LAKES ELLESMERE AND FORSYTH RECLAMATION AND AKAROA RAILWAY TRUST.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 95, 15 June 1877, Page 2

LAKES ELLESMERE AND FORSYTH RECLAMATION AND AKAROA RAILWAY TRUST.

This Trust met in the Little Eiver Road Board office, Kaituna, on Tuesday, 12th inst., at noon. Present—E. C. Latter, (Chairman,) Messrs. Dalglish, GK R. Joblin, T. H. Parkinson, J. Bell, J. Gebbie, C. Murray, A. P. O'Gallaghan, Frankish, and J. Eennie. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read by the Chairman from Mr. Montgomery; in reply to inquiries regarding the amount, of land sold in the Akaroa, Wainui, anil Little River road districts, since the coming into operation of the Act, and'also; in regard to the state o£ the Trust funds. \.The letter stated that a return of the land Isold had not yet been made, but that so adon as this was done, he would inform thje Trust. The Chairman stated that he biad received no com-

raunication from the Government on the subject. ..-•■■: MR. BRAY'S REPORT. . Ihe Chairman stated thatjas resolved at last meeting he had procured: a copy of Mr. Bray's scheme for the drainage of the lakes, and that Mr. Jacobsen's sketch plan was embodied in Mr. Bray's report. The Chairman read the report in question, and all the members of the Trust expressed themselves as opposed generally to the manner in which the report dealt with the subject, too much of the report being taken up with the criticism of the schemes of others, which were not before the Trust. Mr. Parkinson pointed out several inaccuracies, such as in one place, the quantity of land reclaimable was understated by 500 or 600 acres, but was glad to observe that the mistakes were in favour of the scheme. The Trust resolved to abandon Mr. Bray's scheme of drainage. . ENGINEER. Mr. O'Callaghan moved that the Trust advertise in the Melbourne, Sydney, and New Zealand papers for a competent engineer to prepare plans and to report on the Lakes Drainage and Akaroa railway proposals, before June, 1878, and that a salary of '£1.000 be offered. Seconded by Mr. J. Bell, and carried. After some discussion it was-agreed that the Trust supply their engineer with what staff he requires to perform. the..w,ork. in ihe'time. Mr. Parkinson moved—" That as soon as the engineer is appointed, he be requested to furnish the Trust with an estimate of the cost of what staff he required, and submit the same to the Trust. Seconded by Mr. Murray, and carried. LETTING ODT OF LAKE ELLESMERE.' Mr. J. GrEBBiE said he supposed the Trust were now the proper body to let out the lake. Mr. J. Dalqlish pointed out that under the Act, it was not their duty, and if so willed they had not the power. The Act was very distinct as to their functions. Now that the County Council was inoperative the Boad Board was the proper quarter to see to this matter. The members generally agreed that the temporary letting out of the lake was no part of their business. The members of the Trust were very united as to the great desirability of the work entrusted to them, and were clear that the reclamation was the first step towards the railway. After transacting some business of a routine nature, the Trust adjourned, to meet in Christchurch, on Tuesday, 14th August.