Geraldine County Council.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3469, 22 July 1899, Page 2

Geraldine County Council.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council was held on Thursday. Present—Messrs J. Talbot (chairman), A. Kelman, W. Shiurs, and G. J. Dennistoun. CONTRACTS. Messrs Meason & Marchant wrote certifying progress payments on contracts.—T. Corkery, first payment Orari bridge contract, £100; James Connor, first payment, Opihi protective works, £l6. Good progress had been made in these contracts. The contractor for Geraldine bridge rebuilding had dismantled the old bridge, and would be ready to commence pile-driving in a few days. They had made temporary arrangements with Mr J. Kalaugher to watch the pile-driving at this bridge, leaving it to the Council to confirm or terminate the engagement as they thought fit. They had not made any bargain with him as to wages. Mr Kalaugher lived close to the bridge, and they thought he wuuld be a most suitable man for the billet. Eesolved, on the motion of Mr Shiers, that Mr Kalaugher be appointed Clerk of Works at £2 10s per week. ARUNDEL WATEB SUPPLY. Messrs Meason and Marchant reported visiting Mount Peel to examine creeks and springs in that neighbourhood, which might be tapped to supply the proposed Arundel water district. There was no one source, or combination of sources, that they could advise the council to use for the purpose mentioned. At the present time an ample flow could be obtained from some springs and a creek, but they did not think that same could be depended upon during ] drought to supply the quantity required. , Also they did not advise tapping the Rangitata River for the purpose. The water district would be very small, and the cost of proper and effective controlling works in connection with this source of supply would be prohibitive. They thought that the Orari water race offered the only practicable means of affording a supply to thi3 proposed district. They could tap the springs and creek in Peel Forest to compensate in some degree for the water taken from the Orari, but this would considerably increase the cost of the scheme, and they feared it would be prohibitive. If the Orari water race was forbidden as the course of supply for Arundel district, they feared that the scheme must lapse. Mr Dennistoun thought it would be hard on the Arundel people if the scheme fell through, after the council leading them in all good faith to think they would get it carried out. Mr A. Kelman thought it possible to gather a supply of water to augment the supply in the present water races, and extend same to Arundel without interfering with tbe Orari. Mr Dennistoun said to carry out such an idea would cost £6O or £7O, and it would be of little use if the supply was not available in time of drought, as that was when the Arundel people wanted it most. In other times than in dry weather they might as well take the water from the Orari, because the water was plentiful. Mr Kelman said they had plenty of water in the Rangitata races, and some to spare, and it only meant really the putting of additional water into the races for a few days in the year if his idea was carried out. As to the expenditure, he might mention that the Government had given a grant of £IOO, which would cover the lot. The chairman said the difficulty was that once the council undertook to supply the Arundel people with water if a dry season came they would be in a tight place. Mr Dennistoun said he went round the district with Mr Marchant, who said at the time that if he was going into the question for a private individual he would report that the was enough water to be obtained from the creek and springs at Peel Forest to supply Arundel, but having to deal with the public it was a different matter; he would have to be sure that they would be kept in water during a dry season. As a matter of fact, the water had come down about five miles from the springs in question, and he had never known the creek to have run dry except on one occasion during the exceptionally dry season two summers ago. Mr Shiers thought that if they tapped the Orari and Mr Dennistoun's creek they might supply the people on top of the terrace at Arundel; the people on the flat were sure of water for at least nine months of the year. Mr Dennistoun thought it might be all right to experiment with the thing as a private individual, but it would never d» for a public body to do so and find it turn out a failure. The chairman suggested that the facts be laid before the Arundelites, and if they were contented to take a supply of water that might fail them, and did so with their eyes open, thus relieving the council of responsibility, the scheme might be carried out. Mr Kelman believed the Arundel people would be in favour of the scheme. He had seen Mr Patriok that morning, who seemed favourable to the proposal. There was no doubt the people wanted water, and must get it somewhere if they could not get it from Orari. Mr Dennistoun said it was a great pity that Mr Perham joined in the scheme at all. It meant a lot of extra expense to take the water to his place, and Mr Perham : was not keen for it. The chairman said it was no use coming to a decision on the point, at present; all they could do was to await further repre- i sensations from the Arundel people. < Mr Dennistoun remarked that the Arundel Water Supply District was really a i small affair, and for his part he would give them the water from the Orari, as it wou'd i notmake one iotaof difference tothe supply. I The quantify of water would be a mere < fieabite, and he held that the whole objec- '< tions of the Orari people was nothing but a storm in a teacup. c Resolved—" That this report be referred I c

