Mackenzie County Council.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5027, 7 June 1889, Page 2

Mackenzie County Council.

The ordinary monthly meeting of tho Mackenzie County Council was hold at Burke’s Pass on Monday, 3rd Juno. MEMBEKS PEE3KNT. Messrs John McGregor (chairman), A. Cowan, W. Saunders, F. E. Gillingham, and J. I. Milne. COHEESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows : From C. W. Fisher and Co., circular, stating that they had taken over the business of IC. and J. Ford, drain pipe -manufacturers, and soliciting a share of the council’s patronage. From the Sydenham Borough Council, forwarding copy of a resolution requesting local bodies’ co-oporation in endeavouring to get a Bill passed through Parliament to enable local bodies to insure properties on security of rates.

From the Surveyor-General, requesting particulars of expenditure on roads constructed or improved out of Government grants for the year ending 31st March, 1889.—Already replied to by the clerk. From Mr J. H. Baker, Commissioner of Crown Lands, re Tekapo and Pukaki Ferry reserves, stating in reply to the council's letter of March 15th last, that ho regretted that the council could not give credence to the information contained in his letter of 27th February, that the superintendent of the province had on the 21st February, 1861, reserved the land for the use of the Provincial Government and other public purposes, and that on the 16th December, 1861, the reserves were confirmed by the Provincial Government for ferry reserves, and also stating that he agreed ferries should be made self-supporting, but he failed to see why Crown lands should be used for the purpose of reducing the tolls fairly chargeable to the public for service rendered. From the same, stating that £2 8s 6d was available from the land fund account to Ashwick Flat reserve.—lt was decided to let the amount stand over until a further sum accrued.

From the same, staling that £2O lls 6d was available from the land fund account to reserve 1840.—The cleric was instructed to give the necessary information in order that the money might be passed for payment. From the manager of Messrs Reid and Gray, Timaru, forwardimg plan, specification and estimate of a snow plough.—The chairman explained that the committee appointed at last meeting had interviewed the manager of Messrs Reid and Gray in the matter, and had ordered a plough which was to cost £ls. From Mr J. Hay, solicitor, with reference to several amounts of unpaid rates, andjstating that he was about to take out summonses for the same.

From Mr J. H. Baker, Chief Surveyor, Christchurch, stating that the Government had only authorised the expenditure of £430 on tho Mount Cook road, while the council had expended £SOO ; also stating that in h’s letter of instructions with regard to the work, dated 27ih February, ho had inadvertently mentioned the amount as £SOO to be expended, though actually the Government bad authorised £43o.—The clerk staled that under the chairman’s instructions he bad replied that tho work could not have been done up to tho specifications drawn out by the Survey Office for £430, and that the council had no hesitation in expending up to £SOO on the strength of Mr Baker’s letter of instructions, coupled with tho fact that Parliament voted £6OO last session for the Mount Cook road. Tho clerk also stated that application bad been forwarded to the Minister of Lands for £7O in addition to the £430, and that he (the clerk) had enclosed a copy of Mr Baker’s letter of instructions. From J. M. Cambridge, Ashburton, samples and prices of poisoned grain for sparrows. — It was decided that tho clerk order twenty bushels of poisoned grain from Cambridge in ten pound bags. MISCELLANEOUS. Eoad diversion Albury Estate. It was resolved that the ratepayers action about closing and exchanging road, at public meeting at Albury on 13Lh May, bo confirmed. It was resolved that Mr it. L. Banks be appointed returning officer and treasurer for the county, also clerk to the Mackenzie Licensing Committee. Re Fairlio Creek water supply—Proposed by Mr Gillingham, and seconded by Mr Milne, that Mr Banks report upon the means of conveying a portion of the water in Silverstream Creek to Fairlio Creek, to take levels and give an approximate estimate of cost of a race to a point a quarter of a mile N.W. of Fairlio Creek and at least 20 feet higher than tho level of the township at Egan’s corner. Fairlie Creek Library.—lt was resolved that an agreement lease bo drawn up in the usual form with tho library committee, and that a clause be inserted in the same that the building is not to be sub-let unless the insurance be paid by tho lessee, also that the council have the right to use the building for meetings and public purposes when required. Accounts were passed for payment and the council adjourned.