ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1046, 12 September 1883, Page 2

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly of the Council was held to-day, when there were present— Messrs W. O. Walker (Chairman), K G. Wright, T. Bullock, T. Taylor, A. Macfarlane, J. Jackson, and H. T. Winter. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. chairman’s statement. The Chairman said that the Geraldine Council had sent him a communication re the Rangitata bridge, stating that Messrs Meason and Marchant had been commissioned to report on the bridge. That report, however, would not be ready for three or four weeks, and he (the Chairman) would ask the Council to give him authority to place the seal upon a writ to be served on the Geraldine Council. The County map had been forwarded to Mr Wright, who had seen the Government concerning the main roads which had been correctly marked in accordance with the wishes of the local bodies interested. Mr Mucray-Aynsley had been written to asking if he had any objection to the deviation of the Rakaia Gorge road,} agreed to by the Council, and a reply had been received to the effect that when Mr Aynsley had inspected it he would write again on t.he subject. The amount 0/ L 2,707 16s 5d had been received in rated leaving a balance of L 256 6s 5d outstanding, and active steps were being taken to got in that sum. engineer’s report. The following report was read ; I have the honor to report as follows:—1 Head Works of Water Supplies: During the heavy flood which occurred on lUh August last, these works were subjected Ufa severe strain, but none of them were injuild, though some minor expenses had to be incurred in removing silt and regulating the . Ipplies at inlets. hiow that the work is hot likely to be aftected by frost, I have arraij.ed to get in the cone ete trap for shingle at /lidding Hill, and the work wi 1 be cnmmencil in a few days.—Ashburton-Rakaia Plains Y F.ter Supply : Curing the month the work ol claningout the various iaces has been m hard on tliis section of the plains, the races havingleeu shut off i i turn for the purpose. Most of the occupiers responded pretty freely to the Council’s request in regard to ti is department of maintenance, and abaut two-thirds of them have gone over the races more or less, though the improvement in several cases is very superficial and will require to be followed up. Many of the occupiers had not seen the

