PUBLIC MEETING AT ABHBURTON FORKS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5006, 6 March 1877, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT ABHBURTON FORKS.

A public meeting convened by the ratepayers and others in the Ashburton Forks was held on Saturday evening in the Forks Schoolroom for the purpose of considering the best means to be taken for confining the north, branch of the Ashburton to its proper channel, so that farther damage to property may be avoided, and the Alford Forest Hoad saved from the continual encroachments of that river, Mr 0. Reed (Chairman Upper Ashburton Xtoad Hoard) presided, ' After reading the notice convening the meeting, the Chairman stated that considerable sums had been expended from time to time in keeping the Alford Forest road in repair, and that these repairs were as continually swept away by the encroachments of the river. It was therefore imperative that something permanent and substantial should be done to prevent a repetition of such serious damages. Ho farther stated that he had written to the Government, asking that the necessary stops bo taken in forming a Board of Conservators, and he read a letter from the Assistant Secretary for Public Works, enclosing the Solicitor-General’s opinion “that he is afraid we have now no power to constitute such a Board.”—A letter was read from the ChiefPostmaster, Christchurch, to the Upper Ashburton Road Beard re Alford Forest road, in consequence of complaints made by Mr E. Oookson, mail contractor, with the Road Board’s reply thereto, stating that as so much money had already been spent on this road, and the funds of that ward were exhausted, it would be advisable for the Postmaster to lay the matter before tho General Government, The Chairman also stated that he had had a conversation with Mr Harman respecting the encroachments of the river, knowing him to be one of the oldest river conservators in the Province, when that gentleman kindly offered the services of the Overseer of the Waimakariri Board, to report' on the best means to bo adopted and the probable cost of the work. The Chairman also stated that he hod written a letter to the Ashburton Boad Board, asking them to join in securing

the services of that gentleman, and, if they thought advisable, to combine and form a Board of Conservators for the whole river. The following resolutions were then passed unanimously. Mr Wm. Sutherland moved, and Mr Ed. Corbitt seconded, "That the Boad Board of this district be requested to communicate with the General Government respecting the establishment of a Eiver Conservancy Board, for the branches of the Ashburton river, flowing through the district.” Mr M'Oonoohie proposed, and Mr Sutherland seconded, “ That this meeting request the Boad Board of this district to accept Mr Harman’s offer of the services of the Overseer of the Waimakariri Board of Conservators, and ask him for a written report on the works requisite to confine the rivers within their proper channels." Mr Corbett proposed, and Mr D. M'Lean seconded—“ That the Boad Board of this district be requested to ask the Waste Lands Board of this Province to reserve all the unsold lands on both branches of the Ashburton nver for the purposes of the proposed Board of Conservators.” Mr Donald M'Lean moved, and Mr William Sntherland seconded —“ That this meeting respectfully requests that the Ashburton County Council will take over or subsidise the Alford Forest road through the forks of the Upper Ashburton road district, also contribute liberally towards the embankment of the north branch of the Ashburton river, to assist the turning and keeping it from overflowing its banks and damaging the said road.” Mr D. M'Lean moved and Mr Sutherland seconded—“ That the chairman of this meeting be requested to eeo the resolutions passed by this meeting carried into effect.” Mr Donald M'Lean proposed and Mr Sutherland seconded—“ That Mr O. Eeed (Chairman) call a public meeting upon receipt of the Waimakariri Board Engineer’s report.” A unanimous and cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the Onairman, and the meeting terminated.