WAIRARAPA WEST COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 4, Issue 1074, 15 May 1882, Page 2

WAIRARAPA WEST COUNCIL.

The ordinary. monthly meeting of the Wairarapa West County Council ,<w#a held on Saturday last. Present—Cra Booth (chairman), Russell, Donald, iiraithwaite, Matthews, McGregor. Jack* son.and Chamberlain.

The Chairman, on taking his seat, con-' gratulatad the Councillors on the accession of Mr Russell to their number. •

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, . The treasurer read his report which shewed a credit balance at batik of 9a. The receipts since last meeting included dog registration; £2 10a 7d; Wairarapa East County, £63 Bs.3d: Waipawa County, half cost of Manawatu punt, £lO5 3a 7d; deposit on contiaots, £80; Colonial Treasury, £2000; gold field revenue, £2.; ; The half yearly balance sheet had been forwaided to the district auditor, but could not be published as directed by the Act, in'consequence of that officer not having returned it.

The Chairman said that in connection with the balanceßheetlie might explain that immediately after the last meeting there being reason to apprehend a Ministerial change in consequenco of the illness of the Premier, he went to Wellington with a view to arrange with the assistance of Mr Beethfim questions in which the. County was interested. The result had been to secure satisfactory arrangement, for the ,next two or three months.Among other things the difficulty .of providing for the .cost 6f ? f he;-"- Alfred ton-, Tiraiimea" road survey had been overcome by an increaso in the vote for that work, and two or three votes. had-been obtained which absorbed the £B,OOO with the exception of £209, a sum which was none too large to leave for. contingencies. One diffioulty which might give trouble was a misunderstanding about-the south Mauriceville vote. The Government intended to spend under this vote £SOO for the road and LSOO for compensation, or LIOOO in all. The Council had pledged itself to expend L9OO in addition to the sum required for compensation. He believed,_ however, that ultimately the matter might be arranged though the Surveyor-General was a little sore at. his instructions having been exceeded,. Before sitting, down he might add a few words about the dog difficulty. He had not himself been able to see the Colonial Secretary, but Mr Beetham had interviewed him, and all authorities on the question were unanimous in declaring that where the certificate of a Rabbit Inspector was presented a dog must not only be registered free of charge but must also be provided with a free collar. It was extraordinary that this should be right in the teeth of the aotion the County had already taken, but thoy must make up their minds to accept it. Practically the difficulty would not be a serious one. Settlers were unlikely to sue the County for a refund, but if they did the County would be bound to recoup them. When a demand was made for free colla'rj it might ba pointed out to settlers claiming them that by putting the County to this oxpense they strengthened the necessity for a County rate. Another question which was continually cropping up, and which might lead to serious diffioulty, was that of getting through native lands, which had not yet been dealt with, such as those at Wangaehu and south Rangitumau. It would be well for the Couuoil to endeavor to obtain the necessary powers by legislation during the ensuing session. During the next few years the niost important works of the County would - be opening up Crown Lands, There was no thought of injury to the native owners, as roads passing through their lands would enhance their value. Mr Bryce informed him that as yet the Government had never taken roads through such lands and that no powers existed (o lake them through, but that in liia opinion it was desirable to possess such a right.

CORRESPONDENCE, A letter was read from Mr T, Price stating that he desired 110 further aotion taken with respect to the tramway which he had applied for. The Clerk stated that in consequents of receiving the letter ho (lid not call a special meeting to confirm the previous resolution of the Council and that all proceedings had lapsed with respect to it.

The Chairman staled that Mr Price had moved his mill, and would probably have lo put in a new application. Mr Phillips letter resijjuing hia seat in the Council was read.

