GERALDINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18490, 4 February 1930, Page 11

GERALDINE.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING. The monthly meeting of members of the Geraldine County Council was held yesterday. Present.—Mr K. Mackenzie (chairman), Councillors 'R. Brodie, J. C. South, C. Ley, T. Lyon, I. Bristol and A. Bain. Motion of Sympathy. The chairman referred to the recent Mount Cook tragedy when five young people met their death on the Tasman Glacier. The news of the tragedy had shocked all in the district, and he thought they should join in the general expression of sympathy.—A motion was passed, all present standing in silence. Chairman’s Statement. The chairman said that the Main Highways Board had paid the County a visit during the month. The Highways Board members were well satisfied with the county roads and had congratulated the engineer (Mr Bremner) on the work he had done. Their’s was the cheapest road surface put down in New Zealand, the contracts being 1/3 and 1/6 per yard respectively. The Highways Board were in accord that it was a satisfactory job for the amount of traffic it carried. If they wanted something better a few years hence they would have the foundation, and in the meantime they had a good mileage of suitable paved roads. Referring to the traction engine which had damaged the bitumen road between Timaru and Winchester; the chairman stated that this matter had been placed in the hands of the county solicitor to recover damages. The floods on January 14th had done considerable damage, but fortunately no damage had been done to bridges. Much damage had been done to banks and protective works, but the Council would not be able to undertake much work in this connection till the end of the financial year. They had experienced seven months of wet weather and five floods, and the county funds were about exhausted. The Highways Board had referred to the painting white of bridge and culvert posts, and this had already been done in most instances in the Geraldine County. The Cooper’s Creek and Winchester bridges had again been discussed, and it had been suggested that if they called tenders for the bridges, the Highways Board would arrange for the first payment to fall in the following financial year. Before they did anything in connection with the appointment of a traffic inspector he thought they should go fully into the matter of what his duties would be and the benefit the district would receive. The less they interfered with the motoring public the better. Restrictions only annoyed, and if the motorists would be reasonable in their speeds the appointment would not be necessary. Such an appointment would mean considerable expense, and before they incurred it they should know what the duties of such an appointment would include. Finance Committee. For the Finance Committee, it was reported that receipts for the month were £3022 5s 9d, the chief item being: general rates £2640 19s sd. There was a debit balance at the bank of £9651/1/4, and cash in hand £B6/2/1. That day’s paysheet amounted to £2913/6/6, which included a progress payment of £1672 on account of the bitumen contract. This would make the debit balance £12,442/5/9. Rates for £9OOO were still to come in and subsidies for highways and flood works approximating £6OOO should be received before the end of the financial year. Heavy traffic fees estimated at £9OO should be paid in, so that the year would finish on the right side. The only large payment next month, apart from the balance of the bitumen contract, was the Harbour Board levy, second instalment of £9lB/2/7. The riding expenditure was as follows: Temuka £2569/9/4; Geraldine £2795 12/8; Mount Peel £525/2/10. The report was adopted. Rangers’ Reports. The Temuka ranger (Mr J. R. Bradshaw) reported having impounded during January, 66 head of stock, including 64 cattle. He had purchased 806 dozen birds heads and eggs at a cost of £lO/1/6. The Geraldine ranger (Mr F. Gaby) reported that he had impounded 17 cattle and 5 horses. He had bought 226 dozen eggs at a cost of £2/18/0. The reports were adopted. No Funds at Present. Thirteen ratepayers of Four Peaks wrote drawing the attention to the bad state of the crossings at the water race, at Mallinson’s Creek, at Hodgkin’s, and the creek at the foot of the hill by Lynn’s yards, and requesting that culverts be placed over same.—lt was decided to reply that the Council had no funds lor this work at present. Resolution Appreciated. His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) wrote acknowledging the Council’s resolution. Both Her Excellency and himself warmly appreciated the kindly feelings which prompted it. They had happy recollections of their visit to Geraldine three years ago, and of the kind reception which they had received from the citizens. It was a matter of great regret to them that time had not allowed them to come back to say good-bye. Property Flooded. Twelve Orari Bridge settlers wrote pointing out that a blockage in the creek in Mr Stonyer’s property caused the water to be diverted on to their properties thereby causing damage. The engineer to inspect and report. Mr P. Scott, Peel Forest, wrote drawing attention to flooding on sections south of the blacksmith’s shop. He suggested that if a straight channel was made for flood water at the bend of the creek, the evil would be over come. He noticed also that the creek was partially dammed with boulders opposite the Post Office.—lt was decided that the engineer should report. Main Highways and Public Works. The Main Highways Board wrote authorising the expenditure of £1965 9/11 for the bitumenous surfacing of the Arundel portion of the RangitataOpihi section of the main highway. They also authorised expenditure of £SO for maintepace on the TemukaUpper stumps secondary highway, and £l2B/9/5 on the Arundel-Coopers Creek secondary highway. The Public Works Department wrote that £IOO was authorised to be expended on the restoration of roads and bridges damaged by floods at Hanging Rock. The Public Works Department forwarded a cheque for £63/9/4, to the credit of the County in respect to work done under a grant for work on the Christchurch-Dunedin main highway. Road Closed for Traffic. Sanders and Son, the main highway contractors, working on the Arundel portion of the road reported that they expected to finish tarring that day, and would commence bitumen spraying the following day. They would like the lower road to Arundel closed for thraffic.— It was decided to close the road.

