WAIRARAPA EAST COUNTY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1912, 11 February 1885, Page 2

WAIRARAPA EAST COUNTY.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Council was held yesterday. Present—Crs Mackay (chairman), Hawkins, Maunsell, Dagg, Macquarie, and McCardle. The minutes of tho previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Correspondence was read from the Rev J. C. Andrew re quarters for ferryman at the Whareama river, stating lie would give an answer in a few days, as the cottage there-was now ocoupicd. Prom F. Brading stating inability to contribute to the expense of rewriting the pound board. From the clerk Castlepointßoad Board suggesting that the drain on Mr Stillborn's property be enlarged and cleared, also asking the sanction of the Council for the expenditure of £7O by the Board; also enclosing a resolution to the effect that the Board did not think it desirable to take over the liabilities of the County, but that they would take over the maintenance of county roads provided the balance of separate rates was paid over, and suggesting a rate be struck over the whole county to liquidate the £I6OO of county liability. From Alfredton Road Board stating, they wero not prepared to take over the maintenance of county roads and suggesting a rate be struck over the whole county to liquidate its liability. From Mr McLachlan, overseer, statins; that his pay and travelling allowances were inadequate to meet his expenses and asking for an increase of his travelling allowances. A claim of 17s Od was forwarded by M. Dowling for two and a half days' work. It was resolved that it be not recognised. Re fencing the line of road on the Black Hill route through Mr Elder's property, the chairman said the county, had laid the road off some years ago, but had not legalised it. Cr Hawkins said it was only a question of where the'funds were to come from-and the road would have to be made over to the county.

Cr Hawkins moved—That if the Castlepoint Board is prepared to find whatever funds are necessary to fence the road, it be left to the chairman and Cr Maunsell to arrange the terms with Mr Elder, it being a condition that the road be legally vested in the Council.—Carried.

Re the Whareama ferry, the clerk informed the Council that no application had been received for the office of ferryman.

The chairman said Mr Andrew was of the opinion that the ferry was for the benefit of tho people south of the river and they should provide accommodation for a ferryman there,

It was resolved that the ferry be closed and notice to that effect be posted up and notified in the papers, and the boats be advertised for sale.

It was resolved on the motion of Cr Hawkins, seconded by Cr Macquarie— That the Council supply the various poundkeepers with boards containing the new scale of fees in accordance with the Act.

The overseer of the Castlepoinfc Road Board was authorised to have tho drain at Mr Stillborn's property cleared, and the culverts enlarged. Authority was granted to the Castlepoint Road Board to execute certain work on the Tinui-Whakataki line of road to the extent of £7O.

With regard to the various boards taking over the maintenance of County roads and County liabilities, it was resolved to let the matter stand over until the whole pf the Boards had replied.

Cr Macquarjo was. empowered to arrange with Mr Smith re falling hush on the Comity road. In regard to a letter from the Public Works Department ro using totara instead of rimu, the clerk was instructed to reply that for sheathing bridges rimu was preferable to totara, and that was all the rimu was to be used for.

It was resolved that the application of the Alfredton Board to allow the engineer to lay off certain roads be granted. A petition of certain ratepayers to be constituted a separate Road Board was read.

Cr McCardle moved, and Cr Macquarrie seconded that the prayer of the petitionere be granted,—Carried,

The Clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the foregoing resolution,

engineer's report.

Sir,—l have the honor to submit to you the following report for the past month on the works under my control in the Wairarapa East County; Masterton Riding.—The construction of the additional span to the Waipoua bridge with formation of approaches thereto, was completed on the 81st of January. The total costs of the works has amounted to £74312s 4d of which sum £2315s is for professional charges, such as supervision and preparation of detail drawings, leaving £719 17a 4d as the actual cost of the bridge itself. The work was commenced on the 13th of Octobor, and has therefore occupied 31 months in its completion. The bridge lias boon carefully and substantially built, and the materials used throughout arc of good quality. Tenders have been invited for the purpose of protective works recommended by mo to the south bank of the river about the bridge approach. The exact nature of these can be seen by roferoncc tp the plans and specifications which hayo been prepared for the wprk and whioh consist of fascine thatqliing and the construction of a small groin similar to the one on tlio opposite side of the river,

The painting of the trusses I will recommend be allowed to stand over for tho present until later in the autumn in order to give the heavier timber sufficient time to season.

