GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3047, 7 November 1896, Page 4

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tho monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council was hold on Thursday. Present—M.essra J. 'Talbot (chairman), McKay, Quinn, J. Murray, A. Kelman, and G. J. Donuistouu. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was received and dealt with as under ; From Mr a, Jacks n, Ealing, requesting the council to erect two more chains of wire fence as a lead to sheep ou to the railway traffic bridge, going south. — Kailway authorities to be asked to lengthen the fence as requested. From the Spriugstou Road Board, making enquiries re by-laws. From Geraldine Road Board, sending plan of a road stopped by resolution of a meeting of ratepayers. —Deferred for further information. From Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R., that a grant of £3OO bad been made by the Government towards building a bridge over the Orari ou the main road, Mr Maslin had worked with him in this matter. He (Mr Flatmau) had since seen tho Minister and pointed out to him that tho grant should have beeu £SOO aud he had promised to increase it to that amount. Ho had also got £3OO on the estimates for a bridge on the Opihi near tho Point township ; should the council aud the Levels Council decide to build one the grant would be available for that purpose. From Mr Michael Moore, Waitohi, requesting that the name of Mr John Laugridge be placsd on the rate roll in lieu uf his for part R S. 7099. —Agreed to. From the Mackenzie County Council, requesting the Council to share cost of appealing against the magistrate’s decision iu the recent traction-engine bylaw case against Drysdale.—Chairman’s action agreeing to same approved of. WATER-BACKS. The Orari- Waihi Committee reported that they had granted Mr South a small supply of water for a sheep - trough. The filler-box aud culvert had been blocked with wißowroots, which now had beeu cleared out, and there was a splendid flow of water. The Orari-Rangitata Committee reported that the races were in fair working order, with a good flow of water. Mr W. Willie required final gorse notice. Mr Borrie asked for diversion of race for a distance of 5 chains, which the committee recomoionded should be granted. —Recommendation agreed to. Mr Willie to get final notice that gorse-grubbing would be done at his expense. GOING OUT OF OFFICE. The chairman said the council’s term of office expired with the present meeting, aud tho election of a new council was now at hand. He would take the opportunity of thanking his fellow members for the courtesy aud kindness shown to him as their chairman iu conducting tho business of the council. The work of the chairman had beeu made as light as possible by the harmonious manner in which the members had worked together. Ho believed that the services of the conncil had been useful to the ratepayers during its term of office. They had carried on works at the Opihi bridge, and lately had made considerable improvements to the Temuka bridge. Ho had no doubt that for the future, as far as the rateyayers could stand the strain upon them for rates, the council would continue to carry out useful works. Ho noticed with regret that Mr J. Murray’s name was not amongst the list of those nominated for election, aud members, therefore, would not meet him again at the table of the new council. He wished to express his admiration of the way in which Mr Murray had carried out his duties, aud of the valuable services he rendered the council through representing a large water-race district. He would be very glad to see Mr Murray ou the council again, and was sorry ho was retiring. As far as the water-race districts were concerned, they continued to work with great satisfaction under the management of committees. The committees had casried out their work well, and their recommendations had been always approved of by the council. Mr Denuistouu said he was expressing the views of the whole council in saying that they had a must excellent chairman iu Mr J. Talbot. He had kept the meetings iu order, without causing any illfeeling, and in consequence the work of the council had always beeu got through expeditiously. He fully endorsed the remarks made iu reference to Mr Murray, aud was also very sorry that gentleman did not seek re-election. Mr Murray had rendered splendid service as chairman of the Oraii-Rangitata Water-race Committee. Mr Murray thanked the chairman aud Mr Deuuistouu for their flattering remarks, aud stated that the members of his committee had always backed him up, and they were entitled to most of the credit for the good work that had been done. As regards the council, he could only describe them as “ a happy family.” Their work had been carried out without bickering, und with credit to themselves and their chairman. He regretted having to retire from the council, but Le found that he could not spare the time to perform his duties as a member. Mr Quinn, as one who had beeu associated with the chairman for over 20 years, fully endorsed the remarks of pre vious speakers concerning him, and trusted he would bo again returned to represent tho Temuka riding. Mr Muiray congratulated tho two members already returned unopposed for the Mouut Peel riding. Mr Mackay also hoped to see the chairman back iu his seat on tho council, aud once more placed in tho chair. Mr Dennistoun proposed, aud Mr Murray seconded, a hearty vote of thauks to tho chairman. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £l5B Cs 4d wore passed for payment.