ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1451, 9 February 1885, Page 2

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The adjourned monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held to day. Present—Messrs Walker (Cnairman), Coster, McLean, Jackson, Taylor, and Harper The inmates of the last meeting were read and confirmed, and a statement of the business done by the Chairman, the duties of the water rangers, and six copies of the Lyttelton Harbor Board’s annual statement of accounts were laid on the table. The business done by the Chairman since last meeting was approved of.

chairman’s statement. The Chairman said, —Owing to no quorum being present at the meeting to have been held last Friday, the Clerk called an adjourned meeting to-day. The Council will have to elect some person at this meeting to represent the Council under the Lyttelton Harbor Board Act, 1882. Six copies of that body’s accounts for the year 1834 have been received and are placed on the table for the information of the members of this Council. Messrs Dudley and Northey have forwarded a copy of Mr Webster’s report on the Wakanui protective works, who has visited and reported- at their request on the works, and Messrs Harper and Co have also written to the Council on the same subject. The Mount Somers Road Board has recommended what works should be undertaken in regard to the Main Hoad, Ashburton Gorge vote lately granted by the Government, and they also suggest chat the Council take the necessary steps

to change a main road in tceir district. The Geraldine County Council has again written to the Council on the matter of the erection of the proposed stock bridge adjacent to the railway bridge over the Rangitata, the consideration of which subject has been postponed by this Council. Mr Rolleaton has also communicated with this Council on the necessity of the erection of such a bridge. The Longbeach Road Board has brought under the Council’s notice the necessity there exists of better drainage of the Wheatstone district. The late Council voted L 350 towards this and other works for the improving of the drainage of the district on condition the inhabitants interested contributed the sura of LIOO towards the cost. That Road Board states that the road between Winslow and Hinds rail-

way station requires attention, it being especially bad in wet weather, and requests the Council to have it formed and metalled in a similar manner to other main roads in the County. The amount of rates paid to the Council’s credit is L 4470 4s Bd. The Government Insurance Commissioner has remitted the grant of LI,OOO for the Aahbur'on Forks Protective Works District. The Wakanul Protective Works Committee held a meeting during the month, and will report to this meeting of the Council. The Conference between the Borou >h and Courity Councils re the erection of traffic bridge across the Ashburton river has also met and will bring up a report to-day. engineer's report. This report was read as follows : Itakaia Plains Water Supply ; Some further additions have been made during last month to the weir at Pudding Hill, and I shalpcall tenders in a few days for the pile driving connected ■ ith the additional work required there.

The ironwork for securing the base of the floodgate will also be fixed at the same time. The additional work at Mount Harding, authorised by the Council, has been finished, as has also the enlarging of D race near Methven, so far as this can be done by scooping. This latter operation, however, could not be continued without partially turning off the water, and so causing the supply at the lower end to be too intermittent. The balance of the work is

therefore being done by manual labor, thus occupying a little longer time than would otherwise have been the case. As it is a considerable extra supp'y has been let on already, and the remaining work will be finished in three days Harvest work is now general, and a good deal of inattention is being exhibited by many of the occupiers in the way of allowing small accumulations of straw and other minor obstructions to impede the flow in the races. It will be necessary to bring some

cases for prosecution if this state of things continues longer.—Barrhill and Kakaia Branch Race: I had prepared the specifications, £x., for this race with the view of calling tenders, but find the owners interested are either unwilling to defray the cost, or wish the work postponed till the end of harvest. The Rakaia Road Board has decided to pay for two only of the seven crossings required in connection with the village and township supply to suit the two lines of races as laid out, so that altogether it seems quite futile to attempt to put that work in hand at present.—Flood Channel, Cairn--brae : The contract for this work has been carried out since last meeting of Council, as has also the shifting of the test channel there, and the extension at upper end of C2 race on south side of railway.—Wakanui Protective Works.—The additions and repairs sanctioned by Council will be completed in a few days Ashburton Forks Protective Works : These are all in a fairly efficient state, but a small additional groin is necessary above the Winchmore road at Mr Doherty’s property.—AshburtonRangitata Water Supply : The upper districts are well supplied, but during the last fortnight the tussock grass, more especially the under-growth, has accumulated largely over all the uncultivated portion of that large district, and it has beeen n cessary to put men over the unoccupied sections to have a clearance made. There was some trouble last autumn in that district from the same cause.

Road, Blackford to Redcliff: As requested, I

have written the Surveyor-General on this subject. A section of the work might be commenced as soon as funds come to hand. I

will go in a few days to Black Mountain to arrange as to what further work can be done there.—Proposed Traffic Bridge, Ashburton : I now beg to lay before you plan of this bridge (including foot bridge) as agreed toby the conference of County and Borough Councils. I have also prepared specifications for the wor’ , which I now submit, so that you may consider the conditions thereof, and fix the amount of sureties which the contractors are required to find for the due fulfilment of the contract. I prepared plans for the approaches also, but, it may not be necessary to consider those in the meantime. I shall feel obliged by receiving instructions from the Council as to the steps to be taken for putting the work in hand. You are aware that the Hon Minister of Public Works has expressed assent to the proposed scheme, so that the way seems clear for . inviting tenders for next meeting of Council. OBSTRUCTED WATER-RACES.

