COUNTY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1225, 6 February 1878, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCIL.

ASHBURTON. A meeting of the County Council of Ashburton Tens held at the Road Board office yesterday. Present—Messrs Walker (chairman), Reed, Saunders, Bullock, E. G. Wright, Polhill, Wason, chairman’s statement. The Chairman said before proceeding to the ordinary business he might say they were still in a state of suspense so far as the most important part of the matter -was concerned, viz., the sinews of war. The chairman of the finance committee would present an interim report. At the close of the last meeting he had received a letter from the promoters of the South Rakaia Railway, which would come up for consideration at that meeting. Since last meeting the District Engineer had informed him that he had received instructions from the General Government to lay off a line between Ashburton and Monnt Somers. He (the Chairman) had had an interview with him, and the result had been that a line had been selected, a report on which would be laid before them. A deputation as to water supply would also waib on them that day. One other subject was the formation of the roll for the County. It was matter for regret, he thought, that the Bill providing for the formation of the roll by two authorities had not gone further. He thought the best plan for the county to adopt was to appoint as valuators for the ridings those who were serving in the same capacity to the Road Boards, the boundaries of the Road Boards and ridings being co-terminus. This, he thought, was the most economical and efficient mode for the county to adopt. There was another subject which he would like to see taken up by the Council, and that was the acquisition of offices for the Council. [Hear, hear.] While they were indebted greatly to the courtesy of the Road Board for the loan of their offices, so much business went on under that roof it would be imjiossible for the chairman or secretary to do the work of the county satisfactorily with the present accommodation, He thought, therefore, that the clerk should be instructed to secure temporary offices in the township. They had some money to their credit, and as payments were to be made, they would under clause 105 have to appoint a treasurer. It would also be necessary for the Council to adopt the seal. Mr Saunders would like to know how the chairman proposed to get over the clause in the Act, which provided that the rolls should be made up before the 14th of last month. The Chairman was obliged to Mr Saunders for calling his attention to the matter. Under the 68th clause of the Rating Act, it was provided that the Governor could extend the time when any Council could not get rolls ready in time, CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from the secretary of the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, asking whether the Council intended to bridge the north branch of the Ashburton, and make it available for railway traffic, and where it would be placed. Mr Saunders thought that the reply should be, until the Council knew what position they were in as regarded funds, that they were not in a position to give an answer to the letter. Mr Reed thought that as the engineer was in the district they might get him to indicate the probable locality. Mr Wright pointed out that the promoters had not sent any intimation as to what part of the Ashburton Forks they intended to connect with Rakaia. He would move—“ That an answer be sent, stating • that until the Council were in possession of the county funds they were not in a position to give an answer.”

Mr Saunders seconded the motion, which was agreed to. A letter was read from the Under Secretary of Public Works covering a letter from the Geraldine Road Board, calling attention to the necessity which existed for the repairs of the Rangitata traffic bridge. The Under Secretary pointed out that this bridge was under the control of the Ashburton Comity Council. A letter was road on the same subject from the Mount Peel Road Board asking that the Council should join with the Board in repairing the bridge. The letter enclosed one from the Government stating that the Public Works Department had repaired the bridge temporarily, but the Government had no funds to do the approaches. The temporary repairs had been charged by the Government, under the 85th section of the Public Works Act, to such local body as might be found to be liable hereafter. The chairman pointed out that the County Council were in the same position as the Government In this matter, as they had no money. Mr Reed thought the work should be undertaken by the Geraldine apd Ashburton oomjlies jointly.

Mr Wright thought that the Geraldine county had not brought the Act into force, hence the work, which devolved equally on the Ashburton and Geraldine counties, could not be done in that way. Mr Wason pointed out that the Government could do the work, and debit (he two counties with the cost. Mr Wright moved—" That the General Government be requested to take the necessary steps to make good the approaches to the Rangitata cart bridge, and debit the cost to the counties of Ashburton and Geraldine.’’ Mr Bollock seconded the motion, which was carried.

