"i- -_ — - — mgnagt Mr M'Goldriek thought the matter could be held over until the Chairman went South. He was informed that the gates were necessary. It might be possible to get a report from the overseer. No doubt the slip pannels Were objection able. The Chairman said this abuse had lasted four or five years, and yot the parties had never applied to the Counc'l for permission. If tkepartie3 bad any grievance let them bring the matter before the Council, fie (the Chairman) had instructed Mr Butler to ha ye the gates and pannels removed. Letter from Messrs Martin, Caldwell and party, desiring to refer their case to arbitration. Received, the writers to be informed that the matter was in the hands of a Holicitor. Letter from Mr John Bellami, claiming £20, for erecting protective works in the town of Goldsborough. Referred to the Chairman and overseer Kerr. 1 Letter from Mr Purkiss giving an opinion that the Council were only jus dried in paying reasonable sums to persons coming from a distance ; the position of councillor was meant to be an honorary one. The term meetings of the Council included committee meetings. The sale and delivery of any goods by any coun cillor to the Council, not only disqualified such councillor, but rendered him liable to a penalty. Received. Letter from the same, to the effect that he was of opinion that the Council could legally subsidise the Hokitika and Ross Literary Institutions. Received. Letter from the same, claiming two sums of £12 and £20, on behalf of the assignees in T. Learmont's estate, money due to two men said to be partners of Krakowski, a contractor to the Council. Received. EEPOEIS. Several reports were read and dealt with. MERGING OF THE KANIERI ROAD BOARD. Mr Hirter fmoved, " That the Council \ now, by special order, confirm the resolu tion agreed to on the 14th day of December, 1881, declaring the Eoad Board of the Kanieri road district to be dissolved, and the said road district to be merged in the County of Westland, on and from the Ist day of January, 1882." Seconded by Mr M.'Whirter, and carried without dissent. 