WAIKOHU COUNTY COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4008, 14 August 1915, Page 7

WAIKOHU COUNTY COUNCIL.

MONTHLY M EETTNG

The monthly meeting of the AA’ailioiiu County Council was held yesterday. There were present: Crs. Cyril White (chairman), L. 15. Tulloek, C. Gaukrodger, Abbotsford Smith, A. A. Eraser and F. Shanks.

Tlie president of the Tairawhiti Native Land Court advised that the

only timber cutting rights granted by the Board .was one to Mr Frederick Hall on Hauomatuku Nos. 2A, 215, BA, 915 and UC. This did not in express terms give power to cut down fences, hut it says that in exercising rights tlie lessee is to do as little

damage as possible. There were timber cutting rights outside those granted by the Board, but they had not copies of those deeds. it was decided to take strong action in tlie matter, and insist on the damage done being made good. The Engineer was instructed to prepare an estimate of tlie cost. Messrs Nolan and Skeet, solicitors, on behalf of Messrs McLoughlin and Hodge, -wrote applying for payment of £l3 10s for repairs to a fence, on the Eakauroa-Tahora road. They stated that unless the amount was paid aftpr the next meeting of the Council a summons would be issued.

Cr. Smith explained that Messrs McLoughlin and Hodge had been empowered to repair a certain amount of fencing damaged by a slip, but tmey had exceeded the limit, and had charged the Council with more than they were entitled to.

It was decided to inform Messrs Nolan and Skeet that the Council could not entertain the claim. Mr George Scott wrote, asking to he given first refusal of the right to lease two bridge reserves on the north side of Kaitaratahi bridge, both of which were on his land, and if leased to anyone else would cut his slock off from tlie river.

Or. Sh-au'ks suggested that tenders should he called for the reserves. Lam! in that locality would now ho valuable.

’? he Engineer explained that, he had tone lied on tlie subject of reserves in his report. The Council had several reserves in the country, and it was time they should decide upon a definite method of dealing with them. It was decided to hold consideration over.

Mr C. -Neal, Matawai, wrote, asking, to have the culvert across the road near his store lowered and lengthened sufficiently to carry off .-1 m: water into the crock.

The matter was left to the Engi.i or to attend to.

Peacoeke and Co. wrote stating than the small stack of timber on the Council’s road loading to the level crossing at To Karaka would he removed immediately, and the road kept clear ;r; future. The letter was received.

Mr A. MeOallum, Whalcarau, wrote, complaining that the gates on Oliver road had not yet been removed. This road, he- stated, had had gates on it for the past 20 years, and they were generally in bad repair. The Engineer was directed to carry out the Council’s previous instructions regarding the matter. Mr AY. Branson wrote, requesting that some ten chains of the drain running past his entrance gate should he graded, as lie wished to put in a culvert to a gateway. The drain at present did not carry through. The Engineer explained that ho had arranged to meet Mr Branson to see exactly what was required. Mr P. H. Slierratt wrote, asking the Council to take over that portion of the road he had formed connecting his house with the main road to Gisborne which was within AA’aikohu County, The Cook County Council Had approved of that portion of their road in their county, and had agreed ro take it over on the completion of tlie survey, for which thev were willing to pay. The. writer stated that at- present he had no surveyed access in Waikohu County on which his rates could be spent. The Engineer stated that the road was in order, hut- it would he better for arrangements to he made with the County Council to maintain the .. aikolm portion of the road. The Chairman said that this was one of those matter in which it would he advantageous to have an arrangement- with, the Cook County Council.

It was decided to inform Mr Sherratb that- the Council would take over Hie road.

The Engineer was to confer with the Clerk and Engineer of the Cook County Council with a view to arranging for the maintenance of the road.

Air C. H. Morris wrote stating that lie had been asked by the settlers concerned in the new Otoko-Makaretu road to write to the Council regarding the pushing ahead with the work, and especially the engineering survey, which, they understood, had yet to he done. He asked that the survey might he made in order that the plans could be forwarded to AVellington for approval, The settlers were anxious that the road should he completed next summer.

il. was decided to inform the writer that the Engineer would attend to the work as soon as possible. The Wairoa County Council advised that if had decided to have the necessary agreement in connection with the transference of Tahora No. 2 block from the AA'aikohu to Wairoa County prepared, and undertook to bear all expenses in connection with the amending of the boundaries between the two counties.

