ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7523, 12 April 1890, Page 6

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of this Council was held yesterday. Present —Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman), Harper, Wright, Coster, Brown, McMillan, Jfriedlander, U-rigg. The Clerk reported that the Minister had refused to accede to the proposal to place the control of the Bakaia Gorge bridge in the hands of the Selwyn and Ash burton Councils, but would consider the matter further when the repairs were executed. The Ashburton Borough Council had agreed to pay £10 towards the cost of the temporary supply from tne south branch of the river. The Engineer's report was read. , The Engineer was instructed to see that the races at the approaching half-yearly overhaul were cleared to their original capacity. It was decided, after considering correspondence from Mr VV. L. Allan, to carry out a deviation between £ 1 and JE 2 raced oh the terms proposed. Mr Bbowi* moved—" That in the opinion' of this Council it is absolutely necessary that the right of a permanent water-course between the north and south branches of the Ashburton river should be acquired by this Council as soon aa possible." • •■•■,'•■■ i Mr w right seconded the motion, which, after discussion, was lost. , Mr Wright then gave notice of motion for next meeting/*s follows:—".That, the Engineer ■ carefully examine the ' district between the north and south branches of thfe Ashburton, and advise this Council as to the safest and cheapest method of securing an auxiliary supply of water from the south branch for the benefit of the district north of the Ashburton in dry seasons."

' The Geraldine County Council wrote suggesting that a Conference of Chairmen of County Councils be held in Christchurch daring the third week in April. The Council expressed its willingness to take part in the Conference, and appointed the Chairman and Mr Grigg its representatives. . It was resolved to increase the water rates by 60 per cent., such increase to take effect from May, Ist. It was resolved to make application to the Government for a share in the proceeds of the waste land 4 wichin the county which -were recently sold, in consideration of the value given to these lands by the county water-races. A great deal of unimportant business was transacted, and the Council adjourned. - - '