ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1088, 31 October 1883, Page 2

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Council was held to-day, when there were present Messrs W. 0. Walker (chairman,', Julian Jackson, H. Friedlander, J. Lambie and T. Taylor. The minutes of the previous'meeting were read and confirmed. chairman’s statement. The Chairman stated that the Minister of Public Works had informed him that the lower Rangitata ferry would be gazetted a main road before March 31. The Government had intimated that if the Council desire it the applications for that the money under the Roads and main roads and protective purposes would be acceded to. A communicdion had been received stating Bridges Construction Act would not be available until all the amended applications ara received, and it is ascertained what sums required for bridges, as they take priority. The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands had written to the effect that the reserve, 2027, applied for as a recreation ground for Alfori Forest would be surveyed and a report obtained as to whether a portion of the r, serve was suitable. The amount of rates paid up is L 2,810 18s, leaving a balance of L 153 4a 10J. Since Use meeting the tender of Maud and Co, in L 53, for clearing Lagmhor creek had been received and the work is well in hand. engineer’s report.

The following report was read : South Approach to Rakaia Gorge Bridge : I have prepared plans and sections in detail of proposed deviation for part of this approach, so that tenders may be invited for the work as soon as the necessary financial arrangements are completed with the Government and with the Selwyn County Counc I, who are jointly interested in this matter.—Bridge for Floodwater Channel, Thompson’s track : In accordance with your instructions I have carefully considered as to the best mode of restoring communication at the point wanted, and am of opinion that a bridge consisting of one span 20 feet and two spans ol 15 feet on the line of the present road will serve the purpose better, and at less ultimate cost, than a bridge or ford at any other point; while any questions of severance or compensation for land will be avoided. Owing to the large quantities of travelling shingle and the ever-varying widths of channel daring each flood, I am convinced that any ford would not remain serviceable for any length of time. Besides there is surplus timber available equal to about half the cost of the bridge, and as directed by your tender for the work will be placed before the Council to-day. The site of this bridge is on the boundary line between the Upper Ashburton and Mount Somers road districts, but the Mount Ilutt road district would benefit equally from the completion of the bridge. In connection with this subject, the clearing out of channel along R. S. 19532, and cutting off the angle at lower end of said section seems indispensable for the due p eservation of the road adjoining, which leads through that district. That, howeve 1- , is the only portion of the flood-channel which I should recommend the Council to deal with, and I understand that Mr McGuinness will agree to give the land necessary for taking off the abrupt turn leferred to which is in a great measure the cause of the mischief there. I will thank the Council for instructions as to this. —Plains Water Supply: The concrete trap for intercepting the passage of travelling shingle in head-race at Pudding Hill is now in operation, and is working satisfactorily. The question of protection for various points of Chapman’s creek is stdl in obeyance, pending the formation of a race through Drayton district, which, at Mr Chapman’s request, the Council has agreed to p >stpone till after harvest. The necessary connection has however been formed with the main race at the starting point of said branch, so that a temporary service may be obtained for R.S. 30818, as requested by the occupier of that section. The willow planting at intake of auxiliary channel North Ashburton river is showing vigorous growth, but the freshets in the river, which have been much more frequent this year than last, are causing some additional expense in keeping up the adjustments at inlet for maintaining a full supply. The agreed-on ratio of a tenth part of the volume in auxiliary channel has not yet been fully allocated for the property in the Springfield district, but a supsly from one of the Springfield races is being srought on, which will be available for Mr Thompson Mitchell and others in that neighborhood. As no tenders were received at last meeting for the extension of E2 race in Acton district, I have invited fresh tenders for to-day. The water at the lower end of that race proceeds but slowly. With a view to hasten this 1 have arranged to enlarge a portion of the race near the junction at Barrhill aud turn off a little

