ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1705, 7 August 1879, Page 3

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Tho ordinary meeting of the County Council was held on Wednesday. Present —Messrs. W. O. Walker (chairman), E. G. Wright, John Grigg, E. S. Coster, Duncan Cameron, Julian Jackson, and Charles Reed. The Chairman made the following statement : —After the special meeting on the 16th July I brought before tho Councillors then present a letter received from tho Minister for Public Works, in which ho stated that owing to the objections there were with reference to the stoppage of subsidies from the Road Boards in the Geraldine County towards that county’s duo share of expense of the proposed extension of the Rangitata traffic bridge, ha was unable to comply with tho Council’s request. With a hope of bringing this state of affairs to a satisfactory conclusion, tho members and myself thought it best to write to the Minister offering him three methods of dealing with the point at issue, viz , lot, Either that the Government should comply with the wishes of the county, and have tho payment from the Road Boards in the Geraldine County legalised j or, 2nd, That the Government should take over the materials ordered for the bridge, and complete the extension, deducting amount from both counties, this county being credited with its present liability on this account, i.e„ the materials ordered ; or, 3rd. That this county should give up its control, and let the Government do what it thinks fit in the matter under section 85 of the Public Works Act, 1876. This the Minister has replied to, as you will see, by advising that he cannot say what course can be adopted until the survey* of the Canterbury interior main line are further advanced. Another subject was considered after the special meeting above referred to —that was where the Council should take delivery of the piles ordered from England for the Rangitata traffic bridge extension. It wag decided for several reasons that the most convenient place was Winslow, and arrangements have been made for their delivery there. Those ex the Adelaide have already been received, and those ex the Orari are shortly expected. The Government have placed the proposed Lower Rangitata ferry under the Council’s control, and I have inserted advertisements in the papers, inviting applications from competent persons to act as ferrymen. These applications will be placed before you at the September meeting. I have received a letter from the Minister for Public Works, stating that the contract let for the Mount Somers line has absorbed the vote for last session, so that there are no funds available for utilising the labor of the unemployed on tho extension of tho line as proposed by the Council. On the receipt of the above letter a note of the same was placed on the business paper, for you to consider at this meeting the advisablenees of urging the Government to place on the estimates a sufficient sum to carry on tho line to Mount Somers, as it is of great importance to this county that the line should extend as far as that place. The member for the district has advised me that the petition to the Legislative Council re Water Suppy Bill South; Rakaia Plains has been received by him, and that he would confer with the Hon. John Hall respecting its presentation. The chairman of the Ashburton High School Board has notified to me that Mr Wason’s seat on the Board has been vacated owing to his resignation. You will therefore have to elect his successor. I should feel obliged if you would take into your consideration the question of the amount of money the Upper Ashburton Road Board are entitled to pay towards the cOft of the bridge near Digby’s. You are aware that the amount voted by that Board is in excess of the contract accepted. The hospital and building committee met to-day at 1 p.m. to consider several matters, and will report to you the result of that meeting. I have to request you to place to a separate account the amount voted for planting purposes for the members of this Council, acting on behalf of the Provincial Planting Board, to operate on, as the contracts lot for fencing and ploughing are near completion. The engineer will report on the application made by Mr Walsh, of Wakanui, re drainage. An application will be before you to-day from the South Rakaia Road Board, that the matter of storm water drainage should be dealt with for the county generally. Whether the Council will fall in with the suggestion of the Road Board as to the manner of doing this or not, ic is evident to anyone who has been much about since last heavy rains that the question is a very serious one, and that a scheme will have to be devised for preventing large collections of surplus storm water by breaking, by cross drains and natural water channels, the long lines of road which now seem to collect the surface water to the detriment of public and private property. The Council will see, by reference to section 173 Public Works Act, 1876, that it is incumbent on the Council to have prepared a drainage map of the county, with levels, &0., referred to a datum plane. If the engineer bo instructed to prepare such map a general system of surface drainage will be thereby facilitated. THB BANGITATA BOAD BRIDGE.

A letter from the Under Secretary for Public Works stated that the Minister was unable to say what course he can adopt in reference to the Rangitata road bridge until the surveys of the Canterbury interior main lino are further advanced.

Mr Wright thought there was no chance of getting anything done in this matter until a new Government was in office. He suggested appropriating the materials that had arrived for the works to the erection of a bridge over the south branch of tho Ashburton. The matter was held over until the engineer’s report had been received. A letter on the subject of the bridge was also received from George Hart, Esq., M.H.R., who said that after consultation with Mr Saunders he concluded nothing cou be done until the no-confidence motion had been disposed of. DBAIKAOE. The chairman of tho South Rakaia road district wrote asking the Council to allow the engineer, in conjunction with the Government engineer and one employed by the Road Boards interested, to report upon the best means of conveying tho storm water either to the Rakaia or elsewhere. The storm water xvas detrimental to the roads and to tho farmers’ land in the district between tho two rivers.

