ASHBURTON AFFAIRS DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18946, 17 December 1929, Page 16

ASHBURTON AFFAIRS DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held last evening, when the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith, presided. There were also present Councillors F. Z. D. Ferriman, W. H. Rundle, F. W. Seldon, J. Watson, F. J. E. Small bone, R. A. Collins, J. M’Elhinney and R. Kerr.. ' The financial statement showed that the amounts received since the previous meeting had totalled £6lO 3s 9d. Seasonal greetings were received from the Levels and Heathcote County Councils and from the Gisborne Borough Councils. It was decided to reciprocate the good wishes. It was decided that the Mayor and Councillors W. H. Rundle and R. Iverr meet the Main Highways Board on its visit to Ashburton next month. The council decided to be represented at the Public Hospital on Hospital Day, December 20. Advice was received that the Gover-nor-General and Lady Alice Fergusson would be passing through Ashburton on their way from Timaru to Christchurch by the train which would arrive at Ashburton at 5.55 p.m. on Thursday, December 19. Their Excellencies desired the opportunity of saying goodbye to the Mayor and Councillors on the station platform. i The action of the Mayor in stating that the council would contribute £5 towards the cost of entertaining the Empire farmers on the occasion of their visit to Ashburton on March 12 was approved. With regard to the proposed high pressure water supply for Netherby, the local Government Loans Board stated that it proposed to reduce the loan application from £I6OO to £1575. The estimated amount of sinking fund at the date of maturity was £273 Is 4d. leaving a balance of £1576 18s 8d to be renewed, and, in view of the ••'ircum-

|llll[||||||ill!lllllll]!llllltllllllllllllllllllllll|]llll|l||||||||]|ll|||||||||||||||||||||||j||||||i{|| stances, it was proposed to make the reduction. The Canterbury Automobile Association wrote asking the council if it would consent to a lease direct from the Railway Department to the association of the reserve at the Ashburton traffic bridge, which had been selected for a motorists’ camping ground. The council decided that it required the lease to go through the council. The Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade made application for 200 feet of new 2iin hose. The request was granted. The use of the domain for picnics was granted as follows:—Shirley School, February 28: St John’s Sunday School (Winchester), December 19; West Christchurch District High School, February 13; Y.P.C.T.U. of Canterbury, December 26; Christchurch City Council employees, January 25. The borough inspector reported that he had issued seven motor drivers’ licenses, making a total of 853. The building permits had included additions £7O, dwellings £1250 and £633. On the recommendation of the town clerk, the council decided to impose a 10 per cent penalty on all rates unpaid after January 16. The borough solicitor (Mr 1,. Charles) wrote stating that the County Council’s solicitor had forwarded him a draft agreement in connection with the proposal to purchase land from Mr J. M'Conachie for an Ashburton air port by making the necessary option for six months. Ihere would be time to obtain the necessary consent from the Governor in Council. lie suggested that the council obtain information on the question of liability if an accident occurred to a aeroplane through striking sheep while landing. There was no provision by which the council could lease the aerodrome to the Mid-Canter-bury Aero Club, but the council could appoint the club their agent. The Mid Canterbury Club was at present an unincorporated body, and should be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act, 190,5. Before the council was definitely committed to the pur-

chase, a definite agreement should be arrived at between the club and the council as to what were to be the relations between them. He thought that whatever agreement was arrived at with Mr M’Conachie, it should be first in the form of an option to purchase, so that the other matters could be definitely finalised before the option had to be exercised. The existing sub committee was instructed to confer with the County Council and report back to the council.