COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3753, 13 March 1891, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Wairarapa North County Council was held in the Chambers yesterday, there being present Crs Maunsell (in the chair), Bayliss, Smith, Guild, Groves, Cookburn-Hood, and Stuckey. Leave of absence was granted to Cr Handyside. The minutes cf the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr R. Meredith, asking for information re his claim for the refund of costs in the case Moore v Meredith, The Chairman stated that a committee had been appointed to report upon the matter some time since, but he considered further investigation was still necessary. He suggested the appointment of a committee to finally decide the matter. Cr Groves stated that the road had been proved to be illegal, and even though the investigation of a committee were in favor of Mr Meredith, payment of the amount could not legally be made. Cr Smith asked if the opinion of the Controller-General had been taken in the matter. The Clerk replied in the negative. The Chairman considered the question was whether or not the Whareama Boad Board was acting in good faith. Mr Moore had asserted that they were not as there was a doubt as to the legality of the road, —Mr Stuckey moved that the report of the committee be referred to a committee composed of Crs Groves, Maunsell, Bayliss and the mover, to formulate a report, Cr Cockburn-Hood seconded. Cr Smith suggested that the letters on the subject be read before the Council. Cr Guild moved as an amendment that the consideration of the matter be postponed till after the ordinary business of the Council is transacted. Cr Smith seconded. Cr Stuckey then withdrew his motion.

From Mr E. 0. Sutherland, Manawa, applying for payment for work done in repairs on a road through his property.—After some discussion the amount was passed for payment, the roadman to be instructed to keep the road in repair. From Mr E. Meredith, protesting against the closing of the Eparaima section of the Whareama road.

From Mr H. Nitz, entering a similar protest. From Clerk to the Eketahuna Road Board, requesting that the Alfredton Riding be divided into two Ridings, to be known as the Alfredton and Eketahuna ridings, and to be coterminus with the road district.—Cr Smith moved that the consideration of the matter be held over till next meeting,—Cr Guild seconded.— Carried, From Clerk of Alfredton Road Roard, applying for the services of the Engineer for preparing plans for a wire footbridge over the Te Hoe creek. —On the motion of Cr Smith, seconded by Cr Groves, the application was granted. From Mr P. Anderson, applying for the position of poundkeeper in the Mauriceville district. Application granted. From Mr R. Y. Smith, applying for a renew al of the lease of the gravel reserve at Mangamahoe.—The Clerk stated that considerable trouble had occurred oygr these reserves, and said the Engineer had suggested that the leasing of the sam 6 should be discontinued.—The Engineer recommended the Council to retain the lease of the reserves, as they W3re useful as camping grounds for contractors.—Qn the motion of Cr Stuckey the application of Mr Smith was left in the hands of the Engine er. CROEI.TY TO ANIMALS. Constable May wrote, informing the Council that considerable difficulty be experienced in obtaining a conviction in the case in which one Cameron was alleged to have cruelly illtreated a beast by stowing it to fall over a precipice and remain on the road to die. The only person who appeared to be able to give evidence was O'Connor, the roadman, and he did not think this evidenoe sufficient. As the place in question was unfenced, the Council itself was to some extent responsible. He thought no further action could be taken in the matter. Cr Groves moved that the Engineei bG instructed to protect the road in questiop, Of SJnfttlj seconded.—Carried. Gravel Reserves, Mr Janett wrote, explaiuiug the circumstances under which he had charged Messrs Meyer & Co. for the right of carrying their tramway through the gravel reserve occupied by him. The gates were left open all day by Messrs Meyer <fe Cq, and his cattle were allowed' to stray. Logs had also been dragged over the grass in winter. He thought, out of common decency, Messrs Meyer & Co. should compensate him fox* the damage done, If his oharge of three shillings was too high for the right of crossing the land, he would like to know from the Council what they considered W99 a fyir charge. The " ' communication of Messrs Meyer and 00. on the subject was read.

Or Smith considered it was the duty of the Council to assist the sawmillers rather than encourage Mr Janett in putting a toll on the tram. The Chairman thought it was purely a question of right. Cr Hood did not think it a matter for the consideration of the Council. The Engineer stated that the tramway was on the ground when the reserve was leased. He did not think Mr Janett could suffer any inconvenience beyond the leaving open of the gate. The Chairman thought the Council should treat Mr Janett as a lessee and not interfere in the matter.

