COUNTY COUNCILS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15567, 17 April 1916, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCILS.

RANGIORA

The Rangiora. County Council met on Friday. Present—Messrs F. Horrell (chairman), A Mcintosh. L. W. Campion, W. Stalker. H. Garrett, H. Tallott, and M. H. Stokes. It was resolved to sue for all rates not paid by the 18th inst, Mr S. Dalzell wrote complaining of trees overhanging the roacl opposite his property. ilr Mcintosh and the clerk were asked to inspect and Teport. A statement was received from the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, showing the Council's contributions to the Board funds for tho year to.be £1176 12s sd. The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr W. H. Skinner), tho llavor of Rangiora (M"r C. I. Jen- j nir.gs), and Councillor H. Boyd waited on | the Council with reference to reserves in i tho Ashley Riverbed. Tho Mayor iniro- | duced the question of the dispoeal of the Ashley Riverbed Ueeerve west of the railway line. He pointed out that the reserve fronted on tho borough reserve only two chains in width, which was now of very little value. If, however, the other reserve was added, if, would make an area that could bo made use of. Tho Tiverbed was a great convenience and value to the borough, providing a dumping place for rubbish, and for gravel for building purposes. If the reserves were for river conservation purposes, ho reminded the Council that tho borough had been called upon to provide nearly £3000 for the bridge and embankments. The object of the deputation was to ask the County Council to assist the borough to procure the reserve. Tho chairman stated that the Lands Board had signified its intention to vest tho reserve in tho County ■Council, which had already collected rent for samo. It was resolved that the Council offers no objection to the Borough Council being granted the reserve It was resolved to support tho Taien County Council in petitioning the Government regarding the powers of municipal corporations asking for the prohibiting of toll gates. It w?« arranged for the representative of tho Rangiora. Riding to confer with the Ashley County Council ip reference to reserve 1380 in the Ashley Riverbed. An application from Mr F. V. Gartery, for permission t-o make a storm-water channel oil the roau fronting his property,' was left to Mr Tallott and the surveyor to deal with. Mr John Free resigned his position of cattlo ranger, having enlisted.—The resignation wa s accepted with regret, and the clerk was authorised to arrange with. Mr i. Williams to act as temporary ranger. The Council approved of tho railway traffic managers proposal to delay the 4.33 p.m. train to 5.10 p.m. on Saturdays. The Public Works Department wrote asking if it was thfc intention of the Council to apply for any grants for roadg and bridges.—lt was decided to apply for a grant towards a bridge over tho north branch of the "Waimakariri at Perrin's Ford. Tho Executive of the Poor of Belgium Fund wrote asking tho Council to contribute its quota.—lt was decided to adhcro to the Council's previous decision not to contribute further until all local bodies came into line as contributors. It was decided to co-operate with the Rangiora Borough Council in the observance of Anzac Day. The clerk was instructed -to take action against a traction-engine driver for hauling without a license. A fortnight's leave of absence was granted the clerk, dating from April 19th. It was resolved to allow Mr D. Ramsey £7 for a boundary fence on a reserve recently occupied by liim. Tho chairman introduced the matter of tho proposed Waimakariri Harbour District Empowering. Bill, and criticised its provisions at considerable length. After a discussion it was resolved, that the Council take the necessary steps to oppose tho Bill by holding public, meetings in the various centres, and also to obtain signatures to a petition in opposition to the Bill to be presented to Parliament, the representatives of the Rangiora Riding and Mossrs Jas. Stevenson, J. G. .Stanton, S. Ryan, T. .Leech, and 3. G. Doak to be a committee with power to add to carry out the motion. Tho receipts for the month were reported to be £226 16s 9d, and tho bank credit balance. £501 13a Gd. Accounts for £137 63 9d wero paeeed for payment.