After discussion relative to the magnitude of the work of preparing a map, plans, estimate of cost, &0., of a scheme to suit what the Eakaia Board wanted, it was resolved—“ That the engineer be instructed to consult with the other engineers mentioned, as requested by the South Eakaia Eoad Board.” TEAFFIO BEIUGE OTEE THE ASHBT7ETON. The resolution regarding a new bridge over the Ashburton river, recently passed by the Borough Council, was read. In the present state of political parties in the House, which prevented anything being done in the matter in Parliament, and Government having virtually declined to help the county in the matter of bridges, it was resolved—." That the resolution lie over for three months.” Pli ANTING EE3EETE3.

The Mount Somers Bead Board asked for a grant in aid of planting three school reserves in the Mount Somers district.

Mr Beed_ thought the question of proprietorship in the timber should not be lost sight of in granting funds for planting, Mr Grigg favored planting such sites, as they wanted very little preparation, being already fenced, while other unfenced reserves required most part of the expenditure upon preparations. The Chairman said the request was made

because the Board believed it was the county’s desire to see the district spotted with trees. Mr Jackson thought no planting should bo done so near the bush.

Mr Cameron was of the same opinion, but thought the cost of the planting wanted was so small that it might be granted. Mr Coster thought if £ for £ up to £125 were raised for planting purposes by any of the bodies, such bodies should be allowed to select their own sites without reference to the County Council’s approval. This might induce the Boards to extend planting operations.

Mr Grigg moved—“ That, with reference to the grant of £125 to the Boad Boards of Upper Ashburton, South Bakaia, Mount Hutt, and Mount Somers, for planting purposes, made by the Council, the several Boad Boards shall bo authorised to use the money in planting either school or cemetery sites, or any other public reserves in the district, at their discretion.” Mr Wright seconded, and the motion was carried. engiskee’s REPOET. Upper Hinds Water Supply. With reference to my previous report on this subject, I have gone over the district, and have examined more minutely into the question of water-supply. I find that the ,creek which flows between the two branches of the Hinds river would not of itself afford a supply sufficient to water more than a limited portion of tbe adjoining plain, and as the marsh from which it is fed becomes drained, tbe supply from tbis source would, in course of time, be still further diminished. There is a stream at the back of the Downs known as the Limestone creek, which yields a much larger supply. From this creek I have taken a series of levels down the plain, and have prepared a longitudinal section along the line shown red on plan, noting the approximate heights of various points above the sea level. From this creek a line of piping might be led down the plains in such direction and of such length as might be thought desirable. I am of opinion that there is not a sufficient supply from this source to warrant the distribution by means of an open channel, for any long distance. The declivity of that portion of the plaias is so great, that the race would have to assume a very tortuous form, unless numerous rapids or falls were introduced, and these should bo avoided if possible. I should say the water in an open race from this source alone would not ho likely to reach lower than the point F., making due allowance for the winding nature of the channel.

In the event, however, of a small race being determined upon, the supply could be supplemented from the creek first referred to, by a channel from Nto F, and a flume across the south branch of tbe Hinds; and, in a similar way, a race might be extended still lower down the plains, by another flume over the main river, so as to connect with Mr Reed’s race, which might be widened for this purpose, subject to arrangement with him. The minimum supply from the Limestone Creek, though too small for the purpose of a long water race, would much more than suffice for a pipe scheme, but in either case, it seems to me that the abstraction ef tbe water from this creek, at the point referred to, would not interfere at all with any interests of river frontage, inasmuch as all the summer supply from the creek is absorbed in the bed of the Hinds, a few hundred yards below the proposed outlet. The auxiliary fsupply from Mr Peter’s creek, would require to be let off about a mile above the j unction of the two branches of the Hinds river, and as there are several settlers in the forks below this point dependent upon this stream, it would be required for their use. The quantity which might be attached from the Limestone Creek and Mr Peter’s creek, I estimate_ at five million gallons per day and two million gallons respectively. The cost of a 6-inch line of pipe from A to K would be about £4OOO, and a supply, by open winding race, with flames over river, would be considerably in excess of this amount; but, before going into a detailed estimate, it will be desirable to have the views of the owners more particularly as to the proposed schemes, and the limits of the district actually requiring to be served.