Good headway is being made with the additions to the Waingawa bridge. The piles for the new spans, as well as those for the pier, replacing the one which was washed out, have been driven, and the construction of the platform is being proceeded with, Arrangements have been entered into by which the contractor has constructed two groins in lieu of the heavier approach provided for in the original contract for the northern end of the bridso. The substitution is likely to prove highly beneficial to the preservation of the works at this end. I have found it necessary to the further stability of the work tq recommend that the Council authorise the following additions to the present contract:—l. A small culvert in the filling on the northern approach, 2, Extra sheeting to the pier and wing to the depth of about four feet on the abutment at the same approach. 3. The trussing of one of the 36ft stringer pieces, which is sprung on tho first span at the same end. 4, At the Carterton end, the protecting of the bank by fascine thatoMng fpr a height of srx feet and a length of 171 ft. These are additions which are, I consider, of absolute necessity to the safety of the works already contracted for, and for want of which the bridge and its approaches might bo rendered unfit for traffic at any time. The contractor anticipates throwing the bridge open to traffic by the 28th inst, and to have the present contract out of hand shortly after that date. In accordance with instruction, I have interviewed the members of the Works Committee of the Borough Council in roferenco to the old Waipoua bridge sheeting, and the work is being proceeded with by their staff, who hope to complete it by the end of the week. ' I have made an examination and rough survey of the Western bank of theßuamahunga river at Ore Ore, and from this data

have prepared a Hchenio of the works which 1 consider aro desirrble for the protection of the approach to the bridge. The estimated cost of carrying out this work is shewn in a schedule attached to this report, and from the plan of the locality I will be able to explain to tho Council the manner in which I suggest it shall be carried out.

The metalling contract upon the Masterton to Bideford road is in a forward state of progress, the gravel being laid to within ten chains of the end of the contract. Tho material used, although of fair average quality is, I regret, not so good as might reasonably have been expected, and I fear that the gravel in the pit is giving symptoms of running. The work will require much trimming up, and judging by the cursory examination I was enabled to make when recently travelling by tho contract, a considerable amount of stone breaking will have to be performed beforo the work can bo taken over. Tho earthwork contracts on the further extremity of this lino have been duly prepared and advertised and the tenders for the work will be laid before the Council at the present Bitting. As yet I have taken no action towards letting the clearing of the slipo on the Whangaehu road. In explanation I would point out that the estimate, which I formerly furnished was for that section only of the road which lay within the boundaires of the Upper Taueru Road district. As I understand that the Council are prepared to deal with the whole of the formerly constructed road, I haveamended .mf estimate so as to embrace the length of the line within the Masterton Road District, and will ask authority to expend the increased amount, v. Alfredton Riding.—The necessary notices have been placed'upon the defective: bridges along the Forth Mile Bush roadlim'iting'theloadstobe carried over them to three tons.''"."..."

Arrangements, have been entered into with Mr-Keese >vith respect to the supplying of the timber for the modified bridge upon the Eketahuna toTenuiroad. Upon investigation it has been ascertained that no great quantity, if any, of the timber can be obtained at a cheaper rate than at which it can be furnished from Masterton. I have therefore instructed him to proceed with the work, lie consenting to give me tho full particulars of the cost of the material when delivered upon the site. The work is, therefore, proceeding upon these terms. Mr McLachlan has furnished tho necessary plans &c, for tho formation works on a further section of this lino. Tenders for the work have been invited to close this day.

In company with the Oversoer to the : Castle Point Road Board I made a careful examination of the locality from which I considered material could be obtained suitable for road metal for the Mangapaheka section of the Masterton to Waimata road. I regret that our efforts have not proved so successful as 1 should have wished. The material in all cases must necessarily be of rather inferior quality, and but little better than much of that which has already been used in metalling the section under contract to Mr Burgess. Three eight chains sections have been staked out and tho quarry for each respective section has been selected of the best material procurable. The contracts are in extension of Mr Burgess contract beginning on the Tenui side of the Pino Hill and extending with one intermission at Sugar Point, to what is known as Knight's Slip. It will be understood by Councillors that the proposed deviation via the Pine Hill point is not provided for in tho es,thqate, which will bo laid before the Council, as I understood that this section was to be omitted for the present,.

Ihavo <k, 0. E, Bremner, Acfcin? engineer to the Council,

Cr Hawkins moved that application be made for the amount estimated by the engineer from the Government under the Special Flood Damages Claims for tho Buamahunga bridge. Cr McCardle seconded, and carried. Re the Waipoua bridge, it was reported that tho amount required was £2OO in excess of the estimate, and the Chairman said the question of providing the money would have to be faced.

• Cr Hawkins moved, and Cr Maunsell seconded, that that part of the work referring to the protection of the Waingawa bridge be sent to the Wairarapa West County Council for its approval, ,and then referred to the Works Committee to deal with,

The course proposed by the engineer with respect to the Wangachu road was adopted,

Tho assistant engineer's report ta read.

Or Hawkins moved, Cr Macquarrie seconded, that the by-law in respect to wheel tires be put in force, and that Mr McLachlan and Mr Pcny be appointed overseers to carry it out.—Carried. The Castlepoint overseer's report was read with referenco to works in his district.

Cr Hawkins moved and Cr Maunsell seconded—That unless, in the opinion of the engineer, satisfactory progress be made in Burgess' contract before tho end of the month the contract be determined, —Carried.