o the settlers interested, with the intimation that the council fears the prospects of being able, under all circumstances, to give them a supply, are not favorable, and ask if they will consider the matter and make any representations they might think desirable to the council. The council suggests that if Mr Perham and Mr Ward would be willing to withdraw from the district it would place the position in more favorable circumstances by reducing the cost.” Mr George O'Neill, Orari, wrote protesting against the council taking any more water from the Orari river for supplying Arundel. He believed it was the opinion of some members of the council that it was only Orari township that .was affected by the river, but there was more than that, as all the land from the Upper Orari bridge to Winchester was affected, and as a proof of his statement he would point out that when the river got to a certain level the water that drives the Winchester flour mill diminished to such an extent that they had to use steam power. The settlers on

this side ©f the river had a prior and moral right to any benefits from the river, and the Arundel people ought, in all fairness, to get their water from the Rangitata.—Letter to be sent to the Arundel people along with council’s resolution. WATER RACES. The Waitohi Flat Water Supply Committee reported that the balance-sheet had been forwarded to the council and was considered satisfactory by the committee. It was decided to collect from the applicants for water just sufficient pro rata to defray actual expenses incurred, the summer having been so showery no one required to use race water for irrigation purposes. The ranger reported that no heavy slips had fallen, but several small places all along the terrace race required attention. Considering the amount of rain that has fallen the committee was pleased that so little damage had been done.—Recommendation re charge for water agreed to. The Orari-Rangitata Water Race Committee wrote enclosing ranger’s report, and recommending that men be put on to grub Wareing’s and Story’s gorse, and that Mr C. Graham receive notice to grub his gorse. They advised that the scour-out at < the head works under the filter box be filled in with rocks. Council’s recommendation re boots was agreed to.—Resolved i-~‘* That

Mr Borrie be authorised to employ the necessary labour to cut the gorse on Wareing’s and Storey’s land as recommended; also the council agreed to their suggestion re filter box, and authorise them to get the work done.” CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was received and dealt with as under:— From the Mackenzie County Council acknowledging receipt of council’s letter, and recommending that as there was a difference of opinion as to the best site for the proposed S. Opuha E.iver bridge that it would be as well to arrange for the engineers of the two councils interested conferring on the ground on "the matter.— The council agrees to the suggestion re conference of engineers. From Mr F. E. Flatman, M.H.E., acknowledging receipt of Council's letter re Harbour Board and County Council election dates, and replying that he would confer with members directly interested and do his best to carry out the wish expressed in the Council’s resolution. From the Marine Department, Wellington, in reference to Council’s letter, urging that the elections of the members of Timaru Harbour Board should be altered to the third week in April, and stating that the Timaru Harbour Board was bringing forward a Bill dealing with the matter.—Eead. From Colonial Secretary on the same matter, promising that it would receive consideration. From Temuka Eoad Board, asking the council to supply them with eight old iron rails, about 14ft long, for protective works in the Orari, and could they make use of some at present stacked in their yard, the very worst of which would answer the purpose.—Bequest agreed to. From Mr John Jackson, Timaru, enclosing receipt for cheque for ,£203 4s 9d, and stating that the balance of the timber ; was on the wharf at Newcastle, and their agents expected to ship it by next direct i boat to Timaru, say, in two or three weeks. I —Eead. From Mount Peel Eoad Board, that they l had paid the following sums to the Burke’s Pass Eoad Board and the Mackenzie County ■ Council (the former having been merged L into the Mackenzie County Council) for : works undertaken by that body in their : own district, namely -. Clayton road from Opihi to S. Opuha, £470 5s ; Opihi stock L bridge, £207 16s ; total, £698 Is. This inL formation should be sent at once to the i Mackenzie County Council, i From Mackenzie County Council, asking the council to let them know what they ) were doing in regard to having the date j of the next county general election altered - to a more convenient date, as they wished j to move in the same direction.—lnformation to be sent. i From Department of Lands and Survey, [ re grant of £2OO for Orari Eiver Protective ■ Works, drawing attention to Clause 7 of i the agreement signed by Council that a i report should be made to the certifying ; officer on the first day of each month dur- , ing which the work is being done, giving statement of progress made during the past month.—lnstructions to be attended to by the clerk. From Secretary N. Z. Counties Association, requesting payment of Council’s subscriptions to same for year ended May 31st last.—To be paid. From Mr C. S. Fraser, Timaru, agent for Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation respecting insurance under Employers’ Liability Act. —The chairman said he believed it was likely the Council was liable in case of an accident happening on ary of its bridges, providing the contractors were not wealthy enough for the men to claim damages from. The only thing the council could do was to insist that the employees be insured against accidents.—* Mr Kelman held that the council was«liable for accident to men employed cleaning out water races.—Mr Dennistoun laughed at such an idea. Why, the council provided gum boots for the men to keep out damp, and gave them every luxury.—Mr Kelman; " But what if the boots poisoned their legs and they got into the hospital ?”—Mr Dennistoun: “ Go for the bootmaker.” (Laughter.) From Trade Auxiliary Company, recommending the Mercantile and Bankruptcy Gazette.— Mr Dennistoun said it was astonishing how many shepherds in the back country took this paper, no doubt through curiosity to see who is “ hard up,” which was very gratifying to the poor beggars who were “ hard up.” (Laughter.) From the Audit Office, returning balance sheet duly certified. BALANCE-SHEET. The chairman complimented Mr Stubbs upon having prepared a very neat balance sheet, and after a short discussion the clerk was directed to take steps for publishing the same. INTERVIEW. Mr Jackson saw the council with reference to obtaining a grant towards opening up a road and fencing same on the other side of the Eangitata, in the Ashburton County. Mr Stubbs informed the council that they had a claim against the Ashburton district for fencing done on this side of the river. Mr Jackson said it was a new road he wanted opened up, and it would be of as much benefit. to Geraldine people as it would be to people in his district. Mr Kelman: I don’t think so. The chairman said his council had done its own work on this side of the river without assistance from the other side. Mr Kelman: Would they give us a little towards what we have done ? Mr Jackson said that there had been far more fencing done on his side of the river than the south side. He wanted about 76 chains of fencing done now, and would like about £25 from -the council towards it. Mr Shiers doubted whether the council could legally spend money in another district. Mr Jackson said he would have to get something, and ho could call Mr Bryan, of the Star of the South Hotel to prove that people lost themselves when they got over the Eangitata bridge. Mr Dennistoun: Mr Bryan had better not say too much about that if the people were going from his house. (Laughter.) Mr Jackson further stated that he waited on the Council in the interests of the settlers and the fencing would be a great boon to persons travelling with stock. Mr Kelman thought the Ashburton County Council ought to do the work without further trouble. Mr Jackson said the Ashburton Council had not refused altogether, but he thought he was entitled to something from the Geraldine Council. The chairman thought the Ashburton Council would laugh at them if they asked issistance for work on this side of the river. Mr Dennistoun could see a great benefit n having the road carried through, and naintained that the council could legally >hare half cost of the work if they felt ustified to do so, because the Mount Peel load hal shared half cast of work done in

