COUNTY COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 197, 2 June 1945, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL.

TINWALD AND DRAINAGE SCHEME. DOUBLE HILL ACCESS ROAD. The Ashburton County Council yesterday received advice from the Tinwald ‘ Town Board that, subject to Carter’s Creek being included in the Ashburton-Hinds drainage scheme, the Board was prepared to contribute, by way of interest and sinking fund, on a percentage basis in ratio to the amount of £75 per annum, together with additional cost for Carter’s Creek, which is the estimated amount to be levied on Tinwald ratepayers as at present classified. The maintenance contribution was to be on the same basis. This undertaking was in relation only to the present £96,000 scheme, based on a £48,000 loan. The Board realised the importance of drainage, and was prepared to cooperate with the Council in the drainage scheme, stated the letter. The Board considered that it was not legally within the drainage district, and would oppose any proposed legislation to incorporate it in the scheme. It was decided to hold the matter over until the visit of Mr H. G. Royds. Double Hill Road. Concerning the Double Hill access road, a letter was received from the Department of Lands and Survey stating that the Public Works Department recommended that the existing groyne be repaired, at an estimated cost of £473, and that £653 be provided for future maintenance and repairs which, with £1374 already expended on the access road, would total £2500. This was a quarter of the sum set down for the original project. The District Engineer considered this px-eferable to expending the whole sum of £IO,OOO on the major project. So far no portion of the original expenditure had been loaded on the runs, notwithstanding that the runholders concern, ed had agreed to being loaded with £4OOO. Representations bad been made to the runholders accordingly with a view to obtaining their consent to the revised loading.

A copy of a letter sent to the Commissioner by the six runholders concerned, stating that the maintenance and repairs came under the agreement between the Government and the Ashburton County Council, was supported by the Council. The Council was of the opinion that it was unfair that the runholders should be charged with maintenance previously arranged to be charged to the Government or the Council. It was decided to hold a meeting next Friday to consider the estimates for the ensuing year. Report on Saleyards. Considering the position of the Ashburton saleyards, the Council decided that no steps be taken to close the yards and that the Saleyards Committee meet to report on improvements at the Tinwald and Ashburton yards. An application for a footpath on Racecourse Road, from the Ashburton Trotting Club, was favourably considered, and it was decided to obtain a report, to be presented at the next meeting. Mr J. Carr suggested that some form of shelter for women whose husbands attended the Methven saleyards be provided near the yards. The riding members and the Engineer were authorised to obtain a report of the cost.

Advice was received from Mr R. G. Gerard, M.P., that the Minister of Works (the Hon. R. Semple) would visit Ashburton in the near future. The Works Committee was appointed to consider matters to bring before the Minister’s notice.

It was decided to recommend to the Government that Mr B. McNamara be reappointed representative on the Raknia Rehabilitation Committee.