COUNTY COUNCILS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13005, 6 January 1908, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCILS.

a : ASHBURTON. The monthly meet—lg of the Ashburton County Council was held on Saturday, i'rtisent —.Ue„rs C J. HaryMAr (ohairtnauj, 6. 5. Chapman, J. Cairns, W. J. Dickie, G. Gates, J. Studboline, M. Stitt, J. Larcbio, and W. Morgan. The Chairman stated that ho had insured tho Ashburton traffic bridge tor —jOO, and in view ol tho excessively hot and dry weather which was being experienced had asked the Mayor ot the Borough to have it well watered twice a week. His action was approved. A vote of thanks was accorded tho Ashburton Fire Brigade for the prompt action they had taken in protecting the Council's property during the recent tires in Hnvelock "street. The Works Commit too reported that with a few exceptions the supply of water in the.various races throughout the_ district had been fairly regular during the past moiuh. It "had "been irregular in the S«ivie\v district. The North Ashburton river was getting low .and tJio connection from the South Ashburton through O'Shoa's creek had been opened. Hie supplies from Limestone creek and Hinds gorge had been variable, and at the present- tune were not sufficient for the races in that district. The chairman and Messrs Dickie and Lanibie wore- appointed a committee, with power to act. to inspect and .see what, water was available for settlers in the Rakaia township. A special report- was read with reference to the proposal to take a supply of water from the Rakaia river and carry it through Mr Leonard White's land for the benefit of the settlers further over. Levels had been taken by the County overseer, and if the scheme wero carried out it would give a sup- l ply to about 55,000 acres of land, in addition to relieving certain races and affording an increased supply to land higher tip. The point, however, at which Mr White wanted tho water to bo taken a crass would mean a supply to about. 20.000 acres less land than the Council's proposed selieme. Mr Cairns pointed out that tho settlers near tho Wakanui creek were badly in need of water. The creek was dry for several miles, and farmers were carting water long distances for their stock. It was moved by Mr Dickie, seconded by 'Mr Studholme. nnd carried:—"That the upper scheme be proceeded with under the Public Works Act if necessary.'' Mr Lanibie suggested that, the Acton intake should bo connected with the E race at tho same time. Several cases of tampering with water races were reported. The raco through one property was reported to bo in a very foul state. It was resolved to notify owners that where vegetation is obstructing tho flow of waiter tho rangers would be instructed to tako steps to immediately remove the obstructions at owners' expense. Tho Road Traffic Inspector reported that owners of traction engines were now complying with, the by-laws, and in consequence tho roads were in good order. Four hawkers' licenses had Been taken out during the month. Nearly forty motor cars had passed over the Ashburton traffic bridge on the day of the motor car reliability trial, and they all bed complied fairly well with the by-laws. "it was decided to take steps towards making a hy-law providing against vehicles crossing the Ashburton traffic bridge without lights. Mr Chapman, in, accordance with notico previously given, moved: — "That tho Works Committee b© abolished." Mr Gates seconded the motion. The Chairman hoped tho Works Committoo would not be abolished, as it had done good work in the past, and would be still useful in tho future. It was a. great help to tho chairman and also to tho County overseer. After some discussion Mr Studholme —ovrd •—"TlKit th* Works Committee and th© Finance Committee bo combined." . , Tlio Chairman ruled that notice, of motion would havo to be given before the Finance Committee could be abolished, and suggested that Mr Chapman should allow his motion to stand over till a future meeting. Mr Chapman objected to this, and Tftor he had replied tho motion was nut and carried. Accounts for £984 12s were passed. In reply to a letter from Mr E. A. V>ck it was decided to havo the, tele•ibnne laid on to tho ranger's cottage ■ t Methven. Tho Chairman and Messrs Cairns and 'vtitt wero appointed delegates to atl end n, conference of local authorities l o consider the best means of colleetng license fees for drivers and vehicles n coses where a borough and another district are situated within five miles if each other. It was decided to improve the aniroaches to the sheep bridge over the T Tinds river on the main south road. It was decided to nut certain fords : n the Rnngitnta Road Board district in and to charge the cost up to the Board.