ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11790, 13 January 1904, Page 5

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL

The Ashburton County Council met en Saturday. Present—Messrs C. J. Harper (chairman), J. sLambie, T. Harrison, J. Studholme, P. Milton, W. Morgan, and M. Stitt. Apologies -were read for the absence of (Mr Off. Friedlaßder and Mr S. S. Chapman. The engineer reported that the north and sooth branches of the Ashburton river hadi been connected and the supply for the water-races increased. Ranger Stewart had reported on several cases of the flow of "water in the races being , interfered with by pigs. Hie Chairman was authorised to take action in any cases of interfering ■with the -water-races." The Chairman drew attention to the desirableness of the Council taking over the control of all the -water-races in the county, a«d eeeing that the races were kept perfectly clean. A committee was set up to report on the matter. Mr Lambie drew attention to the fact that the Ashburton traffic bridge was recently saved from fire by a young girl who discovered a fire under the bridge, and dinVbed down and pnt it out with the 'assistance of another person who happened to be passing. He thought their names should be ascertained and their services acknowledged. A letter was read from 3lr J. Heseltine asking the Council to repair a fence which had been destroyed by tire, the said fence being round a county plantation leased from the Council by Mr Heseltine.. It was decided the Council could not entertain tlie application. Mr Milton pointed out that the Mount Hutt Road Board contemplated making a new cutting at the approach to the Rakaia Gorgo bridge, and asked that the county engineer's services be granted to survey the route. The application was granted. Accounts amounting to £1407 were passed for payment, .including interest on loans. Mr iStudholme was granted leave of absence for the remainder of "the meeting. Correspondence was read with reference to the private water-races running through the Acton estate, which estate is about to be sold. The Chairman and Mr Lambie, with the engineer, were appointed a committee to report on the matter at next meeting. The water ranger reported a case of tampering with the water-race near Digby's bridge. An apology in connection with the case was accepted. _ A sum of £10 was voted towards the maintenance of the Ashburton Fire Brigagde conditionally that the Brigade attend fires occurring in the Tinwald and Hampstead Town Board districts. Some discussion ensued on •-* question of selling dog collars, members being of opinion that a very large number of dogs were never registered. A committee was set up to report on the matter and with power to act. A number of applications for water-racft services were dealt with.