A letter was read from the office of the Engineer-in-Chief, stating that the Government did not see their way clear to relax any of the bye-laws with regard to dray traffic over the Rakaia bridge. Mr Wright said the authorities surely did not know the effect of the regulations, which forced a man to go over the bridge twice with sixteen sacks of grain. Mr Reed thought this was a matter which the Farmers’ Club should take up, Mr Wason said he would move—“ That, in the opinion of this Council, the present regulations as to the dray traffic over the Rakaia bridge are vexatious and unnecessary, and that Mr Saunders be appointed to act as a deputation to the Government from this Council to urge upon the Government the vexatious delays caused by the present regulations, and the necessity in the public interest which exists for their alteration.” Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was agreed to. A letter was read from the Government, concerning a sum of £7OOO applied for by the Council for the Gorge Bridge. The letter stated that £7OOO had been voted by the Provincial Council for the construction of the Gorge Bridge, but to whom it had been paid was unknown to the department. Mr Wason said that this £7OOO was lying at the credit of the two Boards at the Bank of Now Zealand. The Council net coming into operation had delayed the getting of the money, but there was no doubt of it being there. Mr Reed thought that at their first or second meeting a letter had been received from Mr Rolleston, notifying the fact that £7OOO had been placed to their credit for the work. The Chairman read a letter, sent by him to the Minister for Public Works, dated March last, in which application had been made for the £7OOO for the work. It was resolved that the chairman write to the Chairman of the Selwyn County Council on the matter. A letter was read from the promoters of a scheme of water supply for the Rakaia and Ashburton plains, stating that a deputation would wait upon the Council to request their co-operation in the carrying out of the work under the Canterbury Provincial Council Act, No. 31, 1874. The Chairman, while admitting at once that this was a most desirable thing, would desire to point out that they had no funds at all. They could only tell the deputation that they wished them well, and would help them if in their power. Mr Wright said he thought they might go further than this. They might tell the deputation that so soon as the Government paid over the money of the county the Council would cause a surrey to be made. [Hear, hear.] He might say that in conjunction with other gentlemen ho had had a survey made as to the practicability of bringing the water from the north branch to the centre of the plains. The result of this survey demonstrated that it was practicable, and application was made to the Waste Lands Board for a reserve for the purpose of constructing a water-race. The members of the Waste Lands Board, however, took so much time to consider the matter that the whole of the land was bought up. This, of course, necessitated very much larger works than ho contemplated. While he said this he thought that the only robeme practicable was one of water supply and not of irrigation. Messrs Reed and Saunders %cre of opinion that the water could not be got sufficiently* from the Ashburton. They would have to go to the Rakaia for it. The latter gentleman said that he had ceen the Ashburton river dry in summer, so that they could not rely on this much as a source of supply. The further consideration of this matter was deferred until after the visit of the deputation. THE MOUNT SOMEES RAILWAY.

A report was read from the District Engineer, forwarding plan and report as to the line to be taken by branch railway from Ashburton to Mount Somers, suggesting that the intentions of the South Rakaia Railway Company should be ascertained, ns it would be perhaps desirable that the further end of the lines might join. After some discussion, Mr Wright said he thought that the Council should adopt the route as laid off by the District Engineer, with an expression of opinion on the part of the Council that it was not desirable that the railway should run on the main roads. The matter stood over for further consideration. WATEE SUPPLY POE THE PLAINS. A deputation from Rakaia, comprising Messrs Middleton, E, S. Coster, Passmore, J. Wood, son., Mann, and Maughan, were introduced by Mr D. Middleton, secretary to the promoters’ meeting. Mr Passmore said they had waited on the Council to ask them to inaugurate a scheme of water supply for the district between the Rakaia and Ashburton. Of course the first thing to be done was to get a survey made, and the deputation would ask the Council either to make this survey as a county work, or to supply the money, and allow the people to make it. Of course it would be premature to speak about where the water was to come from, either from the Rakaia or Ashburton. This would have to be decided when the survey was made. Mr Wright—Do I understand that the deputation require the work done to bo for irrigation or water supply ? Mr Passmore said the first object of the deputation was to obtain a water supply. If, of course, the further advantage of irrigation could be secured at a reasonable cost, which the land could bear, then it might be done. This information could not be ascertained until the levels had been taken.

Mr Wright said that with the experience of the Malvern works before them he thought that a scheme of irrigation would not be practicable, while the water supply would bo. Mr Passmore said that, of course, this would be determined by the levels taken. Mr Wright said that it would expedite matters if the deputation made up their minds whether they required a water supply or an irrigation scheme. The Council, if they sent their engineer to report upon the matter, would have to instruct him as to what scheme was required. If for a water supply, then it meant a good supply of a quality fit for drinking; if for irrigation, it meant a large volume of water, and the quality was not of so much account. Mr Wood said that he thought what they desired was a water supply which could be utilised and extended, if necessary, to apply to irrigation. Mr Reed said that he thought they could not get the water necessary from the Ashburton. Mr Wood pointed out that it was intended to get the water from both rivers. Mr Middleton said that the Provincial Act provided that one-half the water in any river between the Wuimakariri and Ashburton might be taken for a water supply by the County Council. The Chairman said that he and the other members of the Council felt the great necessity of a water supply being provided for the plains. Unfortunately, however, the hands of the Council were tied, as they had no funds at present at their disposal. The answer to the request of the deputation amounted to this, that so soon as the Council were in possession of funds they would at orce consider the question of a water supply to the plains and do whatever they could in the matter. The resolution arrived at would be as follows : “ That so soon as the Council were in possesssion of the land revenue accruing to it it will take steps to ascertain the best source from which a water supply for the plains can be This wap sfy the Council could

