WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2408, 15 December 1887, Page 2

WAIPA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The Waipa County Council held their monthly meeting at Ohaupo on Tuesday. Present: Mr Lang (chairman), and Crs. Dawson, Farrell, Taylor, Finch, Smith and Hidler. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The correspondence was submitted and dealt with. Gravel.—The Engineer reported that he had been unable to find any gravel from the redoubt cutting to Stone’s corner, but there was a good supply of sand, which he recommended could be used. Private owners, however, would have to be dealt with. Resolved that Cr. Dawson make enquiries and report at next meeting. Injury to Road Cuttings.—The Engineer also complained that persons took sand from road cuttings and thereby caused them to be unsafe. It was resolved that such persons be prosecuted. Kihikihi Road.—The Engineer reported that the second cutting on the Kihikihi-Te Awamutu Road was breaking away, and would encroach on adjoining properties. Cr. Ridler proposed, and Cr. Farrell seconded that the Engineer be authorised to spend the sum of £5 to repair the cutting. Hamilton - Whatawiiata Swamp Road.—The Engineer stated he had not yet passed this road. Cr. Dawson said men took contracts never intending to complete them in accordance with specifications. The Engineer said with respect to fascines they were as good as oould be obtained in the district. Action with the Auckland Board. —The Clerk of the Waikato County Council, complained of the manner in which the costs in this action had been allocated. The Council refused to consider the matter as the letter did not appear to be under the authority of the Waikato County Council itself. Ngaauawahia Drain.—Mr O’Connor claimed £2 8s for clearing a drain. Not entertained. Tenders : Works in Kihikihi.—lV. Stewart, £l9; W. Bearsley, £l7 ; Givin and Son (accepted), £l4 14s (id. Hall’s Culvert.—The engineer was authorised to deal with the two tenders received for this work. Rates.—The Council discussed the striking of a rate. The chairman stated that'gd realised £ISOO last year; the overdraft was £[P23, and the permanent charges £4so.—Cr Dawson moved and Cr Finch seconded that a rate of gd. the highest rate allowed by the Act, be struck for the year ending 31st March next. Doo Tax.—The chairman next referred to the dog tax which he said was very unpopular, and suggested it should be abolished.—Crs Ridler and Dawson supported the necessity of the tax. —Cr Finch opposed it. The chairman said the Act allowed the tax to be as low as 2s Gd. Cr Dawson proposed, and Cr Ridler seconded the tax be ss.—Carried. Allocation of Revenue.—Cr. Smith asked that the rates collected in each riding be expended in that riding as far as possible. A discussion arose on the subject of a more equitable expenditure of money over the several ridings.—Cr. Dawson moved that the revenue be allocated to each district in fair proportion to the rates received.—Cr. Farrell asked whether the districts with heavy traffic should he treated at the expense of those with only light traffic, and instanced the road over the confiscated boundary and Bunin used by natives who pay no rates.—Cr. Smith seconded the motion.— Carried. Extension of Kihikihi Grading and Work on Orakau Road.—The Engineer reported that these works are very necessary and would cost respectively about £2l and £22. —Or. Farrell moved and Cr. Taylor seconded that tenders be called for the work.—Carried. Dog-tax Collector.—Cr. Ridler said it was necessary to appoint a very active man to this office, and proposed that the same person employed by the Waikato County aud the Hamilton Borough be employed at Is 6d per collar.—On the suggestion of the Chairman the matter was deferred to the next meeting, and that in the meantime tenders he called for the appointment. —Cr. Ridler accepted this, and the motion was carried. Allocation.—The amounts available for each district was : Pukekura, £315; Rangiaohia, £245 ; Mangapiko, £2lO ; Hamilton, £105; Tnhikaranica, £53; Newcastle, £53. Accounts.—The following accounts were passed for payment :—R. Carter, £2 : N. T. Maunder, £S ; R. Shaw, £4 2s ; D. Cronin, £1 5s ; J. Ryan, £55 ; A. Armstrong, £ls 3s lOd ; E. Wayte, £1 5s 9d ; W. Bearsley, £3 9s ; D. F. Scott, £3 10s Gd ; E- Offeson, )0s ; J. IV. Bridgman, Qs i T. Chapman, £3 Us; M. Fitzgerald, £4; C. MoCallum, £22 17s lOd ; J. Kennedy, £4l Sa; H. Kusabs, £3O ; M. Crawford, £1 19s 4d; G. FMillars, fl 2s.