Messrs deLautour, Barker and Stock, solicitors, forwarded memoranda of dedication of a road from the trustees of 15ru.ee and O’Brien and H. Stevens to the Council. This road was being made for the purpose of giving Mr Charles Matthews " :oess to his property at Wharekopao. Tlie trustees of Bruce and O BHeti estate agreed, in writing, to absolve the Council of all liability in rvuuectioii with the fencing on the new ro;-..! line.

• It was agreed to accept dedication, on conditon that Mr Stevens gave a. similar assurance. The Commissioner of Crown Lands notified that tho Land Board lmd decided to approve of tlie Council’s scheme for expenditure of thirds amounting to £llBO IBs 7d, and the Receiver of Land Revenue would pay tin l amount shortly. The Clerk explained that only £1.095 9s od had been paid over by the Commissioner. it was decided to write, inquiring why the full amount had not been forwarded. : fHEBPi Mr Jas. Poynter wrote, asking for payment of his claim for £-12 for land taken by the Council on the Kanakanaia road. He stated that the amount was long overdue, and lie asked for a settlement without any further unnecessary delay. ft was decided to reply that the delay in making payment had been caused by tlie Council’s inability to trace the title. The Commissioner of Crown Lands notified that, the Land Board had decided that a certificate of hypothecation he issued in re.sncct of the thirds accrued and accruing from sections 8, 9. 10, 11, 13 and 14. lilock TIT., and sections 3, 4 and 6. block VII., Ngatapa, when the road nil which the loan monies are to he spent has been legalised by proclamation, ENGINEER’S REPORT. 'Hie Engineer (Air F. C. Hay) .submitted the following report:— Motu Valley Road.—l. The installing contract Richardston’s to Motu was completed on . JuK 10, and final inspection will he made next week. 2. Scour near Matawai; 300 square yards chain-netting have been . procured to make protection works where necessary. 3. Road Reserve occupied by Gardiner’s homestead. A small area of about three-quarters- of an. acre can be cut off The reserve suffi-

cient to enclose house and outbuildings without prejudice to the road, provided a half-chain access is left between the ropd and river across the Hat. 4. Re Doyle’s bridge: This bridge is in a unstable condition and will probably require strengthening to carry heavy traffic. This bridge, in common with many other small bridges, might be replaced ’•■lion worn out with reinforced . concrete culvert or arch slab construction. 5- Be crossing of Motu river beyond Brant’s: A gered by the presence of felled logs on bridge is required here " i ”’ ! a "suitable structure with concrete foundauons could l-e erected for 2220. Moanui Road.—About five miles up from the junction Lie road crosses a small creek and the ford is ondanthe downstream side which impede tlie (low. these logs should be removed by (die owner. 2. About six miles from the junction a certain amount of scour is taking place and at the first opportunity improvements will be effected here. 3. The stock track at the end of this road to the Koranga requires attention. 4. A site for roadman’s accommodation on Mr Johnson’s property has I men selected and is under offer lor lease.

I Motu Bridge.—The bridge at Motu township crossing into Opntiki County I requires repairs. The l-üblie Works | .Department medit bo asked to attend to this as the bridge, I believe, is uui tier their control. Rakauroa-Tahora Road.— 1. A limber jack is being procured for this road. 2. The stock track between Robb’s and* Halbert’s requires attention, also tlie apnroacnes to the bridges. NGATAPA BIDING. Gardiner’s Road.—The road connecting Gardiner’s Road lo the main Hihiro.-na Road has been surveyed. .Malihews’ Road.—-This road has bad the necessary improvements eff’oo- | ted and is in sufficiently good slate to ; he taken over. Wlmrekopao Road. Roberts’ bridge: 1 recommend a single span bridge here with, concrete abut motifs as being now suitable for flu .site and more lasting. The design proposed will cost about 2(50. AfANGATE iti DING. ALutgainia head.— A groin has been built to protect this road and repairs to recent wash-out are being: mailo. AVhatntutu Deviation. -Silver poplars have been planted as directed. j Te Hau Bridge.—Survey has been j made and plans prepared for (lie j bridge. , j AVaipaoa River Road.—A site for i roadman’s accommodation lorn been j fixed on Messrs Fitzgerald Bros.’ .land, j Armstrong Road.—This road would j if put in repairs serve as an outlet- for I the Waipaoa. When the outlet by j the River Road is impossible l . I submit the question of ronairing this road for consideration. . ' KARAKA RIDING. j Jackson's Road.-—Two now culverts have boon put.in this road. Lavenham Road.-—Portion of this road is affected by floods in the AVaipaoa. Improvements can lie effected bv raising level of road ami pulling road into hillside. Poynter's Road.— A piecework contract at 2s per chain has been let lo clean out 20 chains of drain on this

