NORTH COUNTY COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3986, 11 December 1891, Page 2

NORTH COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Wairapa North County Council was held yesterday, there being present Crs F. von Redin (in the chair), Maunsell, Stuckey, Guild, Smith and Groves. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. An apology for absence was received from Cr J. S. Handyside, who stated that he desired to make an explanation with regard to the Akitio ferry charges, WATER BUPPLY. Mr E. Meredith wrote with regard to the proposed Wainguwa water supply, stating that it had been infended to ask the County to declare the district a water supply district, only that half of those requiring the supply were in the Borough and they could not join in the proposal. It had been suggested that special legislation might obviate the difficulty. He would like the Council to make some suggestions in ihe matter. The Clerk was instructed to look up the Act and forward a reply to Mr Meredith. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr N. Aulin, requesting permission to errect a scaffolding on the footpath at Eketahuna. —Permission i granted on conditions that Mr Aulin is responsible lor accidents. j From J. Jones, Eketahuna, stating I that the drain did not carry off any offensive matter from his premises. [lf he was compelled to alter his ! drainage, he would have to erect a cesspool, which would be far more injurious to public health.—The Chairman stated that a drainage scheme had been formed for the township of Eketahuna at a small cost but it had fallen through. He thought thifeleast Mr Jones could do was to endeavour to carry the drainage scheme.—Cr Groves thought they should not consider the question of cost. They were a Board ofHealih. —Cr Stuckey moved that Mr Jones be " given notice to abate the nuisance. —Cr Smith seconded. He thought if the Council put their fool down at once the residents of Eketahuna would be compelled to adopt a scheme for drainage.—The resolution was put and carried. From Ralph Manning, requesting certain concessions with regard to his contract for maintenance.—As the engineer reported against the request, it was resolved tha,t the Council cannot grant the concessions asked for.

From the Secretary to the Trea* sury, asking for a return of traffic on the Alfredton-Eketahuna road.—The Clerk whs instructed to supply the information required. From William Fergusson, Secretary of the Marine Department, supplying tho amended regulations for the election of memherß of the Harbour Board. —The Chairman and Clerk were authorised to go through tbe regulations and make any suggestions they might consider necessary. Mongapeu Road.

The minutes of the meeting held at Cripps' homestead with reference to the closing of the Mungapeu road were read. The Clerk stated that it was necessary to piocure ceatain deeds with regard to the matter before finally closing the road.

On the motion of Cr Guild the oonr sideration of the matter was held over till next meeting.

Akitio Ferrv

Mr J. S. Handyside wrote with regard to the complaints made by Mr C. Battes. He assured the Council that the ferry boat was always open to drovers and was of great assistance. The charge of lid was necessary to support the ferry. The paddocks were good and secure. Mr Battes was the only person who had complained of the charges. He had spoken very roughly to the ferryman, and on the toll being demanded he had written out a cheque in favour of " toll keeper or extortion." He enclosed a statement of thtt receipts and expenditure of the toll, and the number of cattle which had passed over the ferry. Mr A. M'Hutchon.who was present, stated that Mr Handyside held a tenure at will from the Council. There was no lease. Mr Handyside had done away with tbe licensed house which watf there when he took the ferry. As far as he was aware the paddock accoatmodntion was quite adequate. There was likely to be a great falling off in the number of sheep crossing the ferry. Cr Maun9ell: —Do you know what payment the ferryman receives, Mr M'Hutchon?

Mr M'Hutchon :— £2 per week. The Chairman : —Then Mr Handyside really gets about £4O a year out of the ferry for his investment.

Cr Maunsell :—What was Mr Battes' complaint? The Chairman : —He complained of the excessive charges.

Mr M'Hutchon :-Mr Battes has been paying tbe charges levied by the Council.

The Chairman Said it was necessary to keep a man at the ferry. It was for them to consider whether they could have the ferry worked cheaper. Cr Groves: Mr Battes has only been over the ferry once, and he is the only person who has complained. Those who have continually used the ferry have nefer complained.

Mr M'Hutchon : I can assure the Council that Mr Battes never applied for paddock accommodation. Or Stuckey moved that Mr Battes be informed that the Council, after fully considering the matter, had come to the conclusion that they could not niter the ferry chaiges. They also considered the paddocking accommodation quite adequate.

Cr Maunsell seconded.—Carried Finance.

The report of the Finance Committee was read aud adopted, and accounts amounting to £771 lis 8d passed for payment. It was resolved to appoint Mrs Pratt toll-keeper on the EketahunaTenui road at a remuneration equivalent to that received by the collector of tolls at the Taueru. Engineer's Report. The report of the Engineer was read and adopted. The Engineer was authorised to call for tenders for the nineteen chains metalling at Mataikuna recommended in his report. It was decided that if funds are available fifteen chains formation at Tiraumea be put in hand at once. Tinui Bridge. By the permission of the Council Or Maunsell here brought forward his motion with regard to repairs to Tinui bridge. The resolution was seconded by Cr Groves and carried. The Engineer was instructed to take the necessary steps to repair tie Tinui bridge in accordance with ibis resolution. SPECIAL RATE. The special rate for the Tiraumea loan No. 3 was confirmed. ALFREDTON TOLLGATE. Or Smith reported that the Jfogi.

neer and himcelf had decided to recommend the establishment of a toll • gate at the point on the EketahunaTenui road known as Cosgroers Saddle, and moved accordingly.

Cr Guild seconded. Cr Von Redin moved as a n amend nient that the gate be not fix? J outside the special rating area. Cr Stuckey seconded. A heated discussion took place on the subject, afler which the amendment was put and carried, the ayes bfing the Chairman, Crs Stnckay and Groves, and the noes Gr Smith and Guild. The question of the'ftc'.ual site of the gate waj left over till next meeting. The meeting then adfcourned.