County Conference.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3538, 23 January 1900, Page 2

County Conference.

TRACTION ENGINE BY-LAW. A conference between representatives of the Goialdine and Levels County Councils was held at the Levels County Office, Timaru, oil: Saturday. There were present representing Geraldine County Council, Messrs Talbot, Ivelman, and McCaskill; representing Levels County Council, Messrs Orbell, Mee, and McLaren. Mr Saunders, Levels County clerk, took the minutes.

Mi 1 Talbot presided, and stated the purpose of the meeting'and after a short discussion the following resolution was moved by Messrs Talbot and Orbeli (chairmen for the two Councils), and carried unanimously ; —“ Re traction engines— That a licence bo issued to any applicant for a period of 1:2 months for the sum of £u and for six months at £2 10s, this licence to give them the right to travel in the Geraldine and Levels counties ; this resolution not to prejudice the rights and powers of the Councils under the Heavy Traffic By-Law of IS9S.” Some remarks were made about the necessity for seeing that the wheels of the wagons were of proper width for the heavy loads, and for having all traction engines registered, which is not provided for in the present by-law. This concluded the formal conference re traction engines, and another conference was held re BRIDGE OVER THE OPIHI AT PLEASANT POINT, the same members being present as before, except Mr McLaren. Mr Talbot explained that the Geraldine County representatives had not been appointed to deal with the matter, but as they were there they might as well discuss the matter and the Geraldine Council could confirm their action. A letter from the Surveyor-General’s office, of January oth, was read:—“ I am directed by the Hon, Minister of Lands to say that he has received Mr Saunders’ letter of the 18th instant, in which by your direction he asks to be informed what amount the Government would contribute towards the cost of erecting a traffic bridge across the Opipi river near Pleasant Point. In reply I have to say that there is a vote of £3OO on account of this bridge on the appropriations of the current year. I understand that the estimated cost of the bridge is 021250, and the Government is prepared to contribute £1 for.£l of that amount, or whatever sum the bridge could be built for.”

A reply had been sent that the estimated cost of the bridge was about £2350. A telegram in reply came in to the meeting, from the Hon. Minister of Lauds: He Opihi bridge. £IOOO will be granted, £SOO before the end of the financial year, and £SOO will be put on the estimates next year.” Mr Talbot said that now that they knew' what assistance they were to get, they must consider what steps should be taken. The difficulty would be to fix the site.

A good deal of conversational discussion took place about the site, and it was said that there would be opposition raised against any selection that could bo made. Mr Orbell suggested that the members of both Councils should visit the sites, with the Engineer, and fix the site, considering only the best interests of the district. This suggestion was approved by all, and it : was resolved on the motion of Mr McCaskill, that all the members of both Councils should meet for the purpose at Shepherd's cutting, at 10.30 a,m. on Monday 29th instant. Mention was made of petitions and counter 2>ctitions, and Mr Lee produced one that morning, in favour of the site above thoTenagawi junction. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs Talbot and Orbell —“ That the Gtovernmout be thanked for the offer to subsidise the cost of erecting a bridge over the Opihi at Pleasant Point to the amount of dHOOO, and to be informed that the Councils are taking stops to arrange the site for the proposed bridge, and to proceed with the work at once.” The meeting then closed.