Appointment of Traffic Inspector. The acting-Town Clerk of Temuka wrote that she had been directed by her Council to communicate with adjacent

Borough and Counties in connection with the letter from the Main Highway’s Board relating to the appointment of traffic inspectors. The Temuka Borough Council suggested that a committee be appointed from each Council to meet and discuss the advisability of making such an appointment. Mr Lyon: "Let some of the other counties start off and see how they get on.” On the motion of Mr C. Ley, seconded by Mr J. C. South, it was decided that pending further information as to the duties of the proposed inspector, the Council suggested deferring the proposal till a later date. . Correspondence. The manager of the Bank of New South Wales, advised that the rate of interest on the overdrafts of the Geraldine County Council and the Geraldine County River Board was raised from 61 per cent, to 7 per cent. The director of the Temuka Technical School (Mr J. T. Smart) wrote acknowledging receipt of the Council’s donation of ten pounds toward the support of the classes. Mr E. Undrill wrote asking for slight repairs and renovations to the property that he occupied.—lt was decided to obtain an estimate for the work. Mr J. M. H. Tripp, "Silverton,” Geraldine, wrote asking the Council to fix the ford over the Orari at his crossing. —To be attended to. The manager of New Zealand Insulators Ltd., wrote asking permission to use the County Council hut situated on the Kakahu Road, for a period of approximately six months, from the beginning of February.—lt was decided to grant the use of the hut, rental to be 2/6 a week. The clerk of the Levels County Council wrote regarding the ArowhenuaOpihi protective works. At a meeting of the Levels County it had been decided to hold the question in abeyance until the chairman of the two Councils interviewed each other. Mr H. Sinclair-Thompson, of Timaru, wrote regarding protective works for his property on Woodbury Road. He was aware that the Council were not responsible for the protection of private property, but the road at Smith's corner also was in danger, and he submitted that the Council should co-operate with him in preventing this.—lt was decided that the Council could do nothing in the matter. The health inspector (Mr J. Menzies) reported that one case of scarlet fever, one of cerebro-spinal meningitis, and one of erycipelas had been reported in the county during the month. Six sanitary inspections had been made. No Claim on Council. In reply to a request by the chairman, the Council’s solicitor reported on the position regarding a claim by Mrs F. E. M. Beattie for the construction of a crossing over- the w T ater-race supplying the Temuka Borough Council. The solicitor stated that this was a matter which did not affect the Geraldine County Council at all, as under the agreement between the Temuka Borough Council and the Temuka Road Board, the Borough Council agreed to indemnify the Road Board against all actions, and claims, arising out of the existence of the water race. Even if this agreement were not in existence, the County Council would still be unconcerned, as the question of the construction of a culvert was one for the owner of the land, there being no liability on a County Council to provide same. Mrs H. Melville, "Riverview,” Temuka, wrote that she wished to have a culvert placed across the water channel so as to give acess to her property. They also wished the water laid on.— It was decided to refer the matter to the Temuka Borough Council. General. It was decided to accept Mr J. Scott’s offer of £4O for the fallen timber at the planation reserve. Orari Gorge, the planation to be cleared to the satisfaction of the engineer. It was decided to clear the creek through the pound reserve at Geraldine. It was decided to look into the work of removing willows in Sercombes Creek, Pleasant Valley, which were causing a scour in the road. Telephone For Mount Peel. It was suggested by Mr Bristol that a telephone be connected with the county house at Mt. Peel. This would facilitate the work in that area and would be a convenience for the settlers. The engineer often had difficulty in getting in touch with the roadman in that locality. The chairman: "What would be the cost?” Mr Bristol: "About £l4 a year.” It was decided that the engineer should report on the matter. Coopers Creek and Winchester Bridges. It was decided that as soon as plans and specifications had been approved, the engineer should call for tenders for the construction of the bridges at Cooper’s Creek and Winchester on the main highway. Tender Accepted. The chairman of the Te Moana-Ka-kahu Water Race Committee (Mr A. G. Withers) reported that his committee recommended the acceptance of Mr S. Gale’s tender for cleaning the water race.—Approved. Engineer’s Report. The engineer (Mr C. E. Bremner) reported in detail on the work carried out during the month. In the Temuka Riding work performed by the Council’s teams had been the grading of twentytwo miles of Main Highways, six and a half miles of riding roads; also repairing washouts, scourings, and damaged stop banks resulting from the heavy floods in the middle of last month. The full month’s operations by way of grading covered thirty-six miles of main highway and eleven miles of riding roads. In Geraldine Riding the teams had graded twenty miles of Main Highways and sixteen miles of riding roads. The contract for the tar-sealing of the Christchurch-Dunedin Main Highway was started about the middle of the month and was making rapid progress. Flood damage had been severe on the Orari Main Highway. Work in the Mt. Peel Riding had been chiefly in the order of flood damage repairs. Roads and fords had been badly scoured. The report was adopted. RIVER BOARD MEETING. The Council then sat as a River Board. The River Board statement showed receipts since last meeting to include rates £l7O/4/4 and subsidy on Rangitata River works £63/17/11. Theer was a credit balance of £ls/0/3 in the general account and £125/3/1 in the Waihi Loan account. The expenditure in the district was as follows:—Rangitata Island £136/6/10, Rangitata district £3 2/6, South Orari £317/4/4, Upper Orari £341/13/-. "No Funds Available.” Mr M. Fitzgerald, Clandeboye, wrote stating that he wished to impress upon the Board the necessity of some work being done on his frontage to the Orari River, which had been badly damaged during recent floods. Mr L. Coulter, Orari Bridge, advised that the river was encroaching on his property, and asked the Board to consider giving him some protection. In addition to these there were a number of verbal applications for repairs and the reply in each case was ‘‘No funds available at present.”

