WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1492, 26 January 1882, Page 3

WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the council was held in the chambers, Hamilton East, yesterday. Present : Crs. Primrose (in the chair), Wells, Runciman, Graham anil Ralph. — The Clerk stated that the chairman was unavoidably absent in Auckland, and a telegram was read from Cr Fergusson, expressing his regiet at being unable to attend — The Clerk reported that the offices of subregistrara of clogs in different parts of the county had been filled, and that he had received the registration money for Jo dogs from Rangiriri, and for 42 dogs in the town of Cambridge. A letter was read from the sub-registrar at Rangiriri, intimating that several settlers had informed him that they intended to get dog collars from other places, where the tax was only os. In reply to this the clerk reported he had written stating that by the 17th section of the act, owners of dogs were bound to register them in the uistiiet in which they resided. In connection with the same matter a petition, signed by Messrs A. Scott, W. Ralph, J. Harris, and 30 other residents in the Rangiriri district was read, praying that the tax on dogs be reduced to ss. They urged that the county would be the gainer by the alteration, as many settlers would destroy their dogs rather than pay such a heavy tax. The council decided not to entertain the prayer of the petition. — Mr Hosking, the engineer to the council, reported that in company with Mr Ralph, lie had inspected the works in the Rangiriri district, conserning which he had been instructed by the council. He forwarded estimate of the cost of bridge over Smith's creek, plans &c. of which were ready. The deviation of the road through Saunders would save some swamp and cuttings, ami would make the grade easier. He suggested that the road should be continued beyond Brace's farm, which could be done at little expense. As this would open up a tract of valuable Crown land, the Government might fairly be asked to contribute towards the cost. He had also inspected the road from Rangiriri to Churchill, about four miles in length, which required to be repaired at once. In this, also, considering that the road formed part of that leading from the railway station to the Crown lands at Awai'oa, the Government ought to contribute—lt was agreed that the engineer forward plans and specifications for bridge nt Smith's to the clerk who would call for tenders,to be in by next meeting — It was agreed to spend a sum of £20 on the Rangiriri-Churcliill road, and a sum of £15 in repairing the mam road between Huntley and Taupiri.— The clerk was instructed to write to the railway department asking that the railway crossing near Toles Hill, on the Matahura road be constructed at once.— A circular was read from the Taranaki County Coucil, asking the council's co-operation in resisting the action of the Government in retaining the county subsidy and applying same to hospital and charitable aid purposes. — It was resolved to acknowledge the receipt of the circular, stating that the Taranaki Council had the hearty sympathy af this council, which had already taken steps in the matter, but that no intimation regarding this year's subsidy had yet been received. — A letter was read from the engineer, explaining that he had not referred to the subject of travelling expenses in his tender, under the impression that the council's usual practice was to allow ,these.— lt yraa reselved that the engineer be allowed travelling expenses on the same scale as formerly.— Mr Hoy, butcher, of Cambridge/ forwarded his slaughtering returns, expiaining that he would have done so before bad not Detective JMlaa refused

to sign his books. He also prayed the council not to press for a fine in the action brought against him for slaughtering without a license, on the ground that he had called at the county office, but cpuld not find the clerk to £ive him a license. — The clerk explained that the charge was laid by the police, and that the council had nothing to do with it. — The following accounts were passed for payment :— -J . P. Thomson, £2 7s; Glenny, £1 Is; Waikato Times, £7 2s 6d; contractor Karapiro road (on account) £25 ; J. Hackett, 12s ; J. Russell, £1 16s ;J. Galavan,£2 14s.— The council then rose.