advertisements as to cleaning, and the water was turned off three or four days before the Rangers could get over them all, so that they had little time afterwards to accomplish the object required before the water was turned on again. All, however, who have not already overhauled the races through their respective sections are still willing to do so, with the exception of Messrs McCafferty and McKendrick, occupiers of R.S. 30841, on the A water-race, who refuse to do anything in the matter,’so that the maintenance there will have to be done by the Council at occupiers’ expense The owners on line of race asked for by Mr Chapman, Drayton, and Mr Cameron, Clunes, are prepared to defray the cost of race, and I will invite tenders for next meeting, or sooner if the Council approve. To provide for the contingency of Padding Hill stream not being equal to supply this additional race all over the season, this branch might be shut off when the supply was smallest; but this would not be necessary if a race to compensate for the other were cut between D race and E 5 through R. S. 26906 and 20848 in Highbank property. The length of this would be 2J4 miles, and the expense of it, I presume, would be defrayed by the Council. The race for the Alford station property is now being started. With reference to the petition from settlers in Ashburton Forks for water supply from the race at lower end of Alford property which now discharges near Mr O’Shea’s into the Ashburton river. I have seen Mr Herring on the subject, who agrees to the Council utilising the water as proposed conditionally on that portion of the existing race near its source being made good by the Council, and the regulating sluice placed near that point. In any case that would be the most desirable point for regulating the supply and checking the flow of floodwater, as it is contiguous to the river and can be done at small expense. If the Council approves of these proposals, the works could be put in hand as soon as owners interested arrange as to defraying cost. The Council’s race through Springfield property for the supply of Mr Reynolds and others should be extended through Messrs Gould and Cameron’s property as soon as possible, so that it might be available for Mr Thomp=on Mitchell and settlers adjoining who would be willing to bear the expense of extension from a point within reasonable distance of their properties. Tim race through County saleyards is now in operation.—Wheatstone Water Supply : The earlhwork for the main race at Lagmhor will be finished in a few days, after which the creek will be cleared sufficiently to allow of the additional supply passing on to No. 2 contract at Tinwald. The works of that contract are now being commenced also. The details are nearly all arranged through the several properties, and greater part of the contributions to the works have been received. The branch services for the owners above the railway near Tinwald will be arranged as soon as the headraces are completed. Wnea the water supply in the Wheatstone district is carried out, I would suggest that the boarding on culverts and bridges connecting with flood-water drain there be removed, so that each would take its quota of flood-wa'er, and so help to relieve the overflow of main drain which occasionally occurs during excessive floods. The temporary dams put in by interested parties to divert water from this drain for stock also tends to increase the amount of overflow, but when the races are made, there will be no pretext for keeping up these obstructions, and they will then be abolished. Messrs Rountree, kundle, etc., have not yet made the race marked oft for them, and authorised by Council, but they propose starting the work shortly. The Willowby extension race is now in operation, and is running as far down as Waterton road, —Ashburton Rangitafa Water Supply ; The freshets during the month have caused some intermission in the supply on account of cleaning out of head works, and partial injury to several flood banks in natural depressions, which are to be further strengthened with boulders. All the races are working fairly except the lower ends of P and Q races, and the supply at these points will be increased by the end of this week. The races on the Ash-burton-Rangitata plains being of comparatively recent construction I am of opinion that it will not be necessary to close them at this time for the special purpose of cleaning. Any little requiring to be done could be done by occupiers while the water is running. This would not apply to the Limestone creek race however, which I propose to shut off from Wednesday till Thursday next —and I will write to each of the occupiers as to this arrangement, which will be more effectual than advertising.—River Protection : As requested by the River Protective Committee, I have prepared plans of the proposed districts, with lists of properties, etc, within these districts, as a basis for any action, the Council may now decide upon for dealing with this question, according to the New Counties Act, which gives the Council facilities for carrying out works of river conservation.—Main Koads: The plans showing the routes of these roads as proposed by the Council have been laid before the Surveyor-General through the member for Ashburton, with a view to having the requisite alterations carried out.—Tenders for fencing and ploughing for pi mtation blocks will be laid before you to-day. Willows: Several thousand willows have already been planted at weak points of the river, but the places proposed for protective works have not been touched, pending the Council’s decision on this question to-day. WATER-RACE MAINTB VANCE. It was resolved that the Engineer be authorised to maintain races where the owners refuse to do so, and that the coat be charged to occupiers and owners. referred to committee. The sections in the report referring to the Drayton race and also to the Alford Forest water supply were referred to the Water Supply Committee with power to act. WHEATSTONE WATER SUPPLY. On this subject Mr George Gilmour wrote calling the attention of the Council to die large overflow which periodically takes plica in the Wheatstone drain. Ha pointed out that when the construction of this draiji was undertake 1 it was intended that the settlers in the Ashton district should be relieved of a large surplus of water. However, the drain had been extended to Ford creek, and thus rendered practically useless as it is surcharged almost at the original starting point, and before reaching a distance of over twenty chains. The overflow was at an average of a foot deep. Mr Gilmour asked that the Council’s Engineer be requested to examine and report, with the view of devising some more efficient system of draining. —lt was decided that the Engineer examine and report on this matter to the next meeting of the Council, and to include bridges in his report. MAIN SOUTH ROAD. It was resolved that application be made for gazetting the Main South road from Winslow to the Rangitata ford. COUNTY MAP. Mr E. G. Wright wrote stating that he had gone over the County map with the Surveyor-General to sea whether the main roads were correctly mark-id according to the desire of the local bodies interested. ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly acsounts were passed for payment. AMENDMENT OF COUNTIES ACT. After the correspondence which had passed between the Chairman and member for Ashburton in regard to amendments to the Counties Act had been road, Mr Wright said that the amendments he had introduced into the Counties Act would, in his opinion, meet the requirements of the Council. He understood that there was some idea that Councils should be allowed to exercise their discretion in the matter of raising a special rate for such work as would ordinarily be done by river Boards. But he would point out that this was liable to be abused by certain Councils, as it would be giving too much power into the hinds of such bodies. He might mention that the Council’s wishes only reached him just in time to prepare the amending clauses. The Chairman explained that when the river protection question, was discussed he thought that a special rale could be made, but on reading over the Act with the solicitor it was found that the Council had not power to do this. Ihe thanks of the Council were certainly due to Mr Wright for what he had done. He thought 1 the limitations placed upon the Councils were only proper, all that was wanted being the power to raise an annually re- 1 curring special rate.

