GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1982, 14 December 1889, Page 1

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of this council was held on Wednesday. Present— Messrs W. Balfour (chairman), Moore, Mackay, Barker, and Quinn. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr W. B. Howell.

A letter was read from Messrs Perry and Perry, stating that they were instructed by ratepayers of the Geraldine and Wairaate Counties to institute legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, for the purpose of enforcing the performance by the council of (he duty which the law casts upon them of restoring and maintaining bridge communication at the Lower Pareora, and asking the name of the council’s solicitor authorised to accept service of process on behalf of the council,—After hearing a special report made by Measoh and Marchant on the bridge, with regard to repairing it for stock traffic, it was decided to name Mr White as the council’s solicit or, and in face of Messrs Perry and Perry’s letter the chairman said that they could do nothing with the special report that day. Mr Barker desired it to be noted that at the time the letter was received the council wore discussing ways and means of getting the bridge made fit for traffic, Mr Cochrane, Woodbury, wrote stating that the race as shown on the plan did not come within half a mile of his property, and it seemed to him an unreasonable thing to charge him for what the council did not give. He stated that if he had to pay he must have the water.—After hearing an explanation by Mr Moore the Engineer said it would cost about £lO to take the water to Mr Cochrane’s land, and it was decided that he should report. Mr W. Hawke, of Geraldine road, again drew attention to the fact that water was running across his land from the Waihi, and was damaging hia grass. He informed the council that he held them responsible, and expected to be paid for water running across his paddock.—The engineer said this was the first he had heard of such a matter. —Letter received.

Mr C. G. Tripp, Orari Goage, wrote asking to be allowed to use certain water which was overflowing from the race on his land.—After hearing the engineer’s explanation, it was agreed to let Mr Tripp have the use of the water for £1 per annum, the council to have the right to resume possession of it at any time. Mr J. H. Baker, Commissioner of Crown Lands, wrote stating that he was having a map prepared of South Canterbury, and asked that any maps showing water races be sent to him.—The clerk said that he had done so. The clerk laid a financial abatement on the table, giving particulars of moneys expended, as promised by the chairman at the Rangitrta ratepayers’ meeting.—ln reply to Mr Quinn, the chairman said a copy would be sent to each ratepayer. Messrs J. Winter and G. Shaw (Rangi tata), wrote asking to be supplied with water.—To he attended to. Fer the Geraldine Flat water races contract (distributing raoee), the tender of D. Gregan, at £5lO 9s 6d, was accepted.— From the discussion it appeared that the plans had been amended, and that the outfall of races was now one-third into the Waihi, and two-thirds into the Hae-Hae-te-Moana.

It was decided to invite applications for the post of ranger to the Waihi-Orari races.

Mr T, Palmer, of Temuka, was granted a slaughtsr-houae licenao, subject to the approval of the Temuka Road Board. At the annual statutory meeting, on the motion of Mr Mackay, seconded by Mr Moore, Mr Balfour was unanimously reelected chairman. The Mount Peel Road Board forwarded a formal letter asking the council’s consent to the closing of a road through reserve 2159, leading to R.S. 30203.—-Consent given. The chairman stated that an absent member, had left a memo, expressing a wish that the (ax on sheep dogs might be reduced.—After discussion it was decided that no alteration be made.

The engineer’s report was read as follows “ Orari-Waihi water supply : Contract No. 2 (the distributing races) is finished, and the water has been through all the races. The work has been satisfactorily done. Winchester bridge contract : The contractor for this work is still delayed for his ironbark timber. It was expected a month ago, but has only just arrived at Lyttelton. All the other timber is on (he ground,, and everything completed as far as the contractor can go without the ironbark. Race diversion at Middleraiss’s road; This work has been completed with the exception of a little shingle which Mr Middlemiss has been too unwell to cart. Opihi bridge, main road: We have examined this bridge in passing, and we have to report that it should be screwed up. The band-railing would be the better for a coat of paint,"— Work at the Opihi bridge to be earned out as soon as possible. The engineer added that the spans were “sagging ” a bit. Accounts amounting to £304 8a 3d were passed for payment. The chairman was granted leave of absence for a month, as he was desirous of visiting Australian ports.