Engineer to Inspect. Misses Kelman wrote that at a point about five chains south of the crossing of the Waihi River, on Hawke’s Road, the floods had left a large hole which endangered the Council’s embankment. Mr M. Clifford, of Temuka, wrote drawing the Council’s attention to the fact that some of the willows that were pulled out of the Te Moana and Waihi Rivers a few years ago were carried down the river by the flood experienced in July. The recent flood had stacked them all in the middle the stream in front of his property, and in the case of a further flood the river w T ould i be diverted and would cause damage. Mr M. W. O’Neill, of Kakahu Road, Temuka, wrote drawing the Council’s attention to some willows blocking the free flow of water in the river. He sought permission to cut some scattered willows on Crown land that he leased, for the purpose of protective works.—lt was decided that the engineer inspect in each of these cases.

PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr and Mrs C. W. McKenzie have returned from a trip in the Mackenzie Country. Mr and Mrs W. Hampton, who have been spending a holiday in Geraldine, have returned south. Mr and Mrs C. Harper arrived in Geraldine from Christchurch on Saturday. Miss L. Hawke has ret rned home after a visit paid to Christchurch and Timaru. Mr Morris Williams has returned to Geraldine. Miss Mary Lyons, Orari Gorge, has returned from Christchurch. Miss Athol Fulford (Melbourne), who has been paying a round of visits in the south, is the guest of Miss Tripp, Orari Gorge. Dr T. W. Wylie, of Waimate, has been paying a short visit to Geraldine. Sister Roberts, matron of the Geraldine Maternity Home, is expected to return home to-day. LATE MRS E. PARKES. The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Parkes, who died at Geraldine on January 25, at the age of 97, took place at the Linwood cemetery, Christchurch, and was attended by a large number of old friends. The funeral serivce was conducted by the Rev. W. Baumber, who was an old friend of the deceased lady. Wreaths wer sent from the following:—Lil and Tom and family, Annie and Pen and family, Florrie and Jack, Robert J. Parkes (England) and Muriel, Mr and Mrs Percy Thompson. Mrs E. Armstrong and family, Callanan family, Mr and Mrs Neutze, Geraldine Methodist Guild, Louie and Florrie, Mr and Mrs E. H. Logan and family, Geraldine Croquet Club, Mr and Mrs Undrill and family, Braeside Hospital (Geraldine), Mr and Mrs Morrison and family, Mr and Mrs Buad, Mr and Mrs Loach and family, staff of Mr J. P. Cliff and Mr and Mrs J. Scott and family. THE WEATHER. Summer weather was experienced again yesterday in the Geraldine district, and everywhere farmers, .taking advantage of the past three fine days, are pushing ahead with harvesting work. Shearing is still proceeding in many places, the season being very late ; owing to the excessive rainfall. "THE MAN IN HOBBLES.” Tense drama of domestic quarrels mingles with the gusts of laughter, that a story of wedded “bliss” so often actuates, in the latest Tiffany Stahl picture, "The Man in Hobbles,” which will be screened at the Geraldine Municipal Theatre this evening. A particularly accomplished cast is headed by John Harron and Lila Lee supported by such well known players as Lucien Littlefield, noted character actor, Vivian Oakland and Betty Egan. In a country town, a young man marries and sets out on the path of matrimony with all the high hopes that many a man before him has done. But with the taking of the wife, he has assumed the responsibility of a ready-made family, which soon meddles in his affairs, with such success that he is forced to close his business. But Peter B. Kyne. author, saves a real surprise and thrill for the climax of this new picture. Supports include a two-reel comedy, scenic and Gazette.