RANOITATA BRIDGE. * „ On a communication from the Gerald- , ine County Council being read, in reference to the appointment of two engineers to examine the Rangitata bridge, Mr Wright said that he was of opinion that immediate legal action should be taken. The Geraldine County Council had continually resorted to all kinds of excuses, and if further parleying was permitted it would bo in a sense acknowledging that this Council was wrong. The Chairman said he had prepared a resolution which he hoped the Council would pass. It ran as follows : —“ That this Council hereby authorises the Chairman to affix the seal of the body corporate to a warrant to the Council’s solicitor to sue the Chairman, councillors a d inhabitants of the Conn y of Geraldine in an action in the Supreme Court of New Zealand for the recovery of the moneys owing by the County of Geraldine to the County of Ashburton, on account of the Rangitata bridge extension, and generally to do all acts and things which may be necessary or expedient for institu ing and carring on legal proceedings for the recovery of the said moneys.” Mr Bullock moved the above resolution, and in doing so, said that the Geraldine County Council had had ample time to settle the matter, but they had only talked about outside opinion being obtained after legal proceedings were mentioned. Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was carried with the addition of the Chairman being authorised to take what further action he might consider necessary, MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. . The clerk of the Mount homers Road Board, wrote enclosing the, following resolution passed at a meeting of the Board —“ That the Chairman is requested to write to the Minister of Public Works, asking Government to give early notice to the Board of the appointment of the Royal Commission re the Mount Somers railway extension, and when and where they will sit to take evidence; also, that a copy of the above resolution be forwarded to the Oounty and Borough Councils, requesting them to take similar ’ action in this matter.” Mr Wright said that when the Commission was appointed it would be in the Gazette and due publicity would be given as to the time and place of its sittings The gentlemen who would, be appointed would know how to go to work to procure necessary evidence, and it would be infra dig on the part of this Council to accept such a resolution as that forwarded by the Mount Somers Road Board. He would move the following resolution;— “That the Ashburton County Council concurs in the expediency of a Royal Commission being appointed to determine the best route for the further extension of the Mount Somers railway, and. hopes the Government will give effect to their promise with as little delay as possible.” If the Mount Somers district was going to develope riches in the shape of tin, about which fact he believed one member of that Council was very sanguine, this would no doubt do much to determine ihe ultimate route of the railway. The Commission would take evidence on this point and would report accordingly, and thus end the numerous bickerings and the strong ill-feeling that had sometimes been displayed. As to his own action in the matter, they,were aware that he had.been Aiainly instrumental in obtaining the extension of the railway, and his actions had been systematically misrepresented by a certain section. He had no object beyond a desire to do his best for the district. It had been freely asserted that he aimed at benefiting his own property bjl this railway. This idea was absurd on the face of it. but those who were ignorant of the district might easily be deceived into believing these nj’.alicious slanders. It was to remove this doubt that he had got the Royal 0 m mission. If the Council passed the resolution, it would serve to remind the Government of the promise they had made, and so hasten its fulfilment. 1 Mr Winter seconded the motion.

Mr McFarlane strongly opposed the

motion. The Commission was quite unnecessary, as a Committee of this Councilhad made investigations some six or eight months ago, and reported that the railway should cross the river. He thought that the request of the Mount Somers people should be acceded to, and he would move a resolution to that effect. Mr Taylor also opposed Mr Wright’s motion on the ground chat the time had gone by for a Royal Commission to report on tile question. Mr Wright wished to set Mr McFarlane right on one point. The Committee referred to recommended that the railway should go along the south side of the river, according to its present direction, but they did not say anything about a terminus. But if the Committee said nothing about where the line should termnate, Mr McFarlane did. That gentleman fixed the terminus exactly oppo-' site his own land. He (Mr Wright) did not want the railway to go as far as Mr McFarlane’s homestead or Mr Peache’S homestead ; he wished it to be carried out as far as possible, arid it might even reach Friedlander’a stone. Something had been said about the cost of the Commission, but that .would not amount to much. The whole thing would not take more than a fortnight, and the cost would not exceed LIOO, a vary small matter compared with the importance of the question. The report of the Commission would be final and serve to remove the bitter feeling now existing concerning this line.