Vom E race. Tenders will be placed before to-day for 7 miles of branch race in Chert;ey district, expense to be defrayed by owners, but none of the contributions have as yet been received.—Wakanui Flat Water Supply : I have had the inlet works at the river temporarily opened up, and the races along the Beach road, as also on Wilson’s road, are again in operation, but the supplying of the race along the river road would meantime be a risky measure, as it would connect with the breach caused by the river encroachment on Messrs Brow 1 Brothers’ land, and they naturally demur to any increased risk there, until the proposed groins and protective works are in place. —Wheatstone Water Supp y ; About threefourths of the work necessary for this scheme has been completed. A few fords and the syphons for carrying the supply under the flood-channel and road at Wheatstone have still to be put in place. The Lagmhor creek is being cleared out, and during this month the work should be completed. —Ashburton-Ran-gitata Water Suppy : The races in this system have been all working satisfactorily during the month, with the exception of about 2 miles at the lower end of P race in the Coldstream district. The tortuousness of part of the course (caused by undulating ground) the small declivity, but specially the percolation in gravel, account for this. Should this continue it could be remedied by making a mile and a half of a branch from Q race through rural sections 33281, 30942, and 28829; but I should not advise that in the meantime.—The severe gale on Monday last has been the means of dimin-i-hing the supply in several of the races both on the Rangitata and Rakaia Plains during the last two oays by the flowing in of tussocks, wieds, gorse cuttings, etc.; but the necessary clearances are now being effected.—Plantations : The work of planting such of the blocks as has hitherto not been executed is now proceeding satisfactorily. The report as read was adopted. RIVER PROTECTIVE WORKS. A petition was read from a number of farmers in the Wakanui district, against the construction of protective works, on the following grounds :—(1) That consequent on an understanding by which water was to be brought on to their farms, many of the signatures were obtained. (2) That many of the signatures were not obtained agreeing with the protective works scheme, although the properties of those signing were included within the boundaries of the district liable to a rata for the carrying out such protective works. (3) That, seeing their properties would be in no way benefited or affected by the said works the petitioners consider it would be manifestly unfair to call upon them to pay a tax for river protection. The Chairman said the question of protective works was purely in the hands of the ratepayers, and unless they had the requisite authority the Council could not act. According to Mr Baxter there was danger in supplying water to the district unless the protective works were carried out. A conversational discussion ensued, in the course of which it was stated that Mr Ivess had obtained a grant in aid of these works of L 750, under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. Some of the signatories of the petition were present, and they were invited into the Council Chamber to explain their position. Messrs Rickard-*, Fitzgerald, and Cole then came in, and it was explained that the former petition had been signed with the understanding they would get water on their lands if the protective works were carried out. Brown Bros., however, objected to the water being brought through their land, and this was the reason why the counter-petition had teen got up. The portion affected by the floods was small, and the rating should be on a sliding scale. The Chairman suggested that Brown Bros should bo interviewed on the matter, but Mr Fitzgerald replied that he had seen those gentlemen on Thur day last, and they had stated that they would not allow the water through their lands on any account. Ultimately the Chairman said that the Council could inform the deputation that those rettlers who objected to the works being carried out would be supplied with water. Tuey could then either withdraw or hold to their petition, according to whether they were satisfied. Mr Fitzgerald said th they would bold to the petition if the Council had not power to strike a special rate lon a sliding scale, otherwise they would abandon it. The Chairman said the Council would do its best in the matter to meet the petitioners’ views, and the deputation thanked the Council an 1 withdrew. It was decided thit the matter of protective works stand over for the present. WATER SUPPLY.

Mr Friedlander presented a petition from settlers in the Ashburton forks, praying for the construction of a water-race in that district. Mr Friedlander urged the immediate carrying out of the work as it would not be expensive, and a large number of people would be benefited. The Chairman said this matter had been brought up at last meeting, and it was then resolved that the work should be done after haivost. The ques ion was whether the work should be carried out at once, and the conditions offthe previous vote be altered accordingly. Mr Friedlander gave notice that he would move the following at next meeting— “That the resolution passed on October 3rd re Ashburton Forks Water Supply be rescinded, and that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, subject to their contributing half the cost. It was also decided to eaipower the Engineer to invite tenders for the work for next meeting. WHEATSTONE DRAIN.

In response to an application made by Mr Shearer, at last meeting, it was resolved that the Engineer be instructed to repair the drain. It was also decide 1 that the Engineer attend to the banking up of the inlet of the Wheatstone floodwater channel at the end of Ford’s creek. A SUNDAY TRAIN.

Mr Larabie gave notice that he would move the following resolution at next meeting:—“That this Council request the Minister of Public Works to instruct the Railway department to run a train once on every Sunday, between Christchurch and Ashburton, each way. ” WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE.

The report of this Committee was read and adopted. RATING. Mr Bullock’s motion, of which he had given notice last meeting, in regard to the striking of a general rate, lapsed through the absence of the mover, and Mr Jackson renewed the notice of motion. ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly pay-sheet was passed. DOG COLLARS. It was resolved, to advertise for tenders for dog collars for next meeting, and also that tenders be invited for selling collars for 1884, in connection with the dog tax, the successful tenderer to find security. RAKAIA GORGE ROAD. The Clerk of the Selwyn Council wrote, stating that his Council approved of the L 250 grant for the deviation of the Rakaia Gorge road. PROPOSED NEW ROAD DISTRIBX. A petition from residents in the South Rakaia district re the formation of a new Road Board, was deferred till next meeting. METHVEN ROADS. A letter was received from the Mount Hutt Road Board, relative to the damage done to the roads by storm water. Mr Patton waited on the Council as a deputation, and after he had explained the matter, it was resolved," on the motion of Mr Lambie, (seconded by Mr Friedlander—- “ That Messrs, Winter, Taylor, Walker, and the mover report on the damage to the roads near Methven. BANGITATA TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

The Clerk was instructed to arrange with the gentlemen appointed by the Geraldine County Council for an iuepeo-

tion of the accounts in connection with the' above bridge. PROTECTIVE WORKS, On the motion of Mr Friedlander, seconded by Mr Latnbie, it was resolved—- “ Tha f this Council concurs in the petition of the ratepayers of Ashbu.ton Forks, praying hia Excellency the Governor to proclaim the district described in the said petition under the Counties Act Amendment Act, 1883, section 51. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted:— - E2 race extension, Furneaux and Dunlop, L 65 ; Chertsey race, Silcock, L 49 ss; bridge at Thompson’s track, L 34.. -4.The Council then adjourned till Nov. 28th.