The Chairman stated that when he received it he had no option according to tlio Act but to hand it to the returning officer. Other circumstances would have led him to take the same course. Mr Phillips at the last meeting expressed his intention of resigning, though not till after two or three more meetings had been held and he (the Chairman) had advised him to sleep over the matter. Mr Phillips had pleased himself and though they might regret the course he had taken they could not prevent him from taking it,

Or McGregor asked that the Returning officer should read the clause of the Act under which he took proceedings as some persons seemed to doubt that lie had acted according to law. Or Matthews stated that Mr Phillips had expressed to him a wish that nothing more might be said on the subject; as he did not consider the Council had acted illegally. Mr Woltersread the clause of the,local election act which fixed the nomination at not less than Beven and more than twelve days from the reoeipt of resignation,

A letter was read ftom Mr Skey com-, plaining that a dog in bis possession had been charged a higher rate for registration when it should have hoen assessed at the lower and asking for a remission of five shillings, After somo discussion it was decided to admit the olaim, ' A letter was read from Messrs Harman and Stevens, asking for a road in Mangaraaruna, where a client of theirs had purchased a block of land, At . the suggestion of the chairman it was decided that no funds were available for the work proposed,j)ut that the application oonld .be bome in mind when a new grant was ob-, tainabk.

The Fealherston Town Board wrote to point out that a bridge in Fitzherbert-st. was unsafe.

Cr Jaoksou said.this was one of the first bridges erected in the district and that it was very-rotten. The ohairman said it would be understood that the engineer should give it immediate attention. Mr W. Taylor, of the Lake Ferry, applied for repairs to his boat. Cr Russell said this boat lay out during the whole of the summer, and he did not see why Mi? Taylor'should riot protect it wifch a tot toi shed. When there waß a heavy fresh the boat was unmanagable and it would be better to provides lighter one, if the-Couneil had funds, with a view to save life. The wind frequently came with such force that the boat went along the water like an empty mustard tin, and one man could not possibly manage it. .-! Or Matthews endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker. So/ne years-ago two lion were drowning out there, and the boat went to their reaoue,.but was un'managable from itß size and the men we're swept out to sea and-perished. ' For ordinary work a small boat would be preferable, It was difficult for one man to launch the present one,

Cr McGregor proposed that Ora Raaaall, Matthews, and Donald be appoiatod a Committee to report on the Lafce Jerry, and.the best means bfconduotitig-rfc. .. thought it should be put ofr ■ bettprAtsto ; i Cr Jaoksori 'seoonded 'M motion' It was a question whether the £3O 'pet/mi- v Dum paid.by the Connoil to the Ferry van sufficient. - , The resolution was carried : ' . » The Chairman referring to a letter received from the Surveyor-General, stated that this officer was strongly in favor of the South Rangitumau road, and that if the native difficulty was overcome, a vote could be secured {for it in the coming Bession. .

engineer's .import, - Sir,—l have tiie honor Vfebmit the following report on the publiXfekji of the Wairarapa West County - • OPAKI TO MAJfAWATU BOAD.' During the past month, part only of the maintenance men have been employed in clearing out the side drains and in attending to surface repairs.' The others,, and a few extra bands, have been engaged in constructing culverts and fillings, so that a few ot the wont oi the still remaining bridges may be dispensed with before'the winter fairly seta'in. After those now iahand, and two others for which timber has been ordered and partly delivered, are completed; the maintenance men will be fully 'employed during the {winter monthsrdn 'effecting the necessary repairs and improvements to tho road surface and drainage; Culvert and filling No. 20.—The progress m'ade hitherto -with this cohtractt-has been rather slow. The oreek;'hed.'is. ; oliiu , ed of logs, the culvert made and about half the 'earthwork 'executed, Culvert and contract it now almost completed, and the works, w far, are satisfactorily executed. .

. PAHUTOA ROADS. ; Contract No. l is not yet quite completed. Workmen have'been sent to Pahiatiia to commence contracts No. 2 and 3., Plans and specifications aire now-ready fur -contracts No. 4 and 5,- and tenders will be invited forthwith.