Cr Hawkins said no record of the meeting with Mr Ballanco was ontered on the minutes and the clerk was instructed to rccorcl the interview in tjiq lninutebqpl?, The Works Committee's report (as published in a previous issmo pf the \)ui\) was read,

Tho report was adopted, Tho Finance Oommitteo's report was read as follows:—It was resolved to recommend for payment the expenses claimed by the Assistant Engineer, and tho carriage of goods by Mr Crewo. A progress payment of £222 was recommended to be made to Mr Burgess on his contracts. Accounts amounting to £1142 14s 8d were passed for payment. It was resolved to recommend that tho Council ask Mr Bremner to accept the office of Chief Engineer and Surveyor of the Council at a present salary of £350 and his travelling oxpenses, and that in tho event of Mr Bromner accepting the office, the Highway Boards in the East and West Counties be notified tliat the Council will place Mr Bremner's and Mr McLachlan's services at the disposal of the Boards on terms based on the salaries paid by the Council, It was resolved that the amount of salary now fixed b,o reconsidered if the duty of construction of public works in the district be restored to the Council. Resolved—That Mr McLachlan be allowed actual travelling expenses in lieu of the fixed allowance of £2 per month, and that the allowance of travelling expenses in both cases bo open to reconsideration at the end of the first three mQiith.B. Or Dagg inoYCfl the adoption pf the report referring to the appointment of Mr Brqmner as engineer, The Sub-Committee appointed to report on the Cashpoint ovorseer's report recommended timber be ordered to the extent of 9000 ft for the repairs of bridges and culverts. Cr Hawkins said there were due to the County £2500 which would be available at at the end of the month and in the meantime if the accounts amounting to £llOO were paid an arrangement would havo to bo mado with the Bank for a temporary overdraft, • ._._•., The Chairman and Cr Hawkins were authorised to mako arrangements with the Bank for an overdraft and the-accounts were passed for payment. Or McCardle reported upon Mr Mc-

Millans whare that the Council had noflh claim upon it other than that it was upoi™ the road, He thought it would bo well if the Council made application to the Government for two or threo resorves of about 5 acres each for roadmen's residences, gravel pits, &c. The Council resolved to take no action in the matter of the whare.

The Engineer was instructed to look out and report upon suitable gravel pits on Government reserves with a view to applying for their reservation for county purposes. The following tenders were dealt.with.; Te Ore Oro Bideford Road—Accopted, G. Mackay, £95 16s M ; declined,' P. C. Madsen, £121; H. Stevens, sls; Perry, £9B; T, P. Girdwood, £105;; Gardner & Kerm, £llß 33; A. Reese, £149.

Tinui-Eketahuna Road—Accepted, T. P. Girdwood, £l6l 10s; declined, P. Madsen, £lB5. . :. Waipoua Protective Works—Declined, .'. J. Dawson, £133; A. Reese, £110; A. McLcod, £13155. Fresh tenders„will be. called for. . • -) Mungapakeha metalling, MastertonWaimate Road—Accepted, Stevens & Reese, No 7, £504; Declined. Stevens A Reese, No 8, £534 j T. P. Girdwood,' W 7, £554, No 8, £565105; P. Carr.Wo 7 r £559; No 8, 697, No 9, £690. -v'-* On the motion of Or McCardlo ,'ithe Engineer was instructed to give attention'' - to the dangerous condition of some of the ■ • bridges through rubbish and debris being ••'■ •-' collected round the piers. ' ;- '• ;•'. '•'■ It was resolved on the motion of Or *'»'• Hawkins that the Chairman, Cr Beetham. and the mover-wait on the Minister of Lands as to the location and construction of roads to open Crown Lands in this County. That the Minister be asked to receive the deputation at the same.titde '. '"' as the deputation on the same subject' ; - from the Wast Lands Board] -.

Cr McCardle said the deputation from the Waste Lands Board were not going to wait on the Minister on the subject of , this expenditure. ••'•■ Cr Macquarie moved that the engineer be instructed to lay off about fifteen chains on the Eketaliuna-Alfredton road section for metalling, prepare specifica- „ tions, and eall for tenders in time for; the'' next meeting, to be those portions; oi>theA.' road where the fascining is at presenSß being done, being one and a-half chains .of metalling for every chain of fascining. ■ '■ Carried,

It was resolved on the motion of Cr Macquarie that pending the receipt of;th« Minister of Public Works' certificate for a grant of £659 under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. for the Eketa-huna-Tinui main, road, that it be'an" instruction to the engineer to at once.prepare plans for the Te Hoe bridge ; also lay off sections most requiring it on the Eketaliuna-Alfredton Bection for metalling, and tenders be called on receipt of certificate.

A special rate of an eleventh of a penny in the £ was struck on the EketahunaTinui road loan under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, and the meeting adjourned.