The Engineer explained that the right of running a tramway through the property had been granted Messrs Meyer and Co. when the bridge w&s constructed. After further discussion the matter was referred to the Engineer for settlement and to report to next meeting. Water Supply. Messrs E. Meredith, A. W. Renall and J. Hessey „ waited upon the Council to ask for the services of the Engineer to take a preliminary survey for a water supply for the Borough of Masterton. Mr Meredith explained that His Worship thp Mayop was to have been present, but was otherwise engaged. He was, however, in favor of procuring a supply. The

in the Borough ot Ma terton were very high, and the nee of an adequate supply of water was keenly felt. If the services of the engineer were granted and his report; warranted it, a loan would be raised for the procuring of a high pressure supply. He believed the matter would be taken up by the residents of the Borough, and as grain growing was now a failure the question of irrigating the district for the purpose of raising stock would be of great importance. It was intended to bring the water from the Waingawa. Mr Hessey endorsed what Mr Meredith had said, and remarked that it was intended to form a syndicate should the report of the Engineer be favorable.

Mr Eenall stated there would be no difficulty m bringing the water into thb town, as he had done it in the past.

The Chairman said he believed the objects of the deputation were well understood. He presumed the expenses of the survey would be paid by the deputation. Mr Meredith replied in the affirmative, Cr Bayliss moved that the request of the deputation be granted. Cr Smith seconded. Cr Stuckey wished to know who would be responsible for the Engineer's expenses. Mr Meredith stated that should the services of the Engineer be granted a public meeting would be called and the expenses guaranteed. The resolution of Cr Bayliss was then put and carried, it being stipulated that the expenses of the survey should be defrayed. MANGAPEU ROAD LINE. In accordance with a resolution passed at last meeting, Mr E. Meredith waited upon the Council and explained that in 1885 Mr King had laid off a line through his property, a portion of which had been altered so as to cut off a corner. This had been assented to by the Road Board. In making the alteration a deviation nad been made from a bad road to a good one. He strongly objected to a deviation being now made.

Or Stuckey said he thought Mr Meredith was under a misapprehension. Mr Moore, who had applied for the deviation, only desired that the road should be made legal. At present it passed through a Native reserve, and was ruled by a Judge to be illegal.

Mr Meredith stated that the Government Surveyer had been authorised to lay off a public road through a Native reserve.

Mr Stuckey thought Mr Meredith only desired a fencing line. Mr Meredith replied that he was quite willing to make any reasonable concession, but he thought the suggestion of Mr Moore was absurd. Cr Guild asked if it was intended by the Council to deviate a road at the request of any settler, to allow of | a rabbit-proof fence being constructed. This appeared to be the question. The Chairman said that it appeared to him Mr Moore only wished to erect his fence. If he could do so he would take no action in regird to tho road. As Mr Meredith had offered to give land for a road line the whole thing was in a nutshell. ~ Mr Meredith stated that he was quite willing to sign a bond to give land for fencing on the terrace as asked for by Mr Moore. Cr Smith did not think it was right to form a precedent in this matter.

Cr Guild suggested the drawing out of plans. He would move that Mr Moore be requested to furnish the Council with a plan of the deviation required for fencing and that he be informed that on conditions he pays the costs of conveyance and dideoates to the public the present line in use, the road line will be defined as he suggests. Cr Smith seconded.—Carried, Eparaima Road.

The Clerk stated that no action had been taken in the matter of closing the Eparaima road, at the request of Mr Moore. Cr Guild did not consider it right that Mr Moore should deal with the Council as he had done. Ho had applied to nave the road closed and had afterwards instructed the Clerk to take no further action. This was too much like dictation. The Clerk stated be believed that Mr Moore intended closing ttie road under a different section of the Public Works Act. Cr JBayliss thought Mr Moore was absorbing too much of the time of the Council. He was getting sick of »t, The Chairman agreed with Cr Bayliss. The matter was becoming a Chinese puzzle to him. Cr Smith moved that the resolution passed at last meeting be put into operation. He did not think Mr Moore should have the right to dictate to the Council. Mr Meredith objected in strong terms to the Council doing anything more m the matte?. Nothing surreptitious should be done. The whole affair was monstrous. It was a question of one man ruling the district. Cr Cockburn-Hood gave notice to move at next meeting that the resolution requiring the closing of the road be rescinded.

