential meeting protested against certain roads being closed. Since this meeting several ratepayers had stated to him that the roads should be thrown open. Now they were just being cropped by private owners, and the various tradesmen had to go a long detour to get tq their customers. The | meeting strongly urged that the roads should be open, and the Council should accede to. their wishes. The members for the riding were appointed fo visit Parsonage Paddock and report to next meeting. The South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board under certificate from the Chief Health Officer, called a meeting in Timaru Borough Council at 11.30 a.m. on January 26th 1905 to agree upon the share of each local authority in equipment and maintenance of an infectious diseases hospital. The chairman was appointed the Council’s delegate. Mr Walker said that lie thought that as Waimate bad special qualities not enjoyed by other places they should object tu being included, as they were quite qapablebf taking charge of their Own casbs and erecting a building. ■ 1 Authorisation was given by the Department for Maytown-Wainono road £lOO, Pareora settlement road £2OO, Pareora bridge £lOO. . I i '' '\;

Mr Jasper Nicholls agreed to a bridge being erected at McCaw’s crossing Hakataramea, provided it is done at once. Mr A. H. 8. Henniker, on behalf of Mr McCaw, objected to the proposed erection of bridge. A .good deal of correspondence was put in in regard to the auditing of the balance-sheets. These had been sent down and are to be published forthwith. The County Council's treasurer (Mr G. V. Cochrane! put in a full report in regard to the balance sheets and covering the Audit-Departments’s contentions. A notice of motion that the motion declining to extend and form Bradshaw's road be revoked was brougt up. Speaking to the motion Mr Hart said the deputation bad made out a good, case, but the main objection was that of Mr Walker as to the lack Of funds. It would be some time before the work could be done and payments required. Mr Walker said he did not see why they should revoke a decision of the Council or burden Deep Creek with part of the cost. Most of the settlers had a short out at the back of Bradshaws and it did not make 200yds difference. If the road were granted a bridge was only a question of time and in the interest of his ratepayers he strenuously objected to their being saddled with any part of the cost fqy the sole' benefit of Waihao ratepayers. Mr Hardie said there appeared an urgent need for the road, tor light traffic. He would be in favour of reopening the question. There was, however, no need for contention between the ridings. Mr Walker said Mr Bradshaw signed the petition with the idea that a lot of metalling would be done in his district whereas it was not now necessary. Also Mr Hart's idea was tc get stock across and how could they get stock over unless a brigde were erected sooner or later. Mr Breen said Deep Creek closed a toad that wodld have‘given the access now asked for. They wanted. one road closed and the other not opened. It was decided to revoke the resolution, Mr Walker only against and Messrs Lyall, Milne and Elworthy not voting, IBNDBRS. Contract No. 588, Cock and Hen road. —W. J. Black, £Bl 9,9 d (accepted) ; B. Campbell, £9B ; J. Werges, £9B Bs. Contract—No. 509, Brown’s road. H. Pollard, £29 10s, (accepted); Jno. Patterson and Co. £3l 4s. Mr R. O. Campbell, Otekaike, agreed to the Council’s suggestion re deviation of roads at Station Peak on condition that Council pay all costs of survey, transfer etc., and buildings as were necessary. The chairman said as they were already included they could not well get out of it. The C. F. C. A. offered an Aveling road roller cheap, but the Council decided that it did not require it. The N. Z. and A. Land Co., agreed to transfer Farley’s road to the Council, and asking if other roads were required.—Mr Lyall and the Engineer were instructed to insert these on the plans. Messrs R. Campbell and Sons asked permission to erect a gate on the short road to the hatchery, Hakataramea.— Granted, subject to usnal conditions. The following accounts were passed : General, £1293 12s 2d; Waihao water, interest, £l39Tls lOd ; Pareora, £4B 15s lOd ; Land fund, £59 Is ; contractors’ deposits, £23; total, £1577 18s lOd. Thursday was fixed as the statutory half-holiday within the county of Waimate, under the “ Shops and Offices Act, 1904.” It was decided to hold a special meeting on 22nd February, 1905, to pass a resolution varying the special order made on 29th June, 2904, appointing the Waihao Water Commit, tee of management, by appointing Mr Malachi Harney a member of said committee, in place of the late Mr Brian Fahey, The Waihao Water Race Committee reported that they had recommended Mr Malachi Harney to the vacancy on the committee caused by the death of Mr Brian Fahey. Accounts amounting to £l4 8s were passed. A letter from Mr M. Henstridge re the overflow of his races was passed on to the water-race committee. After lunch the question of the various riding funds was discussed, but no resolution was passed. Traction eyrn ■gine byelaws were also nnder notice, and it was resolved on the motion of Messrs Lyall and Walker, “ That the recommendation of the committee appointed to consider the question of traction engine traffic, heavy traffic be adopted, and that the Engineer and solicitor prepare, print, and submit same to a special meetingof the Council to be held on 22nd February, to pass a resolution adopting same, and that the Engineer in the interim confer with the Levels County Council, with the view of bringing the byelaws into line with theirs.