' It was resolved that the rangers be instructed to use the utmost vigilance in maintaining an efficient water supply, and that the ratepayers be requested on their part to neglect no reasonable means of assisting towards the same end, and the Engineer be instructed to report to the Chairman at once any cases requiring prosecution. BARRHILL AND RAKAIA BRANCH RACE. It was resolved to postpone this work until after next meeting of the Council. ASHBURTON FORKS PROTECT.VB WORKS. The consideratibn of the additional groin at Winchmore was postponed. ASHB URTON-RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY. The Enginser was directed to have neglected water-races in the ftangitata district cleared and to recover the cost of the work from occupiers.

WAKANUI PROTECTIVE WORKS. The Wakanui Protective Works Committee submitted the following report :—“ We have inspected the works and are satisfied that the bulwark, though fsettled down in places owing to the heavy scour caused by the fresh just occurred, seems able to cope with the river. There is no doubt that, but for its existence, much damage would have been caused to the lands liable to be flooded. The repairs mentioned in the Engineer’s last report necessary to make good those points where the bulwark had > been lowered through scour, to replace the twisted pipes, and to strengthen the places moat exposed by railway iron, amounting, according to estimate, to LSO,

were therefore sanctioned. The gror u adjacent to the bulwark appear to act quite as effectively as can be desired, and the willows have wade great growth. The

effect of the groins in collection of silt has been so marked that the Comm ttee would recommend that the .Engineer be instructed to construct at least three or four similar groins so projecting from the face of the big bulwark, so as to create points for the collection of silt where now the scour is greatest. Though satisfied ihat the bulwark is sufficiently strong to resist the weight of flood water, still the Committee considers it advisable that the groins should be add -d, as without doubt they will further tend to make it secure. They also recommend that willow planting next season should be continued at all /available points.” The report was adopted but the question of present expenditure postponed.

local government. Mr Jackson moved the following resolution of which he had given notice — “ That a committee be appointed consisting of Messrs Walker, Megson, Coster, and the mover, to draw up a petition to Parliament, stating the wishes of the ratepayers that there should be only one rating body; that the Chairman of the Road Borrds should constitute the Council, and that such Council should exercise all executive power. as fully as at present under the Counties Act save and except the power to rate.” Mr Jackson said he thought a Council constituted as he proposed would meet with the approval of a large.majority of the ratepayers. It was repotted that it was the intention of the Government to introduce a bill next session to amend the constitution of County Councils, and an expression of opinion from the be given weight in the proposed bill, Mr Coster seconded the resolution. Mr Harper said the resolution had taken him by am prise He deprecated hasty action upon such an important question, and suegested that it would be wiser to first see the bill affecting Councils proposed by the Government. The notice of the resolution should have been given in writing to the members of the Council.

Mr Jackaou obtained leave to postpone his resolution until next meeting of the Council. ACCOUNTS, Accounts amounting to L 536 13i lOd were passed for payment. LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

The Chairman propose—“ That Me E. G. Wright represent the Council on the Lyttelton Harbor Board.” Mr Walker, in making the proposal, highly eulogised the services rendered to the County by Wright, and the intelligence he had brought to bear upon the business of the Harbor Board. Mr Jackson seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. MESSRS DUDLEY AND NORTHEY's CLAIM. A letter was read from Messrs Dudley and Northey, asking the attention of the Council to the damage sustained by their property from water diverted thereto by the Wakanui protective works. The writers encloied a written opinion from Mr Webster, civil engineer, to the effect that the work had prejudicially affected their property.. A letter was also read from Messrs Harper and Co., solicitors, on the same subject, and intimating that their clients—Messrs Dudley and Northeyr—were anxious to settle the matter in an amicable manner. The Engineer reported that the temporary dam and other works in connection with the Wakanui protection had actually benefitted the complainants. It was resolved that the Engineer’s opinion be communicated to Messrs Dunley and Northey and Messrs Harper and Co, - with the following remarks;—(a) Messrs Dudley and Northey must expect to lose land in time of Hood like all purchasers of river bed property ; (b; Messrs Dudley and Northey were invited at the time the Wakanui settlers agreed to combine for river protection to take a similar course but declined; (c) Mr Webster’s report makes it evident that the dangerous point in the south bank which affects Messrs Dudley and Northey’s property is at the northern end of it i.g., above all works undertaken by the Council. OOSBf SPONDENCE.