Cr Groves, in seconding Cr Smith's resolution, that by advertising the intention of the Council to close the road, the opinion of the ratepayers would be obtained. Cr Stuckey believed that the Clerk had misread the letter of Mr Moore and had thus neglected to advertise the intention of the Council to close the road. He did not agree with the notice of motion ofCr Hood, as he thought everything should be done above board. Cr Hood said he gave his notice of motion because he thought that under the Public Works Act Mr Moore might close the road without consult - ing the settlers. If this was not s he would bo glad to withdraw hi" motion in favor of that of Mr Smith. Mr Meredith requested that no further action be taken by the Council in his absence or without taking the voice of the settlers. Cr Guild stated that the road could be closed on condition that the neighbours were agreed. Mr Meredith thought that this explained the whole matter. He could see that the road could be closed without the consulting of the ratepayers. This wade tbe thing palpable, Cr Hood; This throws light on the matter. Then 1 will give notice of motion that the original resolution be rescinded. Cr Bayliss moved an amendment to the resolution of Cr Smith that the consideration of the matter be held over till next meeting. Cr Stuckey: I move as a further amendment that this Council adjourn till 7.80 p.m. for dinner. Cr Hood seconded. Cr Smith, by the consent of the ; withdrew his wptiiw. j

The amendment of Cr Stuckey was put and carried, and the Council adjourned. On resuming, the amendment of Cr Bayliss, that action in tbe matter of the Eparaima road be deferred till next meeting, was carried. Finance. The report of the Finance Committee was read and adopted, and accounts passed for payment. Engineer's Report. The Engineer's report was read and adopted. Mr Meredith's Claim. The claim of Mr R. R. Meredith was considered in committee at great length, and the following resolution was carried:—"That a report of the Committee, the letter from the P.O. Department of February 28rd, 1889, and tho correspondence be forwarded to the Auditor-General, and that he be requested to state whether he considers the payment of the costs to Mr Meredith can be legally made by the Council." The Council adjourned at 11.10 p.m.

SECOND EDITION

For disturbing a meeting of the Salvation Army a lad was severely reprimanded by Colonel Roberts, R, M„ this morning, and was fined Is. and 9s costs, A thoroughly reliable draught mare is advertised for sale. Twelve Chinamen left Wellington yesterday for the "flowery land." The charge of dummyism against Mr Coleman Phillips will be hoard on Friday next. The cricket team selected to play against the Whareama Cricket Club will leave the Post Office corner to-moriow morning at half past five o'clock sharp

The following tenders were received by the Wairarapa Noith County Council yesterday for metal carting on the JSketahuna-Tenui road : M. Kerins, 2s s|d per yard (accepted); M. Kelliher, 3s ; H. Fredrickson, 5s 4d.

Messrs. Lowes and lorns make additions to their sale list of horses for Wednesday next which include the well-known performer Reputation. Robert Crawford, for drunkenness, was discharged by Colouol Roberts this morning with a caution, but for using obscene language in a public place was sentenced to ten days' hard labour in Wellington Terrace Gaol. Crawford is stranger to the district. Pearson's Brass Band has accepted the terms of tho Eketahuna Sports Committee, and will enliven the proceedings on Tuesday by their musical strains. The annual meeting of the Greytown Firo Brigade was held last night at tho Brigade Station. This evening Mrs. Butcher and her pupils will give an entertainment in aid of the Greytown Hospital at the Palace Theatre, Greytown. Miss Emma Gundeisen, third daughter of Mr G. Gundersen, the respected Maurice villa resident and,postmaster, was yesterday united in wedlock with Mr JU. Keen, also of Mauriceviile. We wish the happy couple every success in their married career.

The Grey town Friendly Societies' Sports Committee held a meeting last night at the Council Chambers, Greytown. Fina were mada for the coming meeting on St. Pa ick* Day. The danco will be held i n the Foresters' Hall. Tha weekly parade of the Masterton Riflo Volunteers was held in the Drill Hall last evening, about forty, rank and file, answering to the roll-call. The men were put through their facings by Captain Povmall (who was in command) and Lieut. Hooper. At a meeting of the Masterton Benevolent Society held yesterday the usual contine business was transected, and it was decided that the estimate for 91»92 be £SOO, The Society has now to provide certain expenses hitherto borne by the Police department.