road. Te Karaka Alain Drain.—The clean ing out of this drain has been oomplet ed.

Kaiteratahi River Reserve.— I. have to report that an offer has been received to lease the reserve of 4.v acres at Kaiteratahi Bridge and subject, to Council -approval I fixed a rental of £5 for yearly lease of this reserve. K AX AKA \ AIA RIDING. A section for roadman’s accommodation containing 8 acres has been fenced on Kanakanaia Road. This . section is offered to me Council for j lease or purchase. j A site for roadman’s acc-ommoda- j tion is required on.the second length j of the Kanakanaia Road and one on j the Te Hau estate near Mr W. | Bridge’s is under consideration. ! The slip on the Kanakanaia Road s lias blocked traffic for two months, j No good can he done bv attempting i repairs till the weather improves. TEAMS. ; I bo weather has not been suitable- ; for economic work with horses and tin l j Council teams have been turned out j with the exception of a team working I on urgent work in Manontu Riding. I I recommend purchase of one or i-wo j suitable graders for repairs and improvement, work. RESERVES. I beg to bring under tlie Council's notice the fact that the road reserves in several places are of considerable acreage and that some of them might he leased with advantage to the, Council. Oil the motion of Cr Smith, it was decided to give notice that the timber blocking tlie Aloanui must be removed at once. Cr Tulloek pointed out that it was not advisable to spend much money on Armstrong Road. Cr Gaukrodger concurred in this view, stating that this mad was only required as a pack track when the river was closed by floods. The Engineer reported that the Afoiu Junction metalling contract had been completed, and would be passed next week. He recommended that in certain, eases reinforced concrete culverts or slabs lie used to replace worn out culverts. Tlie Engineer also recommended a new design for Roberts’ bridge at a c ost of .2220. It was decided to apply for a grant for the work. He also estimated tin- cost of making the Lavenham road secure at £2OO, towards which the District Engineer would recommend a grant of £ for .£. On Cr Smith’s motion, it was decided to write to the Public Works Department, asking them to repair the track front Robb’s to Halberts. Regarding Mr \Y. C. Judd’s request to have the Rotorua stock track widened to SIT from Mr White’s woo I shed to Pcndroigh’s, it- was decided to have the work done, and, on Gr Smith s motion, it was decided to call tenders for the contract. ... Concerning Mr W. Gardner s application to purchase the freehold ol the road reserve on which his house is situated at Motu, the Council’s solicitors submitted an opinion that theie was no objection, but advised that Mr Gardner be- told that the Council would not object to steps being taken to close the road and hand it over to him. They were agreeable to transfer 4 of an acre, the price to be fixed after the Council lias purchased tlie land on which Mr Gardner’s cottage now stands. Regarding tlie Engineer s quer> concerning county reserves, my the motion of Cr Gaukrodger, it was decided that the Engineer -should ho asked to submit a- complete list ol: serves to next meeting. , , The Kngineor reported tluit lie ordered two road graders. The makeis guaranteed that the machines would do certain work, and if they did nc would obtain the two. A AyO machine would come to hand that- ucel ■ and if it was satisfactory he mould secure the other one. . The Engineer was authorised ic ' procure the graders if he considered them satisfactory. Rians of a new residence tor the Engineer, adjoining the County Council Chambers, were submitted, and Crs Fraser and Peacoeke and the Enamoet were appointed a subcommittee to <•« for tenders." The new building will cost in the neighborhood of £6OO. At the suggestion of the chairman, it*was decided to .provide a septic tank, which would also serve the County Council offices. STRIKING THE RATE. On the motion of the • Chairman, seconded by Or. Smith., it was decided to strike a rate of Hid in the £ on tho unimproved value in the ruling or Motu, Mangatu, and Te Karaka, and

of 2d in the .£ in the Ngatapa and Kanakaimia ridings. Cr Shanks said he did not feel disposed to agree to striking a rate in the Kanakanaia riding while the roads were being knocked about in the way that was at present being done by timber carting. They might, as well pitch Hie money into tlie river.