The following correspondence was read: —(1) From Mr Joseph Ward, secretary to the Ashburton Domain Board, stating that Mr H. T. Winter had resigned his seat upon the Board. —lt was resolved to suggest Mr D. McLean to the Government to fill the vacancy.—(2) From the Mount Somers Road Board, requesting the Council to take the necessary steps to have the road from R. S. 7854 to reserve IGO9 proclaimed a main road in lieu of the road from reserve 1605 to reserve 1609. It was resolved that the Mount Somers Road Board be informed that a portion of the road sought to be made a main road is already a main road, and the remaining portion up to reserve 2027, the point where it joins the Alford Forest main road, will be applied to be proclaimed a main road.—(3) From the Mount Somers Road Board, forwarding a recommendation for the expenditure in the district of a Jgrant of LBIO under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. —lt was resolved to expend the amount on the Ashburton Gorge road as recommended by the Board. — (4) From the Geraldine County Council, in reference to the addition of a foot and stock bridge to the Rangitata railway bridge.—(s) From Mr W. Rolleston on the same subject.—lt was resolved—“ That this Council regrets that it is unable to entertain the idea of

contributing towards the proposed bridge. —(6) From Messrs Gould and Cameron, asking the attention of the Engineer to the storm water channel between Springheld and Methven, and to the water-race supplying Messrs Devery, Power, Johnstone, and others—Mr Baxter reported that the Council had hitherto refused to undertake the general maintenance of the hood channel, and recommended that the Council should alter the location of F race so as to suit the parties concerned.—lt was resolved to send a copy of the Engineer’s report to Messrs Gould and Cameron.—(7) From Mr George Geddings, protesting against fords being put across Ford’s road,—On the suggestion of the Engineer it was resolved to give all possible relief to Mr Geddings by improving the race on Ford’s rpad near Mr Joseph Ward’s sections. —(8) From the Longbeach Road Board, drawing attention to the necessity for the better drainage of the Wheatstone district.—The Clerk was directed to remind the Board that an expenditure of L 350 on the work had been authorised on condition of the ratepayers affected subscribing LIOO. —(9) From the same directing attention to the bad condition of the Main South road, between Winslow and the bridge.—Referred to the Clerk to explain to the Board that grants were made for first formation only.—(10) From Mr D. Jackson, offering to act as ferryman at Baling in return for having use of the bridge reserve. Offer accepted.—(ll), From Messrs Vincent and Co., applying for a refund of Ll 4 8s 3d, being the value of thirty weeks of the license of the Wheatsheaf Hotel during which the house had been closed.—Referred to the Licensing Committee for their opinion.

TRAFFIC BRIDGE. The Committee appointed to confer with a Committee from the Borough Council in reference to the construction of the Ashburton traffic bridge submitted their report. The report stated that in addition to the Government vote a sum of L 2,000 or L 3,000 would be required towards the coat of the bridge. The Committee suggested that one-half the amount required be charged to county funds, and one-half to the Road Boards adjacent, viz , Wakanui, Lougbeach and Upper /Ashburton, and the town district of Tin-

wald. But as the Road Boards interested were not in snob a financial position at present as to be asked for a contribution, the estimated proportion due from each Board

should be taken into consideration in any future county expenditure, and in that manner to be charged to them. The Committee believed that the amount required could be obtained as a loan, repayable as the Council wished up to ten years by in* stalmenta, so that no appreciable burden or increase of vote would be necessary in any one year.

On the motion of (he Chairman, seconded by Mr McLean, the report was adopted. It was resolved that the Engineer be instructed to forward plans to the Govern* meat Engineer, and invite tenders immediately they have been approved by that officer.

It was resolved that the Bridge Com*

ittee report to the next meeting of the Council on the matter of providing the balance of money required for the oon* struction of the bridge. BAEAIA aOKGK KOAD. It was resolved that Llls, granted by the Government, be expended on the Rakaia Gorge road. SEPARATION. A petition was received from a number of ratepayers praying for separation from the Mount Somers Road Board district. It was referred to Messrs Taylor,'McLean, and Jackson to report upon. STOKM-WATKB, WINOHMOBB. A letter was read from the Upper Ashburton Road Board requesting protection to the storm-water channel at Wiuobmore. The request was not entertained. SLAU6UTGBINO LICENSES. Slaughtering licenses were granted to Messrs Brake and Bland, PLANTATIONS. . On the motion of Mr Coster, seconded by Mr Taylor, Messrs Harper, Walker and the mover were appointed a committee to consider the working of the Forest. Trees Planting Management Act, to report to next meeting. NOTICE OP MOTION. Mr Harper gave notice that at next meeting he would move—“ T at, in the opinion of this Councel, it is desirable to let the maintenance of the water-racea. within the County by tender from year to year. ” ADJOURNMENT. The Council then adjourned until Friday, 27 th February.