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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
The Wallace County Council
The Wallace County Council dates from 1876, when the Counties Act came into force. The eastern boundary of the county extends from the mouth of the Waimatuku stream to the north of the New River hundred; thence through Oreti hundred to the northern boundary thereof, afterwards passing through part of the Taringatura district to the Oreti river; the northern boundary extends from the Eyre district to the West Coast; the western boundary adjoins Fiord county; and on the south the county is bounded by the ocean. The total rateable value of the property is £766,865, on which a general rate of 3/4d in the pound is levied, with a charitable aid rate of 1/8d. There are also separate rates for four ridings of the county. The County Council has borrowed £608 under the Loans to Local Bodies Act. The county bridges include four over Jacob's river, one over the Otautau, another over the Orawai, and a fine suspension bridge over the Waiau at Clifden. About 900 miles of roads are maintained by the county, which is divided into six ridings; namely, Orepuki, Waiau and Mararoa, which return one member each, and Otautau, Aparima, and Wairio, each of which returns two members. The gross revenue for the year ending March, 1904, exclusive of Government grants, was £14,172. During the same year, Mr J. Fraser was chairman, and the other members were: Messrs E. J. Stevens, T. Power, and J. J. Newton, H. Hirst, J. King, F. J. Dyer, D. Clark, and R. Cupples. Mr James Fullerton, B. A., is clerk and treasurer, and Mr A. McGavock, engineer. The Council's offices were removed some years ago from Riverton to Otautau, as the most central settlement of the county.