ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9860, 9 March 1896, Page 6

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Counoil was held on March 6th. Present—Mr E. G. Wright (Chairniau), aud Messrs Cameron, C. C Chapman, O. J. Harper, J. Johnston, E. Richards, M. Stitt, A. McFarlane and D. Williamson. It was resolved to expeud £30 or £40 on enlarging the channel connecting the north and south brauches of the Ashburton. The Chairman suggested that iv future the seeds of stringy bark and red gum be used for all new plantations. It was decided to adopt Mr Wright's suggestion. The Wakanui Creek Committee reported advising that application be made to the owners of the Canterbury Mills to quote a price for land referred to in a letter of January 2_nd, and, failing a satisfactory reply, tbe Council be advised to take the land under the Public Works Act. The report was adopted. Accounts amounting to £457 14s 4d were passed for payment. Mr Harper presented a petition for the erection of a bridge across the Hinds at Maronan. The Engineer was instructed to furnish separate estimates of the cost of cart and sheep bridges. The Council expressed its readiness to assist in forwarding the objects of the Navy League. Mr A. H. Shury wrote, asking the Council to reserve au -re* for an anglers' camp near the lagoon at the mouth of the Raugitata. It was resolved to grant the request, subject to the Acclimatisation Society fencing the reserve.

Mr Wright moved—"That this Council, having had uuder consideration the proposal made by the Charitable Aid Board to the Government to remove the Old Men's Home from Ashburton to Highbank, desire to point out that whilst they agree with the Charitable Aid Board as to the necessity for new buildings and the wisdom of locating these men upon a block of land which may be utilised for their support, they disagree with the proposal to locate them at Highb=ink, and recommend the Government to secure for the purpose a suitable piece of land in a more genial climate, nearer to the sea, and where water may be obtainable for irrigating tbe ground." The motion was carried unanimously. The usual Easter holidays were granted the Couucil's staff.

The tenders of Mr Harvey and Mr A. Craighead were accepted for earthwork and removal of culvert at Taylor's Stream bridge, and Messra. Collins and Co.'s tender was accepted for painting the Council's offices and Clerk's residence.

A special meeting was then held for the purpose of striking a general rate of in the £ for the year ending March 31st, 1896. The Clerk of the Couucil was appointed collector.