COUNTY COUNCILS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16211, 14 May 1918, Page 8

COUNTY COUNCILS.

PAPARUA

Tho la3t meeting of the Paparua. County Council was attended by Messrs J. Leslie (in tho chair), P. J. Ryan, TV. G. Sandrey, A. H. Langdale-Hunt, T. O. Morgan, G. Shipley, J. A. Henley, and H. Paterson. Mr A. Freeman forwarded an apology for nonattendance.

The Temploton School Committee and Dr. Chcsson wroto regarding the collection of nightsoil from the Templeton township. It wa3 decided to reply to both letters stating that tho collection would be started just as soon as a man could bo found to undertake the work. The committee was informed that in the meantime it must arrange for tho disposal of tho soil. The committer also wrote conccrning a drain on Church street, Templeton, suggesting that it be cleaned. The clerk reported that this had already been done, and his action was approved.

Tho Christcliurch Domain Board wrote informing tb 0 Council that the levy for the current year was £G6. It was decided to pay the amount at once. The eecretary of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board .wroto stating that tho Council's share of the hospital levy for the current year was £2131 10s 4d thi3 being an increase on last year's contribution of £653 5s 6d.

The overseer at tho river reported that during April a large flood in tho river had washed away the boulder bank, and had so filled the channel with shingle that he appealed to the New Zealand Refrigerating Company for assistance to scoop out the channel afresh. Tho company's teams, in conjunction with the Council's own teams, worked with such good effcct that thg water was got through the samo night. The question of having tho overseer's hous© at Halkett connected with the office by telephone Was referred to the chairman and clerk.

Twonty-six applications for the position of water-raco overseer were received, and Mr Hugh Conway, of Islington, was appointed. Tho clerk, in his monthly report, dealt with the Yaldhurst Pound, the difficulty experienced in getting a poundkeeper, aud the repairs necessary to put tho premises in good order. After a discussion it was decided to close the pound, and tho clerk was instructed to. take tho necessary steps.

Regarding the gorse nuisance, it was arranged that the clerk should inspect the several ridings in company with the riding member, and serve notice on the land owners concerned. Notice of motion to levy tho rates for the current year was given, such rates to be the earno amount in the pound as last year, wliich, with the increased valuation, would giv 0 a slightly increased revenue. WAIMAIRI. Tho' monthly meeting of tho 'Waimairi County Council was held yesterday, Mr S. A. Staples presiding. » A special meeting of tho Council wbb first held to confirm tho rate struck on the River Styx rating are' The chairman reported on the meetings held in tho county with regard to, the electrio light extension scheme. The scheme had been well received, and arrangements had been made to obtain the money from the Tramway Hoard at. 5} ner cent. It was decided to talce the necessary steps .to raise the loan moneys as required. The engineer' 9 report dealt in detail with maintenance work, etc., carried on in thecounty since the last meeting. i It was decided to hold a special meeting to consider the estimates. I .A deputation from the Papanui School | Committee, consisting of the Rev. J. H. Rodgers and Mr King, asked that tho Council should at onco do something in connexion with tho present lack of proper drainage facilities at tho Papanui School and elsewhere in the district. The chairman said some vmts ago it had been proposed to raise a loan for channelling, but the proposal had been lost on a poll being taken. Tff a drainage schcvuo was initiated, was there any guarantee that the ratepayers would pass, the proposal? Tho deputation then withdrew, .the chairman of tho Council stating that their remarks would be considered. A deputation of Marshland householders waited on tile Council and urged the formation of a footpath on the Marshland road for the benefit of tho children attending school. The members of the deputation stated their case,' and after answering questions withdrew.