Mr McFarlane would like to ask Mr Wright if a me disguised influ ,nce had not been brought to bear in order that the line might reach hia stone. Mr Wright emphatically denied this accusation. He said that this was one of those slanders promulgated by a acurrulous print in this town. The Wellington correspondent of that journal, whose name was Joseph lyess, used hia paper for the purpose of circulating contemptible slanders of this kind, which he despised too much to care to refute. All the influence used was that of thejpetitiou signed by all the settlers on the Rangitata plains. Mr Bullock was not affected by the question personally, but he would oppose the resolution because he thought the Commissioners always failed to do good. The' Chairman wished to say a few words on this question. He could not support Mr Wright’s motion, as he did not recognise that the Royal Commission was in any way necessary. If a Minister for Public Works could not decide a simple matter of this kind on his own responsibility he was not fit to hold the office. He held that the appointment of the Commission was a sign of the greatest weakness. Whenever a railway was made some people would always complain. This was only natural, but the Public Works Minister should decide, but in this instancehe hadshirked his responsibility and put it on the shoulders qf a Commission. He would be sorry to see the Council pass a resolution which would be tantamount to thanking the Government for the weakness they had shown. He would peoond Mr McFarlane’s amendment.

Mr Wright thought that the Council might have recognised what he had done by passing the resolution he had proposed, but as - they had thought differently, he had perhaps better resign his seat.

The amendment was then put and de dared lost. ." •

Mr Taylor then moved that the letter from the Mount Somers Road Board, lie on he table. This did not find a seconder, ~

Mr Wright said he would withdraw his motion. He had to endure so many malicious slanders that he was seriously

thinking of retiring from public life altogether. The matter was then allowed to drop* Thompson’s tbaoe. Mr Bullock moved, and Mr seconded—“ That the Engineer be instructed to call for tenders for the erection of a bridge or ford over storm water channel at Thompson’s creek, the matter to be left in the hands of th i Chairman to deal with.” Mr Jackson opposed this, and it was ultimately resolved to leave the. affair in the hands of the Chairman to meet the views of the Road Board as far as possible. • ... V V.W Mr Wright rose to ask for the production of a petition sent by the settlers in the district to the Minister for Public Works last November, praying for the construction of the Mount Somers railway. The petition was signed by landowners representing 65,389 acres, and would show that the present railway, was desired by a large number of pebble and' would dispose of accusations brought against him. The petition was read by the Chairman and laid on the table. ; DISTRICT RAILWAYS. , Mr Wright drew the attention of tao Council to amendments in District Railway Act, which will be found in another column. BAEAIA GORGE BOAD. The Engineer was instructed to carry out the proposed line of road on thd easiest possible grade. . ■, SLAUGHTERING LICENSJB. An application from Messrs Chisnall Bros, for a slaughtering license was granted. : ■ 1 . PROTECTIVE WORKS.. , , .t The Committee for protective works reported what had been done by Air Wrighire amendments in the Counties Act wMflli enabled the Council to act as a River Boa d for those districts where the-rate-payers Here favorable. They recommetidedf'that petitions in accordance with the Act should be drawn up and circulated in the diotricts affected, so as to enable thp Council to avail themselves 1 of the Act as* soon as possible, the urgency of the case” demanding' that no unnecessary delay, should take place. > . ; The report was unanimously ’ authority being given to the CommitfefeHfo draw up and circulate the petitions. . ' A letter from the : Borough Council on the same subject was received, Rhd ' Clerk was instructed to acknowledged with thanks for the offer of" co-operation--” on the part of the Borough Council ■ POUKDKEEPES. ; T. W. Price was elected ; poundkeeper for another year. j PLANTING.. , >I , On the motion o| Mr Bullock, seconded. • by Mr McParlane, it was resolved that , all trees planted previous to a resolution passed on May ,2, be allowed to remain provided they’do not obstruct the Water race. BRADFORD CLAIM. ‘ .... A claim for wages to Mr Bradford. in, connection with the Rangitata bridge Wa* ' ordered to be paid. ' ' ■ r ■■ TENDERS. n ! ‘ The following tenders were ally accepted : —Fencing, No.l,Ha!e at 5s per chain ; No. 2, Harris, IW. per chain ; No. 3, Toomey, 3s lod per Chain ; No. 4, Toomey, 3i 4d per "chainj ploughing, No. 1,- CaTncross, 12s peracre, and jls for harrowing ; No. 2, Odultar, ; 13s ! and Is per acre; No. 3, Coulter, 14s and 1s 3d per acre; and No. 4, Mafabneyl 7s 6d and Is per acre. " ‘ The Council then adjourned to October 3, at 11 a.m. 1 1