WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2605, 23 March 1889, Page 2

WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Waikato County Council was held in tho Council Chambers, Hamilton East, at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. There were present: Crs. Primrose (chairman), Seddon, Steele and Forrest. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence rend and adopted. RoAii.—A letter was received from Mr Proctor, Matahura, asking that a road be made into his property, as Mr Storey, throvph whose property he had formerly been able to go, had stopped him when driving sheep through. The Engineer stated that he had seen Mr Proctor, who was tho most remote settler in the district, on this subject, but had not done anything in tho matter pending instructions from the Council. The matter was left over in the absence of the representative for the district, the engineer to consult with Cr, Johnson before next meeting and report. Fukzk.— The Engineer reported as to Lhose persons who had not cleared their furze in compliance with the notices given by the Council. The Clerk was instructed to write to Messrs Robertson, Muir and R. Ralph and Mrs Schlinker. calling attention to the fact that they had not complied with the notices to clear, and failing tho clearing being then proceeded with, the clerk was instructed to take legal steps to enforce it. Audit Account.—A further demand was received from the Audit ollice, asking for the payment of the amount due at once. The letter was received. Tkactios E.nginics. — The following letter was received from the Clerk of the Piako County Council:—"Cambridge, Kith March, 1880.'-—Sir,—Re regulation of engine traffic on roads.—Mr W. Macgregor Hay having given it as his opinion that, on account of a flaw in the Act, delegates appointed under sec. 300 of "The Counties Act, 18G0," have no power to make a '' special order," and consequently no power to make bye-laws, it will be necessary for each Council to meet, and separately make tho ".special order" making the bye-law as agreed to by the Councils of the Waipa, Waikato and ' Piako c mnties, a copy of which was forwarded you a short time since. If your Council agree to this course kindly let me know as early as possible, so that the Piako County Council may take the preliminary steps at its next meeting (13th prox.) I am directed to point out that the delegates agreed to retain the sentence commencing " and t'wr the purpose of requesting : ' at the end of sec. oof the proposed bye-law.—l have tho honor to be ; Sir, your most obedient servant, Chas. Tuck, County Clerk Piako C >unty.—The Chairman Waikato County Council, Hamilton. —Tho Chairman and Cr. Soddon both said that at present the matter could stand over, as the traflic of these engines was for the benefit of the ratepayers.—Cr. Forrest said that he thought if the Council passed this bye-law they would render themsolyes liable for any accident that might happen through bridges being broken by these engines.—The Chairman said that on this latter question the delegates had decided to take legal opinion, of which they would receive a, copy on its receipt by the Piako County. The opinion of the members was that sufficient power was given to the local bodies in this matter under the Public Works Act, and it was resolved that the matter be held in abeyance. Rki-ief to Natives.—A copy of a petition was fonvardad from the North Auckland Charitable Aid Hoard which the Council was requested to co-operate withpraying tho House of Representatives to inako the alterations in the Hospital aivl Charitable Aid Board Act so as to enable the Board to recover any expenses for relief from tho natives. It was decided to support tho petition, and the Chairman was authorised to sign on behalf of the Council. Education Reserve.— The Chairman reported as to the action taken by himself and the clerk on their visit to Auckland with regard to obtaining Lcrt 419, Hamilton East, to join to the Agricultural College Reserve. S-jveral of the Education Commissioners wore interviewed and they all expressed themselves in favour nf the scheme expressed by the representatives. A letter was received from the Commissioners, offering to lease the lot to the Council at a nominal rental should it bo found that the Commissioners had that power, on condition that it be not sublet, but that it be solely used for the objects ot an Agricultural College. The matter was deferred for the present, the clerk in the meantime to write asking the Commissioners to erase the clause with reference to subletting as the Council were desirous of recouping themselves for the expenses in acquiring tho reserve. Tkniiers.— The following tenders wero received for leasing the Peach Grove Reserve :—Jas. Houeybun, £10 per annum.— It was decided not to accept this tender. — With reference to the small amount offered for the lease, Cr. Forrest asked if the committee was justified in going to any further expense on this reserve. —Cr. Steele : Yes, they were quite satisfied that they were acting within their powers.—Cr. Forrest thought that, tho Council would consider any expenses justified if it were for Hamilton. —Cr. Seddon said that it was not for Hamilton, but for the benefit of the county arid the Waikato at large. Tho followin? tenders were received for fencing the Peach Grove Reserve :—Manning and Tristram, 3s per chain ; Owen and Churches, -Is; J, Devitt, 3s ; J. Dixon, 2s SM ; R. Williamson, 3s 3d ; O. H. Smith, 2s Oil.— Cr. Forrest moved that no tender be accepted until a satisfactory offer be received for leasing the reserve. —There being no seconder the motion lapsed.—The Clerk read tho specifications for tho fencing, and Cr. Forrest said that a fence of the sort described was next to useless, and no doubt this was the reason that such a small amount, had been offered for the lease. It was resolved to alter the specifications to seven posts per chain, and John Dixon's tender was accepted, subject to his agreeing to tho altered conditions.— It was resolved to accept Mr Mannder's

tender for posts and Rates, viz. : Puriri split posts. £5 Ms per 100 ; gate posts, 5s (id each ; straining posts, 5s ; stays, Is (id ; gates, £1 1-is each. All the material to be passed by Mr Seddon. Accounts.—The following payments wero authorised :—W. Murah, 5s ; .1. Reid. £2 0s Id ; W. Birss, £2 7s lid ; (J. V'owless, .CI 15s; J. H. Smith, £(i; T. (1. Saudes, £5 10s Id.