It would be possible still further to augment the supply by tapping the South Ashburton river, at a point about four miles below Hood’s crossing, but this would involve a scheme of such expense for the Hinds and Bangitata district, that it need hardly be discussed, I think, till the scheme becomes more matured. Should a supply ever be taken from that source, it would be manifestly imprudent, as the Council observed at last meeting, to discharge it into the bed of the Hinds, which is so porous that in summer the supply would quickly disappear, and thus frustrate the object the settlers have in view, while, in winter, tbe properties below the railway, which are already peculiarly liable to damage from overflow, would bo still farther endangered from this cause. On the whole, I am of opinion that the creeks referred to are the only sources in that quarter which can reasonably be utilised for the purpose of a supply for the Upper Hinds district.

Combined Bridge over South Ashburton at Mount Somers.—lt appears to me that tbe bridge for road traffic ongbt to be placed on the site originally proposed near Hood’s crossing. The traffic of the district seems to pass almost entirely in that direction, and the new road along the base of the downs, which is just abont completed, also leads to that crossing. The line of the Oxford and Temuka railway, in that district, is not jet pegged out, and the precise line is probably not yet determined on, but I observed that the engineer for the Middle Island, reporting some time ago as to the general route, laid stress on the amount of mineral traffic which is likely to be obtained from the Mount Somers district, and I infer he had in view that the railway, after crossing the two branches of the Hinds rivor, sliould come as near as possible to the atone and coal measures, and the junction of the line from Tinwald be at Mount Somers. In this case the line wonld probably cross the South Ashbnrton river at the point referred to, and a bridge might be made of sufficient height to answer both purposes. It however the railway should cross some four miles lower down the river, which seems the only other eligible point for crossing, then I should say that a combined bridge there would he of very little service for road traffic.

Bridge for Taylor’s Stream. —As requested, I beg to submit a plan for this bridge : The length would be 430 feet, and the cost, assuming the timber to be taken from Alford Forest, I estimate at abont .£I4OO. This stream has a very rough channel, and it is possible there would be a difficulty in getting down piles to the requisite depth. Damage by Floods, Wakanui District.—With reference to Mr Walsh’s_ letter of June 2nd to County Council, on this subject, I beg to state that I accompanied Mr Wilkie, the road surveyor, over that district, and carefully examined damage referred to. The roads which have been recently formed there near Wakanui creek are in such a position ns to receive nearly all the surface drainage for considerable distance on either side of these roads, and extending over length of not less than seven miles. The consequence is, that during continuance of such a flood as recently occurred, the water is rapidly led off adjoining ground, and thrown in large volumes on watertablo of road, which in turn is discharged on tbe_ fields wherever obstructions occur or _ where adjoining ground is lower than water coming down roadway. To remedy the evil complained of it seems desirable to divide the drainage, and divert where practicable at nearly equidistant points into Wakanui creek. This could bo effected —1. Along old road leading to creek at Buttrick’s, and again to creek at Bladder’s, along line of road which is not to be formed and which might bo reserved for drainage purposes. Prom this point to sea a ditch should be formed along north side of road, of such capacity as to contain remainder of flood water, leaving levelling of 2ft. on top of slope on side nest fence. It the ditch is cut not more than 2ft. deep it will be clay nearly all the way, and the- inclinations of the ground are such that a ditch formed as proposed should not be liable to much damage from flood water. There is ample space on north side of road for drain, and as greater part of road is not yet shingled, any desirable margin might be left. For the purposes of the drainage it would bo necessary to acquire a small portion of land from Mr Leadley, in order to form connection, having suitable line and fall, as there happens to be a break in line of roads at that point, to follow which would mar proposed drain’s efficiency. The accompanying plan shows road referred to and proposed lines of drainage. The surveyor and I are quite at one as to method described being most likely to solve difficulty in this case. The expenses, exclusive of land purchase at Leadly’a, ! estimate at .£4OO. It seems to mo to be entirely a Road Board question. Works like these are rendered necessary by formation of roads through which they pass. River Protection near Digby’s.—This work has been finished at a cost, including concrete and fencing, of .£3OO 3s Bd. On examining the river bed after the late flood it appeared to bo essential to extend the concrete work beyond the point first proposed, and the expense fer this and extra earthwork amounts to .£3O, payment for which I hope the Council will sanction to-day. 6. Pound at Hinds—The material for this pound is nearly all on the ground, and I have certified) the first progress payment to the contractor on account of it.

7. River bridge at Digby’s.—The north approach to this bridge has been fenced off, and the contractor writes that he has a large portion of the timber ready for sending off. The contractor for Hind’s bridge is also getting the material in readiness.