a similar way in the Geraldine district. Mr Kelman described the application as ” greatest piece of cheek he had ever heard of.” It was resolved that the council could not see its way to accede to the request. INSPECTION OP SLAUGHTER-HOUSES. The chairman mentioned that Constable ' "Willoughby having left the district it was now necessary to appoint a new inspector of slaughter-houses, and Constable Mullaney had been recommended for the position. Mr Kelman: You could not get a better man. It was unanimously resolved to appoint: Constable Mullaney inspector of slangier houses in the Geraldine district. LICENSING COMMITTEE, When accounts from the Geraldine Licensing Committee came before the Council to be passed for payment objection ' va ® raised to same because two members had charged one guinea each for travelling expenses when 10s should have been sufficient. and the salary of the clerk to the -Licensing Committee had been raised from *lO to £2O without any reason being given for so doing. If Constable WilWh! vt did the same work for £lO menbirs gaw Aq

reason why Constable Gillespie should receive a higher sum. Mr Dennistoun remarked that when he was on the Committee he had to come a good distance and never got a penny, and members who came from Ashburton simply got their bare expenses. He thought 10s 6d any amount for travelling expenses, and if the Committee could not give their time free they should resign and make room for other men. The chairman agreed with Mr Dennistoun that 10s 6d was enough. It was resolved —" That the accounts re licensing be referred back to the committee, asking the reason why the clerk's salary is doubled, and also stating that in the opinion of the Council 10s 6d is sufficient to allow for members' travelling expenses." A letter was received from Constable Gillespie stating that he had been appointed clerk of the licensing committee at a salary of .£2O, and asking for payment of half-year's salary.—Held over. PUBLIC CONTRACTS BILL. The Wellington Harbour Board wrote drawing attention to the provisions of the Public Contracts Bill as introduced in the House by the Hon. Premier. They held that clauses 1 to 4 with clauses 0 and 11 were sufficient to carry out the wishes of the Governmentin regard to working hours and ways m public contracts, and that the other clauses of the Bill were unnecessary and added materially to the difiiculties local bodies had already to deal with in respect of contracts. It was resolved—" That the council en - dorse the objections to the proposed Public Contracts Bill raised by the Wellington Harbour Board, and futher consider the whole measure uncalled for and calculated to do more harm than good." TENDERS Tenders were received as under for repairs to Orari Protective Works: —Jonas Fflield, £73 ; James Gregan, £67; Sherratt Bros, £64 13s; i hos Corkery, £SB ;D. Gregan, .£SB; —Butler, £55 10 6d; Kichard Kichards, £SO (accepted) ;: PAT SHEET Accounts amounting to£7lo were passed, for payment.