GERALDINE TOWN BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3046, 5 November 1896, Page 4

GERALDINE TOWN BOARD.

The monthly tneetiug of the Geraldine Town Board was held on Tuesday evening Present—Messrs J. W. Pye (chairman), J J. Mc -'askey, R. A. Borrows, J. Williams, J. M. Sutherland, and Dr Hishop. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was received and dealt with as under : From Mr A. Sherratt,drawing atteution to trees overhanging footpath at a section opposite his property—The owuer's attention to be drawn to the matter. From Mr J. Turner, requesting that his name be struck off roll for section 259, part of lot 17.—Referred to the Fiuauce Committee to get Mrs Turner's consent. From Mr J. Herlihy, foregoing lease of section 237 which had been teansferred to Dr Hislop.—Held over till next meeting. From Geraldine County Council, re account for timber, that same had been reduced one half iu consideration of board being a local body that had dealt liberally with council. From Mr A. Kehnar, sen., that he was eutitled to a reduction of one third of rate on a bakery owing to it being uuoccupied.—Application granted. From Charitable Aid Board, aeudiug statement of amounts paid to applicants for Charitable Aid iu board's district. From Geraldiue School Committee, asking if provision would be made to have the proposed branch water race extended so as to supply water to the school.—Works Committee to visit the spot with Mr Marchaut, and see if race can be carried to school. From Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, requesting that Mr R. Y. Ferguson's name be placed on the rato ] roll for their property at Geraldine.— j Grantod. From Mr J. Farrell, applying for permission to erect a verandah at Mr Wonior's shop.—Grantod. From Under-Secretary, Wellington, that the portion of Cox street between the Post Office and Church of England property was now cl"sed, having been reserved for post and telegraph purposos. From Mr J. C. Fleming, asking permission to erect a dead.head to supply water to an engine—Granted. From Commissioners of '-Jro-vn Lands, that the amount of "thirds" yet to acciau on Hansen's section was £3 10s From F. Wilson Smith, that ho was retiring from the firm of Smithsou, Raymond it Smith, and Mr Sahuoud would take his placo as a luoiubof of the

firm. —The new. firm were appointed solicitors for the board. QERALDINE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. The chairman explainod that a public meeting hud been called re the Mechanics' lußtitute, and a commit'ee appointed pro. km. to work up some enthusiasm iu the matter, aud canvas for new subscriber*, after which another meetiug would be called, aud a permanent committee appointed. Several small repairs were necessary to the institute buildi- g.—lt was resolved that repairs be carried out a» suggested by the chairman. BRANCH WATEtI RACE. Re the proposed branch water race, the chairman stated that ho had seen Mr Marchaut as to taking fresh levels, and he would be iu Geraldine ou Thursday (to-day) to undertake the work. pratt's road. The chairman reported that the works' committee had iuspected road leading to Mr Pratt's property, and suggested that the small formation asked foi be carried out when the branch water-race is being made along the road referred to. —Work to be done at time suggested. GERALDINE FIRE BRIGADE. The chairman mentioned that the finauce committee had mot a deputation from the Geraldine Fire Brigade, and would make the following recommendations with respect to the working of the brigade : Boundary : That the Town Board District be the boundary as far as the brigade is concerned; outside this boundary the board's responsibility ceases, and brigade must make its own arrangements re fires outside the district. Rewards at fires: Is per hour to be paid pumpers eugaged by the foreman of brigade; first hors«, 12s ; second horse, 8s ; ringing bell, first alarm 5s ; brigade to be responsible for all damage to plant when attending fires outside boundary, aud that the attention of members of the brigade be callec to the clause in the Act relating to fire inspector's p <wors at tires The board resolved that the committee's recommendation be agreed to, aud that the board purchase for the brigade four fire axes (of local manufacture if possible), one 29 feet ladder, and timber for staying bell-tower; also that the board have a regular iuspection made of plant and property held by the brigade. RESERVES. The recommendations of the finance committe were agreed to re calling tenders for lease of two sections aud ro transfers ou loug-term leases. Mr T. Finch's tender of 10a 6d per anuum for lease of section adjoining Mr Ferguson's reside"ce was accepted. PUBLIC HALLS. It was decide that the following license fees be charged for public halls iu the town, from January Ist, 1897: (Kidfellows' Hall, £1 la; Volunteer Hall, £2 2s. OVERSEER'S RtCPORT. The overseer reported ou work done during the mouth. He had been employed cleaning out water-tables and culverts. The culvert crossing footpath iu Peel street was entirely blocked up with willow roots. The culvert iu the main water race in front of the sheep yards had to be repaired, owing to 2 feet of 9-iuch pipe aud the wooden lid at the juuctiou of the branch race being broken. A holj 3 feet deep was fouud iu the culvert that crosses Talbot street at thr juuctiou of High street. This was caused by the water running outside the pipes and undermining the street. The overseer filled up the cavity with clay well ram me i. Owing to excessive vegetation in the race he had beeu most of the tune clearing out the maiu water-table in the main street, also iu cleariug watercress from race towards head race. Some evildisposed poison had beeu lately going about at night removiug the lids of sumps iu the race, to the danger of life. The lids were dropped into the sumps The overseer had to clean out some of the sumps twice during the month, aa they were filled with silt by the liis being removed. .A bout 16i square yards of asphalt footpath had been damaged by the fire that burned down Mr Turner's building. Had iuspected town sections aud found the following with gorse aud broom growing on them —\oa. 1,2, 3, 194, 9, 296,1847,1624 The lamplighter required a few new burners for street lamps. The report was received, and it was resolved that gorse notices be sent out at ouce. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £24 2s 9d were passed for payment. The board then rose.