COUNTY COUNCILS.

PAPARUA. ilc James Leslio presided at the last moeting of the Paparua County Council, when, all the members were present with the exception of Mr Henley, who telephoned an apology. Hr Jomes Henderson, of Aylesbury, wrote thanking tho Council for the expedition shown in doing the repairs on Ward's track. The secretary of the Hospital Board stated that tho Board would take no steps at present towards the closing of the country hospitals. , Complaints having been received about wandering stock at Hornby, it was decided to write to the offender stating that if the nuisance were not abated, a prosecution would follow. The Waimairi County Council wrote in re the appointment of a traffic inspector, and it was decided to agreo to fall in with the suggested appointment. Tho Canterbury Chamber of Commerce applied for a supply of water to carry out an experiment in irrigation, stating the wL 3 -'' 4 ' 68 unc * a . rraa proposed to bo used. While the Council were most iuterested and sympathetic concerning the project, it was decided that owing to the shortage of water during the lioat of summer, the Council could not afford to run the risk of a shortage for stock watering purposes. Tlio Council wero of opinion that it would bo wise to watch the results of the Ashburton experiments before taking in hand any others. The Main Highways Board wrote in ro paving a portion of tho Main South road from Rolleston to Rakaia. Although tho members of the Council considered that it was high, time this work was taken in hand, they had no interest in the matter of main roads in other counties. It Was decided to lay down an experimental strip of paving on a road at Islington, and it was hoped that the trial would prove of interest 10 road-users by providing a choaper form of paved road. The Council decided that the pound at Prebbleton should be closed, as the buildings and pens had fallen into a state of disrepair, and a very considerable sum would be required to recondition them. A motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of Mr Georgo Watson, who was, for many years, a respected resident of the district and member for tha West Melton riding on the Council. The clerk reported that tha formation of Garvin's road arid Washbourne'a' road was well forward. The formation of the former was completed and partly metalled, while on the latter formation was nearing completion. A Btart had also been made on the levelling of the reserve at Islington. The work on Drain road was proceeding satisfactorily, and vastly improved the appearance and utility of the road. _ The payments of contribution to the Hospital' Board were well forward, eight monthly instalments having been paid to date. KAIKOURA. The ordinary monthly meeting of tha Kaikoura County Council toolt place on Friday. Present: Crs. James Boyd (chairman), D. Boyd, G. E. Parsons, G. D. Smith, R. L. Withers, E. H. Eccles, and P. Curran. The Public Works Department advised that £224 Ob id had been placed to ' the credit of the Council in respect of main highways subsidy. The wharfinger reported that 25 tons of cargo had entered, also 149 iS super feet of hardwood. Outward cargo amounted to three-quarters of a ton and seven bundles of skins. Charges amounted to £6 _ 17s Bd, and wages- £U 18s 7d. The steamer Kuku had made one trip. V. The secretary of the Kaikoura Trotting. Club wrote on behalf of the club asking for financial assistance to the extent of £SO in aid of work in enlarging South Bay Domain. The matter was left to the chairman to report to next meeting. Mr P. J. Kelleher (Under-Secretary) wrote stating that Mr E. F. Healy, M.P., had applied on behalf of the Council to make a portion of Lyell Creek a sonctuary under the Animals Protection and Game Act, 192122, and stating that he would bo pleased to be advised if only a portion of the creek was to be brought within the sanctuary.—The matter was loft in tlie. hands of the chairman and county clerk. The chairman of the Main Highways Board advised by circular letter that the Board had decided to increase the standard rate of subsidy for maintenance works to £3. for £l, during the present financial year. Cr. Smith moved that all ratepayers who paid their rates up to time for the current year be allowed a rebate of 10 per cent. The chairman said the Council could reduce by 6 per cent. He Bdvised deferring the matter, the suggestion being agreed to. • Mr N. J. Percy (Stag and Bpey) wrote mating that the Unemployment Board was establishing camps for single men for. out- . back road improvement, and ask£d that the - scheme be applied to his access road.—lt 'was moved that' two camps be established, . one at Stag and Spey and oue at Puhi Puhi. The Waimea County Council forwarded a circular letter respecting rates on Crown lands, and pointed out that 20,000 acres of land previously used as sheep runs had been taken for afforestation purposes.-—On the motion of the chairman it was decided to support the proposal. A circular letter was received from the Counties' Association respecting the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill introduced by Mr R. Semple, M.P. ' The Association asked thai the Council protest against the Bill.—lt was decided to endorse the Association's request. ■ On tho motion of the chairman a vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of Mr Christopher Smith. Cr. G. D. Smith extended thanks to the Council on behalf of the bereaved relatives. Members stood in silence as .a mark of respect. Or. Curran, in referring _to Lighthouse road, .stated that many motorists were under tho impression' that the road led to Christchurch, and asked that a notice board be put up.—The suggestion was adopted. It was decided to arrange for the cutting back of the trees near Harris's corner. Thanks were passed to Mrs Washington and the Grange road party for supplying and planting trees at Takahanga Domain. Or. Parsons suggested that men with large families should he employed where possible, the chairman replying that he and the clerk were doing their , best. Or. Withers gave written notice of motion to move that the tar-sealing of the town road be proceeded with. 1 The pay-sheet—general £441 0s 4d, elec- < trie light £125 4s 7d, wharf £5 19s 2d—was passed for payment. Tho total expenditure to July 81st was £2llß 13s lid. Riding expenditure: Clarence £5 17s 6d, Conway £ll 31s, Hundalee nil. Peninsula £8 15s 9d, Suburban £57 8s 4d.

OXFORD. The monthly meeting of the Oxford County Council was held on Tuesday. Present were: Mr L. Watson (chairman) and Councillors A. Meyers, E. F. Henderson, E. Skurr, H. G. Crosi, H. Foary, and P.. Fisher. The monthly report, which waa adopted, slated that "Woodstock xoad, Burnthili, Baiewood, Ashworth'a, View Hill, and MounBey'd roads had been graded. Cr. Feary was appointed to superintend the burning of the tussocks on the spurs of No. 1 and No. 2 blocks, Mount Oxford. Messrs J. Clark and L. Marsh were granted splitting licenses. A letter was received from the ValuerGeneral stating that the . county would be revalued as eoon as the work already approved ■is completed. The clerk was instructed to reply asking the Valuer to give the Council a definite time, as recent values prove that the county property is greatly over-valued, and the revaluing is a matter of great urgency. The l'aiit report at Messrs- Croy Bros, for July was 2.52 in .and for August 1.64 in. A, letter was received from Mr W. Montgomery inviting the councillors to accompany .him to inspect the trees that the Forestry Department intend to cut down in the. Eyre forest reserve. The clerk was instructed to accept the invitation and make arrangements to visit the reserve. It was decided to fence the Cooper's Pan reserve. A letter was received from the Hospital Board stating that it had decided to take no steps at prasant regarding the closing of any of the Cottage Hospitals. A letter was received from the Waimea County Council asking the Council's support in having the Eating Act amended so that land taken by the Government for afforestation * purposes will bo rateable. It was decided to support the "Waimea County Council.