The present ia tho time when those of a spsrting tendency are disposed to give the question of guns and ammunition their attention, and the first thought naturally ia—" Where are theae things best procured?" The answer to this inquiry will be found in an announcement elsewhere, published by Mr J. Tisdall, of Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mr Tisdall is a practical gun-maker, with a thorough knowledge of the business, while his stock of guns, cartridges, (freshly hlled by himself), powders, and shot is unequalled m the city. In the matter of quality and of prioe, sportsmen will find a distinct advantage in dealing at an establishment which devotes itself solely to the supply of their requirements. The annual meeting of the Grey town Fire Brigade Football Club was held on Saturday, and the following officers appointed : President, J. Baillie; Vice presidents. R. A. Wakelin and J. Gallon ; Secretary, F. Humphries (reelected) ; Captain, H. Duff (re elected); Vice captain, T, Fisher (re-elected); General Committee, W. Gray, J. Quip, A. Hoar, w, Humphries; Match Committee, H. Duff, T. Fisher, A. Hoar; W. R. U. Delegates, B. Duff, H. Humphries'

With reference to the statement made in Court yesterday by Mr Beard that he had been unable to procure stamps at the Post Office, we are requested to state that a six shilling stamp was applied for, but as the official in possession of the Keys of the stamp drawer was uniting a happy couple in the bonds of matrimony at the time, he was not disturbed, and the applicant consentnd to take a five shilling and a one shilling stamp, which were at hand, in place of the six shillings. This explains tho difficulty which occurred. The annual meeting ot tne ttrcytawn Football Club was held on Wednesday at the Council Chambers, Greytown, Mr, C, Beard feeing in the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted. Tho finances of the olub are in a sound condition. During the seaßon eight Senior Cup matches were played, of which six were won, one lost and one drawn, the large number of G6 points being scored as against o. Five olub matches were played resulting in two being won, two lost, and ■me drawn. The second fifteen played four cup matches, losing two winning one and drawing one. The meeting was adjourned until Saturday, the 14th, but before breaking up the Seoretary, Mr. W, A. Tate, was appointed. The other officers will be elected on Saturday. A yote of thauks to the chair terminated the meeting.

Special nctice is directed to Messrs L, J. Hooper & Co s Clothinp and Gentlemen's Mercery department. Men's and Boys' Colonial made Tweed Suits made up in the Latest styles and equal to Tailor made at Factory prices. Mens' Shirts, Hats, Ties, Braces, Socks, Pants offered in endless variety. Special Bargains while the sale is on. Special bargains are offered this week at Hooper & Uo's Bon Marche sale. Dress Goods, Ladies and Childrens' Jackets, Millinery and Corsets, Umbrellas and Parasols, Sheeting and Shirting, Blankets and Flannels, Hosiery and Gloves, Ribbona and Laces, Prints and Ginghams, White and Grey Calicoes, Counterpanes and Toilet Covens, Cretone and Art Muslins, Plusches and Velveteens, Towels, Prints, Muslins, Curtains and Blinds, Sileoiaa, and Hollands &c, &c. Call early and have first choice us every line miwt be euld to make room for goods to arrive ut the Noted Cheap Drapery and Clothing Warehouse, Tho Bon Marche, L, J. Hooper & Co., vendors, A large consignment) of Linoleums and arrived in Mast&rton on Saturday, consigned to Messrs L. J. Hooper & Co. We are informed these goods will be offered to the public at Wholesalo Prices at the Bon Marche. Anyone wanting a bargain in these clases of goods should call early and get tho first choice of patterns,

The New Zealand Bible, Tract and Boot Society has opened a temporary depot in Queen street, Masterton, next to Hooper's drapery store, whore a larce assortment of evangolical literature is offered for sale. Mr Mather, the agent, is well known in thiß district, and as his stock is a comprehensive one, he Bhould do a good business during his stay in Masterton.

A meeting of tho Wairarapa Rifle Association was hold last evening, Captain Pownall, President, in the chair. The Japtain reported that subscriptions and trophios were coming in freely, and that, weather permitting, {tie meeting this year should bo one of the most successful yet held. Lieut. , Hooper was appointed officer in charge v. of range. It was decided that should the meeting extend into the second day the ten highest aggregates'(Volunteers only) fire ten shots at 600 }ds to decide the championship. The committee also decided that the aggregate money prizes be open to members of Rifle Clubs or civilians competing. Sergts. Woods, Matthews, G, Beutloy, Peacock, and Corporal Hoffiens were appointed a ' range comritittoe, the ofiioer in charge of and acting Secretary to bfe ex- ' officio members of the committee.-Firing will Btart at 8 a.m. sharp. Ammunition may be bought from Sergoant Matthews on the range at the rata per hundred. A final meeting o^lcommittee will be held on Monday evening at the drill hall to allot prizes, &c. Members of the local committeo Are invited to attend.