NASSELLA FOUND ON RESERVES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27961, 7 May 1956, Page 9

NASSELLA FOUND ON RESERVES

REPORT TO CATCHMENT BOARD

Patches of nassella tussock have been found by officers of the Department of Agriculture on three reserves of the North Canterbury Catchment Board south of the Waimakariri river, it was reported to a meeting of the board on Friday. The department will be asked for a report on the most effective means of control. 'The finance committee considered that, with the usual subsidy, the work of repair and reinstatement of the Ashley groynes could be done over four or five years out of rates. The engineering proposals will be forwarded to the Soil Conservation Council for general approval and consideration as to subsidy. The estimated cost is £63,850. Application had been made, the finance committee reported, for a £3 for £ 1 subsidy on about £ 8000 for the purchase of tram rails in Dunedin. The Ellesmere County Council will be supplied with a copy of parts of a letter from the Soil Conservation Council, advising that it will not consider final approval of the McEvedy’s culvert proposals without an economic report but that, subject to that report showing reasonable justification for the work, a subsidy will be available on a basis of not less than £3 for £1 on an estimated cost of £14,840. The board decided to proceed with the preparation of an economic report unless the county council expressed contrary wishes and to point out that the estimated cost contained provision for 100 per cent, contingencies on account of possible sea damage. A recommendation that the tender of Mr J. P. Matthews of £3950 for the Glasnevin drainage contract be accepted will be made to the Ministry of Works. The classification list cannot be altered, the board being bound by the decision of the Magistrate's CoUDt, the Paparua County Council will be advised.

The board decided to give further consideration to the appointment of a full-time employee who could undertake classification work. A report will be made to the next meeting by the finance committee, after applications for the position of classifier, either on a daily or salary basis, have been received.