COUNTY COUNCIL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 125, 8 March 1930, Page 7

COUNTY COUNCIL

DAMAGE BY RECENT FLOOD QUESTION OF RESTORATION. The Ashburton County Council concluded its meeting yesterday afternoon after the "Guardian" had gone to press. In connection with the flood damage to the riverbank between the Ashburton traffic bridge and Digby's bridge, it was decided that the Council.inspect the sit after a detailed report was received from the District Engineer (Mr F. Langbein.) . A request for details of work within the Countv that might be undertaken by unemployed men was received from the Public Works Department. The District Engineer (Mr F. Langbein), in a circular letter stated that the Department would probably be called upon to provide work for large Inunibers of unemployed during the coming winter. The matter of suitable relief "works was under consideration and the -co-operation of the County Councils was desired. "With regard to road work it was important that, as far as posible, such should benefit settlers already on the land by improving their access, or roads that led to Crown properties, which would be suitable for settlement if there were better access. Few Countv Councils had taken advantage of the offer of £1 for £1 subsidies on road relief works. The matter was referred to the engineer. The Ashburton Golf Club wrote drawing attention to the state of the stop bank at the top end of the golf links. The bank, had been damaged for several, chains, while a part had been washed away. The flooding of the links and the damage were due to two stumps of willows in the river bed which caused the water to deviate on to the bank. To prevent repetition these would have to be removed. The Club had made the necessary repairs in the past, but the position at present was quite bevond the Club's resources, and the Council was asked to assist with the repair work. It was decided that the position be viewed when the Council inspected the hanks between the Ashburton and Digby's bridges. . , The Bank of New Zealand advised that the rate of interest in the Council's overdraft had been increased $ per cent as from March. 1.. \ petition signed by six ratepayers of the Upper Ashburton Road Board district was received asking the Council to provide a street light at the corner of Creek and Racecourse roads. On the motion Messrs A. Horsey and P. Hpuston the matter was deferred until the next financial year. A letter was. received from Messrs J Quailtock and Sons, Anama, stating that when thev purchased the property of the late Mr C. J. Peter, Anama, the information was given that they would be exempt from water race charges. Yet thev had been charged £6 tor MO chains (if water. Mr Quantock applied for the same rights as enjoyed by Mr Peter. ~ . ~ The chairman said it was a gentleman's agreement between the Council and Mr Peter, but did not apply to his successor. Messrs Quantock and Sons therefore were not exempt. Mr W. G. Gallagher said that such condition's should be explained to new occupiers when the transfers were approved. , ~ .. It was decided that the Council reply that it regretted it could not withdraw its water charges. The meeting considered tbc protest Of Mr A. V. Barrett, of Mayheld, who waited on the Council against the action of the Council in granting six acres of the property occupied byi him to the St. Leonard's Sawmilhng Company on the grounds that a suitable site'could be obtained m a plantation nearby, and that he objected to a sawmill working within 22 chains oi Ins front door »..',, i ;,.„,i The" clerk said the company desired an open site. " ~ The chairman said the Works Committee had inspected the locality,.and on the suggestion of Mr Barrett went to' inspect another site in the plantation. Owing to fallen trees, the committee was unable to reach the spot. He could appreciate Mr Barrett s view but he could not see where the sawmill could be situated. Mr W G. Gallagher and I). J. Morrow considered that another inspection be made. . It was decided that the members for the riding (Messrs D. J. Morrow and J. Moore) interview Mr Barrett and inspect the site, and if unable to reach any final ty to refer back to the Works Committee. The financial statement showed that the credit balance at the last meeting was £4763 2s 6d. Receipts since amounted to £2762 Is 6d ami accounts passed for nayment to-day £4O/4 Js od, leaving a credit of £2851 Is ,d. The interest account showed a credit oi £o 16s. The report was adopted.