I have, &0., William Baxter, County Engineer. BBXPftBS OVER THE NORTH AND SOOTH

BRANCHES OF THB ASHBUETOK. On the question of a bridge oyer the south

branch of the Ashburton, arising out of the engineer’s report. Mr Cameron said the building of such a bridge was an injustice to the residents on the north branch, and those interested in having a branch over it. The traffic over the north branch was five times that over the south, and it had an equal claim upon the Council for a bridge. He would move —" That the question of bridging the south branch be deferred until the two bridges over the Ashburton be considered together. Mr Julian Jackson seconded.

Mr Coster thought it would be well to consider whether a combined bridge would not be better planted further down the north branch, than a road bridge planted on the site now adopted. Messrs Wright and Grigg held that the Council had not lost sight of the importance of a bridge over the north branch, and the matter had only been deferred by the action of the Boad Board.

The Chairman was of opinion that the amendment was an invidious one, and led the Council towards a belief that the northern settlors had a suspicion that the Council were favoring one side to the exclusion of the other. Mr Cameron could easily have put the matter right by proposing that the north branch bridge should be proceeded with. The motion being put was lost. Mr Wright moved—“ That the engineer be authorised to prepare plans for a road bridge over the south Ashburton, for the consideration of the Council at its next meeting, on the site proposed by the engineer, Mr Beed seconded, and the motion was carried. EANOITATA BRIDGE." A discussion then took place regarding the use of the material ordered for this bridge for the proposed South Ashburton bridge, and Mr Grigg moved—“ That with reference to the question of using the material procured for the Kacgitata bridge the engineer be directed to prepare a plan and estimates of the bridge; first by using the materials referred to ; second, for a bridge of some other construction—entirely of wood or other material; the plans to bo laid before the Council at its next sitting, together with an estimate of the cost.” This was seconded by Mr Wright and agreed to. taylob’s bbidoe. The resolution of Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Grigg—“ That the plans be agreed to, and that copies of the plans be forwarded to the Mount Somers Road Board,” was agreed to. STOEM WATEE DEAINAGB. The matter was deferred till the report of the engineer was received on the whole question. ACCOUNTS. Sundry accounts were passed for payment. PETITION. A petition from ratepayers in the Mount Somers district was read, asking that a sum of £IOOO should be spent in bringing an open water race from the Woolshed Creek to Bowyer’s Stream, near Valetta. Upwards of 10,000 acres of land would bo benefited by this supply. The petition was signed by B. Morgan, J. Hood, and seven other ratepayers. Mr Grigg said that many portions of the county had special wants, which should be attended to. Mr Jackson moved—“ That a return be prepared showing all money expended and appropriated to each riding within the county, also the extent of freehold land, and land under lease from the Crown (including reserves) in each riding.” This was seconded by Mr Grigg and agreed to. WATBETON POUND; A petition for a pound at Waterton was read. It was resolved one acre of rural section 8416 be acquired for the erection of a pound thereon. A letter supporting the application from the Lower Ashburton Boad Board was also read. HOSPITAL COMMITTEE, A report from this committee was read, and was generally satisfactory. BUILDING COMMITTEE. The report from this committee was read. A tender for the Council Chambers from Mr Lusk, in wood, for £978) had been accepted, but all those for the clerk’s residence had been thrown out, the amounts being too- high. The architect had been directed in consequence to prepare modified plans. VALUATION OP DISTEICT, Tenders for this work were opened, and that of Mr F. G. F. Leach, at £2Bsj was accepted, HIGH SCHOOL BOXED. Mr B. G. Wright was appointed a member of this Board vice Mr Wason, resigned. BINDS POUND. The appointment of a pound-keeper was referred to Lower Ashburton Boad Board. PEDLABS’ AND HAWKBBB’ LICENSES. It was resolved to inquire further in this matter from borough of Christchurch and Customs. UPPBB ASHBUETON BBIDOE. The question of the amount to bo contributed by Upper Ashburton Boadi Board towards bridge near Digby’s, was deferred till next meeting. BEQUEST FBOM SECBETABT. Mr Mainwaring was allowed to act as secretary to High School Board. NOTICE OP MOTION. The following notice of motion was given by Mr Julian Jackson: —“ That the necessary steps be taken to make the approaches to Eakaia Gorge bridge site corresponding to work lately done on North side under the control of the Selwyn County Council, to be provided for out of special fund, Bakaia Gorge bridge,” This was seconded by Mr Coster, and carried. SPECIAL MEETING.' The resolutions passed at special meeting to the effect that the fees at Hinds and Mount Somers pounds should be the same as at Ashburton pound, were agreed to, and the Council then adjourned.