WANGAEHG VAUEV ROAD. Contract No, 1, on this road'is nearly completed. On contract No. 3 inoat o{ .the clearing and part of the earthwork is done. There is now about 4 miles of this road tinder contract,' and the survey of the remaining portion, to the first crossing of thfi'Wangaehu River—which I think will be about another mile and a half-will bo completed during the ensuing week, •' HAWERBROAD. i.' The survey for the conßtruction ot thepart of .this road, authorized to be formed, iB almost,completed, and plana foi'the first two miles prepared. - , MAURICENILIiE SOUTH ROADS.' Contract No. I.—For some time back th® progress made on this coniraet has been slow, owing partly to the unfavourable.state of the weather, No work has been iopq on contracts No.' 2 and 3.' • On contract No, 4 a considerable amount of work has been done, but the progress made is hardly satis- '■[ factory. Notice has-been sent to dlHhs ' contractors that the works will have to be " pushed forward more energetically. • WAIOHINB BRIDGE CONTRACT* Owing partly to unfavourable weatherthe • progress made, v during the past month, with the erection of this bridge has hot been bo rapid as was expected. Part of tho temporary staging was carried away by a flood which.has caused some delay.- All the piles for the fourth pier are drivon, and the capsills and corbells areßfixed in position; ?he ■ • staging for the centre span is completed, aid: >• the erection of the trusses is being proceeded *'■ • with. The contractor has applied' for a ■ further progress payment; but, as the time.'' %'\ for the completion Of the contract was up in '■ - March last, the application should ;be coiisidered by the Council instead of being dealt \ - within the ordinary way. The contractor fe, has, by hi# peculiar method of carrying on • ' : the works, rendered it difficult &t the present.• stage of . their progress, to compute their value. He has, in opposition to my advice, '. persisted in erecting the temporary works' on sills and parts of the old bridge, instead,. ; of driving a few mull, piles in the river to carry them. Those temporary works may . .. answer the purpose very well, but there isa probability of them being carried away by - »n ordinary flood, and a'largo quantity of ths now work with them. In the' course of a. few days, if the weather is at all favorable, and proper diligence is exercised, the trusses ' ■ will be nung and dear of the staging, . WAINUAWABRIDOE.' The Carterton approach of the Waiugawa Bridge is in.danger of beingdestroyed., Tho• , largest stream is flowing with great velocity against the abutment pier. About a week :.;'' ago part of tho material forming the &p-\ proach was washed out, and a hole, fonned ' . in tho .road about Bix feet in diameter, • Measures should at once be taken to,turn, the stream or reduce' its velocity; if this is : not dono the pier and approach may be carried away by the next flood-

WAIPOUA BRIDGE, Protective works to confine thb stream within reasonable limits, immediately abovo the new bridgeware urgently required. If i liirge flood was to occur before these works ate executed, considerable damage would be done to the Opaki approach of the bridge. I am, kc„ John Kisa, : l County Engineer.

Or McGregor referring lo the partioulav works necessary at the Waingawa and Waipoua bridges pointed out the dangers to which the (structures were subjected, The Works Commit! ee advised Mr King to temporarily repair the damage to the south approach of the Waingawa Bridge, which had been done. At the Waipoaa Bridge & small sum would suffice for pro-. teetive works, but at .Waingawa a more considerable expenditure was .necessary. It was, nevertheless,, imperative on them to provide the necessary ways and means. The Ohairman said that anticipating a necessity of dealing with the Waingawa be had asked the Engineer at thoir prcviout meeting to report upon it, but unfortunately hefoje they could deal with it, the flood came down and now it would cost more he feared to protect the bridge than' it.would have done in the first instance.

