GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13420, 18 October 1907, Page 7

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Xlio usual monthly meeting of tlie above -was held yesterday. Present : —-Mr J. Talbot (chairman), Messrs Dennistoun, Dixon, KeMan. JMetcalf,. McDonald and Wright. Before proceeding with the ordinary business a motion of sympathy and condolence was passed to the family of the late Mrs Maslin. ' • *. « With regard to the maintenance of waterrace crossings Mr.Metcalf moved that the* matter be referred back to the Temuka Road Board and that the resolution of the Geraldine Road Board to ; maintain arid bear the cost of the maintenance of the crossings be. approved.—Carried.

With regard to the proposed loan the chairman said that all" the necessary prebe called for. at any time, before a detion had been made to the department with reference to the Opihi bridge. The engineer sent plans for alternate tenders in timber and ferro-concrete which could now be called for at any' time,. before., a demand could be made on the Levels Gounty for a share of the cost. The Levels County had sent in a claim for £4O, share of repairs to . the Tengawai bridge. He understood the matter had been left open since it first croped "up in 1902. As the bridge was ail old one theposition would, have to be seriously considered.

• With reference to the use of ferro-con-crete Mr Kelman thought they should first see some bridge in similar material to that to be built, as though the piles might be driven all right in the soft mud of -the Auckland harbour, they might not stand being; driven: through bouldersi ■Mr - Dennistoun said it would be easy to get a pile driven and drawn to the satisfaction of the engineer before proceeding with the work. He suggested that the ferro-con-crete company of Auckland should be invited to tender as they were probably, better equipped for carrying out the work than most contractors. • - ' ■

The overseer reported having been, cmr ployed planting -willows for protection purr poses and attending the water-races. Those in. the Geraldine Flat district wanted immediate attention as they were getting;, blocked * with gorse.—Referred to G.F.W. R. Committee and council's overseer to see t hat the work is carried out satisfactorily. -, The ranger Rangitata and Orari water--"races, reported having finished ploughing out the water races. With-regard to the complaint from 'Mr Smith, Rangitata. as: to ducks from the hotel polluting the water, and the owner had promised to keep - them at home in future. It would be better to take up the pipes at the culvert;, near the hotel, and put in a ford which would be more satisfactory.- —Referred t6-Qeraldin-e Road Board. .The chairman W&itohi water-race district reported all well arid that the matter of permanent employment of the ranger had been left over to the annual meeting. Accounts amounting to £5 12s had been paid.'The late chairman forwarded a statement of the condition and cost of maintenance of the Taces and forwarded his resignation and papers. The Council expressed tlieir regret at the resignation and apprecia/tion of his past energetic «md - useful services to tue district. . . •The Mackenzie County Council forwarded proposals in connection with the Clayton road, but. regretted being unable to see Hi Air -vrav to increase their contribution to the Toad .and bridge beyond £IOOO already voted and pointed out that that bridge would be of more -ibensfifc to the ■ Geraldine than to the Mackenzie ratepayers. 'Ttie letter was received and it was resolved that steps - be taken to acquire and survey the necessary road line to connect the new Allandale bridge with the Ashwick Flat road. . . . , _ Mr F. R. Flatman," M. H.R-, wrote stating that the proposed Electrical Power Bui

was hot likely to pass this session and that he would watch the Council's interests with regard to the utilisation of water. The clerk Temuka Road Board wrote asking the Council to bear a share of the cost of erecting a new bridge over the creek at Winchester as the present "one is out of repair and too narrow for present day requirements, being only 3ft. 6in. wide. Tre proposed new bridge would be 7ft. 6in. and would permit of motor cars passing.— The Council decided to contribute £3O (half the estimated cost). Account's amounting to £238 4 s were passed for payment.