WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2815, 29 July 1890, Page 2

WAIKATO COUNTY COUNCIL

THIO MATAHURA ROAD OUJICCTfONS. At the special meeting of the Waikato County Council, held on Friday evening to hear objections against the taking of certain land at Matahura for the purpose of making a road, there wine present: Crs. Primrose (chairman), Contes, Johnston and Forrest. — Mr J. A. Tolo appeared in support of the objections lodged by the Messrs Hill, and in opening his case, said that ho thought the land was insufficiently described, showing that several allotments were not mentioned, but it was pointed out that the land not mentioned belonged to the Government, and did not neod to be so described.—Mr Tnle said that the road would be taken through one acre, of the best land on Messrs Hill's property, straight past their orchard, and right at their back door, thereby destroying their privacy. It would also cut their farm into two " V" shaped portions, which would be practically unworkable. The road also, by going past the back door, would stop them from extending tho house, as there is a creek in front, and the road would be at the back. Mr Tole also pointed out that the road would only accomodate a couple of flax-mills, and not be of any advantage to the settlers at all; whereas, if they were to accept the road that Messis Hill offered'to give them, some (10 chains further up, free gratis and for nothing, it would not interfere with Hills' house, or spoil the farm, and it would benefit the whole of tho settlers. Mr Tole said he understood that the Council had viewed this road with Messrs Hill, and had had it surveyed, and had called for tenders for tho bridge, and then the Council had thrown the matter up. He would ask why they had done so.—Tho Chairman, in reply, said that when the Council h id undertaken that road they had not, consulted with the settlers at all, and who, whon they heard what the Council wero going to do immediately sent in a petition,, asking them to make the road which they were now about, to take, as it was more practicable. Mr Tole pointed out that on the line of road that Messrs I fill proposed to give, the landing on the creek was quite as good, and would be more useful to the settlers.—The Council said that the present road and lauding had been in use for n. great number of years, and he thought that when the early settlers had picked a road they would naturally have taken the best oiie. —Mr Tole said in his opinion the Messrs Hill would lie done a great injustice to if the road were taken through their property, and that they could not be sufficiently compensated for, as it would break up the whole homestead. He said that as regards tho petitbti sent in, he would bring evidence tor.hew that some had signed tho petition and had done so under a niis-approhensinu. Mr Tole further pointed out that if the Council were to take the road oll'ered by .Messrs Hill they would have no compensation to pay. A lot of evidence was then given by Messrs Hill, Mnir, Kdney, Pulton, Uruce, and others, showing that, the road proposed by Messrs Hill was the best and that it had as good a landing at the creek, etc.—The chairman said that he felt sure that thu Council had picked upon the best route for a road as it had the best line and also had tho best landing place.—Mr Iteid also gave evidence relative to the upper road being the best. The chairman here pointed out that the Council were not going to any expense over this save the building of the bridge, and paying of compensation. as the settlers were to do all the work in connection with the road, and of course it did not matter to thu Council whether they went on with it or not.—After a little further discussion Cr. Coates moved that as no sufficient reason had been shewn why the road should not be taken, that the work be proceoded with. Seconded by Cr. Forrest, and carried. Otukii JirsiNKS.s.—A letter was received from the Properly Tax Coinniissior notifying that he had paid into tho treasury lNs .Sd, being rates due on native lands, and £2511 5s lid for subsidy on rates collected. A letter was received from W. Collins, Tanpiri, asking for a culvert to his property. The clerk was instructed to reply that they had no authority to carry a culvert under tho railway line. Cr. Coates gave notice that at the next meeting ho would move that tho motion proposed by Mr Soddon re fascining at Churchill at the la it meeting be rescinded.