The Chairman pointed mil: that it was no.essary to strike the rate that day, as they were at present late in doing so. Cr Shanks: When are we going Lo receive the report from the “Timber Commission’’ ?

Cr Shanks said he and the Engineer had been appointed a sub-committee to inquire into the damage done to the roads by timber carting, hut they were not ready to report at that meet-

'i'lie Engineer said that all he could see he could do was to find out whattax the sawmillers owed them for timber carting, and arrange a surer method of collecting it in future.

Or Shanks: ] don’t feel inclined to strike a rate wlule the roads are being smashed. to hits in the manner in which they are being. AVo should at least protect the work wo do on the" roads. !. am certainly not in favor of the ratepayers being made milch cows for the sawmillers. He moved as an amendment that the striking oi the rate he held over until the report of the sub-committee on the timber tax was received. Cr Shanks amendment lapsed, for want of a seconder, and the motion striking the rate was carried l .

PROPOSED MEW RIDING. PETITION TP I! NED DOWN. Mr Shank's waited upon the Counicl regarding d;. pimposed new AVaikohu i id ing. The Chairman advised Mr Shanks to look over tin* rating list. The alterations made did not make Iheir Mr Shanks said that Hie settlers al his end were of opinion that they v. yd He'-- ", fair deal, and they had .been advised to break a way and form a new rilling. Cr. Gaudrodger: What is your special grievance, Mr Shanks ? Mr Shanks: i don’t Maine the Council. The best members in the world could not do us any good. We are only .-, few settlers away bv ourselves. The Chairman: A’ou consider yon could do better with direct ropresenlation r

Mr "Shanks: [ certainly do. The Chairman said tnal under uie scheme the Council was now following every part of the County received a fair deal. Any matters the ratepayers had to bring before them would be carefully considered. They were not omnipotent, but they tried in do their best.

TTie Chairman pointed out that, in lla event of a new ridino- being formed the present mem hers of the Motu and M angaiti ridings would have to resign. ‘"l.n ihe face of this, are you still prepared to go on with your proposal Air Shanks? Mr Shanks: Certainly, f am not going hack on it now.

Cr. Smith proposed, and Cr. Eraser seconded, that the petition to form a new riding he turned down as not being in the best interests of ihe county. Hie motion was carried unanimously. THE COUNCIL’S SURFACEMEN. EIXiXG THE MIMAH .A! WAGE. A special meeting ol tin- Waikohu County Council was held on Wednesday la si for the purpose of going iuco the question of fixing a minimum wage to he paid te ih<- Council’s surfacemen and casual employees, and to go into the question of providing house accommodation for permanent surfacemen.

The Engineer" submitted a statement showing the rate of pay, etc., received by permanent and casual employees of local bodies immediately surrounding AA’aikohu County, which showed that workmen employed on road maintenance were paid a higher wage in AA’aikohu County than those of oilier local bodies.

After going fully into the question ’fc was resolved on the motion of Cr. Smith, that tho minimum rate of pay be 10s per day, house and land free where possible, the workmen to find their own small tools up to £2 in value and a riding horse; that, those men who cannot- at the present he found in house accommodation and those men who own or provide their own houses be paid Its per day. also to find their own small tools and riding horse; that the hours ol work shall he -17 hours per week on the road; .preference to ho given to married men. It was resolved that the Councillors in eac-h riding report on the available sites for roadmen’s cottages to the -September meeting of the Council. Or AA’hite gave notice of motion that, he would move at next meeting: ‘Ghat in view of the danger to public health liable to he caused by overcrowding houses in townships in the county, the Council make a by-law under power conferred by section 106 "1 the Counties Act. 1908. regulating the number and size of building Jots in closely settled areas.”