Mr King at the request of the meeting stated that he estimalod the cost of pro* tective works at Waingawa at £IOO, The Chairman said he understood that the Council fur the sake of that sun would not risk the destruction of a largo and valuable bridge. Or Matthew .deiired to know if their Engineer waß supposed to keep open the Rimutaka line ? , . .<

Or Donald stated that the; .Featherslon Highway Board had been in the habit of removing small obstructions on this lint, Mr King replied that he had, as yet, w. ceivad no definite instruction from the Council with respect to the Rimutakft line. , ■ i, " Cr Donald snggested that the Engineer.' should ompower the man - at the toll .house to remove any small obstructions. ;tbat might occur, jV/" : Ors Jackson concurred, as tbe man ity ' question had been a distriot roadmwt; and was quite oompetent'to look' after ta® i lipe, _ • w, . 'A dieouaaioti then took place on tht progress payment for the Waiohine bridge, which resulted, in £BOO. being pasted conditionally on. the trusses being hung; r Mr King estimated that'the cost of pro'., teotive works-at the Waipour would be M, in addition to a culvert near Messrs Bacon and Wrigley'e mill, which was already authorised. The Chairman:. There is an, opening for a spirited finanoiaivnow 1 He moved that the necessary- w'brks'be proceeded With. '■ / y-l . The motion wae oarriedj .having been seconded by Or McGregoriVwho; laid i(. their present mean» .failec( them,-they v must furnish others by virtue ot the*, powers which they posseufidi,. -,- FINANOB OOUMITIBBi ' The report of the recoup mending for payment of accpohti. to • tw ; ' amount <£3Bl 1$ vigi »d^te4, c " l . .

. > fyBUO'ffOBKS'OOMMITiBE, . . !fl te i, ders ,^ ioh ha ™been B Septod «noe_ the last meeting, particulars of '• fik ? v ? alrea(J y been published. . Ane onairman said ho assumed that all works would be pushod forward as far as wao consistent with the supply of labor. ' * . s?f "l at tllere would be no attempt to • disturb the labor market in the FortyMile Bush, J . Cr MoGrugor replied that, in moat in- - ttancea the tenders accepted had been withm the estimate of their Engineer, and where tho latter had been oxceeded the excess had been but slight. Ho osked tlie Council for a definite instruostruotionjor the Works Committee to v _ accopt jf.uders in cases where, by delay- ' a meeting of tho Council, any inconvenience would arise. The chairman, said tho Council had full . confidence in its Engineer aud Works Committee. He moved that it bo an in- ■ •'motion to the Works Committee to arrange all tenders to close on the days of , tue Council meetings, but whero in tho • • • opinion of tho Engineer the delay would Oe attended with inconvenience tho mlio Works Committee should have ■ • power to accept. Or McGregor Accepted this resolution : Which was seconded by Cr Matthews and carried. ;

WAIOHINJS TOLL-GATE,' Tho Chairman stated that tho presont Jflase expired this month. In his opinion vi the time for polishing the toll had nrriver. He pointed out that tho royonue no)? " I '' Bolitar y B a ' o a 8 now about '' ±3OO and coat from £IOO to £l5O to col'lect Ho pointed out that though in building a new bridge they had a claim for a toll, yet they built a bridge near Masterton and did not ask for ono there, »nd it was hardly fiir to tax ono part of th& district and exempt another. It waaa pity ta leave this remnant of the antiquities and iniquities of the'past standing. Cr Jackson opposed the view taken by c . llt ! irnmn : I" England they could afford to abolish tolls as they could levy a tax on vehicles there which made those who used the roads pay for them, but in New Zealand they could not as yet give up this revenue. A toll was the only way ..they had of getting at 'the Maories. He moved that the gate be re-leased, Cr Matthews seconded the proposal; the rpad near the toll was an exceptionally 1 expensive one and the toll revenue was necessary for it. "Cr McGregor said if they were compelled to levy a County rate ho wis prepared'to support the abolition of tolls but nWf till then. He pointed out that the reason .why the County Council could not orect a tollgate at the Waipoua was beoaus* the Highway Board already had one in. its immediate vicinity. Ihe river threatened to cross the road below tho wtnohine tollgate, and they would soon, he thought, have to spend the toll money. Cr Jackson suggested and the chairman concurred, that the tollgate should be removed to its original site to the north of, the river.

The resolution to re-lense tho tollgato for another year was carried. then adjourned.