BRIDGE OVER THE MATAU BRANCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 15

BRIDGE OVER THE MATAU BRANCH.

The members of the Bruce County Council and the Kaitangata BoVbugh Council met in conference in the Kaitangata Borough Chamber on Saturday. The Mayor ,(Mr W. H. Mackenzie) presided, and the following were present:— Messrs R. Murray (chairman), H Clark, H. Driver, Captain Rutherford, P. Haggart, 'and J. Crane (members of the County Council), and Messrs H. Cornish, P. Welsh, J. M'Corley,- and F. T. Poole (representing- the Borough of Kaitangata). The County Clerk (Air A. Nelson) read a i copy of the letter addressed to the Borough 1 Council requesting a conference. The Mayor welcomed representatives of the Bruce County Counoil, and apologised for the absent members of his council, owing to the inopportune time of holding the meeting. He explained that the business was the erection of a traffic bridge over the Matau branch of the Clutha River: Mr Murray, chairman of the Bruce County Council, said that to facilitate the business it would be advisable to determine the sit« for the bridge. He deprecated the present system of 'navigation as out of date and expensive. Mr Clark said that from information received from the county engineer, the proposed bridge, if erected at the punt site, would cost £2000, the estimated cost being £6 per lineal foot. As regards the site, he felt indifferent, provided the borough paid the difference of cost, if any. Ratepayers of the county would have to be consulted, and their wishes given effect to. He, therefore, moved — "That the present punt site be determined as the site for the nroposed bridge." Mr Driver seconded the motion. Mr M'Corley said it was useless to waste time in determining the site, as the representatives of the county were pledged, and had a majority of representatives present.However, ho would move, as an amendment — > "That 'the proposed traffic bridge bo erected on a site to- be selected between the new. channel and Old Creek." Mr Walsh seconded' <"ho amendment. A vote was taken, and the motion was carried, only the mover and seconder of the amendment being against it. Mr R.,Lee, representing the proprietors of the Kaitangata railway, wrote re the filling in of Old Creek, and proffered to supply necessary materials for doing co. Members expressed themselves in favour of the proposal, but as it was a. matter foe ,the consideration of the councils ■ separately, the letter was referred to the Bruce and Clutha Councils. During his stay at Napier Mr Wilkie, Government veterinarian-, tested between 300 and 400 cattle, of which about 45 were condemned. From Wesfcport last week the amount of coal exported was 7286 tons 18owt, of which 6684 tons 19owt were shipped by the Westport Coal Company, and bOl tons 19cwt by the Cardiff Company. From Greymouth the 'Blackball Company Bhipped 710 tons 13cwfc coal, and the Bruriner Company 3195 tons lOcwt coal, 93 tons,scwt coke, and 5 tons Warranta have been published in the London Gazette establishing the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration and the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service' Medal. In the case of the Decoration', it is meant for commissioned officers (except those in. the permanent forces) serving in the colonies and dependencies, or in countries under the Queen's protection, and whether designated as militia or volunteers. The period of qualifying service ifr' to* be, in general, twenty yearß ; but the warrapt mentions 'various ways in which it may be gained by officers who 'have been in different services. The Medal ia designed to recognise the long and meritorious services of members of .all such forces_ as are mentioned as eligible ip. the preceding Warrant, and. under conditions practically similar, except that it applies to both officers and men. The Long Service Medal will also have to be surrendered . should its holder bf subsequently awarded the Decoration.