at present, whilst wishing to see a scheme of water supply carried out. Mr Passmore thanked the Council for the courtesy with which the deputation had been received. The deputation then withdrew. Mr Wright moved—“ That so soon as the Council are in possession of the funds due to them by the G-overnment on account of land revenue, it will take steps to ascertain the best source from which the water supply for the plains can be obtained.” Mr Wason seconded the motion, which was agreed to. TREASURES OP THE COUNCIL. On the motion of Mr Saunders, Mr E. Q-. Wright was appointed treasurer to the Council, LEASE OF THE RAKAIA GOBGE PEBBY. Mr Wason brought up the report of the committee appointed to inquire into the circumstances upon which Mr Hurst held the lease of the Rakaia Gorge ferry. The committee recommended that the ferry bo continued by Mr Hurst for one year at the same subsidy as hitherto paid. On the motion of Mr Wason, the report was read and adopted. Mr Bullock seconded the motion pro forma, which was agreed to. THE COUNTY FUNDS. Mr Wright, on behalf of the committee appointed to investigate the matter of the County Boards, reported that they had waited on the Commissioner of Audit, who said that ho did not see any reason why the Government should retain the funds of the county any longer. The difficulties which had existed had been smoothed away, and he thought the money accrued would be paid into their credit shortly. [Mr Reed—The whole amount of £42,000 ?) Certainly. Besides this, the money which had sineo accrued, some £40,000, would also be available, though as to the latter Sir George Grey had taken authority to extend the payments over three months. As the gentleman who had made the difficulty now saw no reason to the contrary, the money would, he supposed, be paid over. [Hear.] The committee were requested to remain in office until the funds were received. The Council adjourned at this stage for an hour. On resuming after the adjournment, the Council proceeded to further consider the OFFICE ACCOMMODATION. Mr Wright moved—“ That the chairman and Mr Bullock be a committee to arrange for office accommodation, and that a safe be purchased for the Council, at a cost not exceeding £40.” Mr Bullock seconded the motion which was agreed to. THE ALFOHD FOREST, MOUNT SOMEES, BAILWAY. The Council then resumed the consideration of this question. It was resolved to point out to the engineer the necessity of surveying the branch railway to Alford Forest, as an integral part of the scheme. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Wason—“ That this Council approves of the general direction of the Ashburton, Mount Somers, and Alford Forest railway as proposed by the General Government, and recommends that the survey should at once be carried out.” Mr Wright moved—“ That this Council does not consider it desirable that the railway should bo constructed on the one chain public road, but that wherever it is necessary to follow the course of the public road, a reserve of one chain wide should be taken out of the sections prior to their being Crown granted.” Mr Saunders seconded the motion, which was agreed. Mr Wright suggested that a committee should be appointed to wait on the landowners affected by the railway as to the terms upon which it should pass through their property. Mr Bullock moved “That Messrs Walker, Wright, and Saunders form a committee to confer with the landowners, prior to the railway being commenced, as to the ‘transfer of the land necessary for the railway.” Mr Wright seconded the motion, which agreed to. COUNTY MAPS. Mr Wason moved—“ That the chairman be requested to obtain from the Land office a county map, such map to show the Road Boards and different ridings of the county.” Mr Polhill seconded the motion, which was agreed to. PUBLIC POUND. Mr Bullock moved—“ That the Government bo requested to reserve sections Nos. 36, 397, and 393 as a site for a public pound, for Ashburton,” Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was also resolved that tenders be called for the erection of a public pound within the limits of the town of Ashburton. SEAL OF THE COUNTY. The chairman laid on the table a temporary seal, and on the motion of Mr Wright it was resolved that the seal produced be adopted as the temporary seal of the county, the chairman to retain the same for the present. COUNTY BOLL. The clerk was instructed to communicate with the various Road Boards requesting a copy of their roll, on the understanding that the county pay half the cost of the preparation of the same. Mr Reed moved—“ That the chairman be instructed to apply for an extension of time under clause 68 of the Rating Act for making up the roll of the county.” Mr Bullock seconded the motion, which was carried. QUESTION. Mr Bullock asked what answer had been received from the Government relative to the appointment of a Magistrate for Ashburton. The Magistrate now resided at Temuka, and it was most inconvenient to the Ashburton people. Over and over again the witnesses in cases had to return, after coming long distances, and the cases adjourned. The Chairman had been asked to communicate with the Government on the matter, and he now wished to know if any reply had been received. The Chairman said he had written to the Government, but no reply had been received. Mr Reed moved —“That Mr Saunders be requested to interview the Government with respect to the residence of a Magistrate at Ashburton.” Mr Wason seconded the motion, which was agreed to. ADJOURNMENT. The Council then adjourned until the first Wednesday in March,