NORTH RAKAIA BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1946, 20 May 1880, Page 3

NORTH RAKAIA BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

A meeting was held at the Board's office, Southbridge, on Friday, the 14th instant. Present —Messrs Chas. Bourn (ohairman), L White, and R. Lockhead. A letter was read from the Returning Offioer announcing the election of Mr Edward James Lee, unopposed. Mr Lee then took his seat on the Board.

The financial statement, showing receipts for £319 Is 6d, together with an abstract of assets and liabilities, was laid on the table. A report of the interview with the Hon. John Hall on tho 7th April, and the action taken by Mr E. J. Lee in the unavoidable absence of the chairman, was approved. Extracts from reports furnished by Mr ffm, White and Mr John Webster having been forwarded to the Hon. John Hall by the seoretary, in order more forcibly to impress upon the Government the extreme urgency of the case, the following resolution was adopted on the motion of Mr Lee, seconded by Mr Lockhead :—" That in view of the threatening aspect of the River Rakaia at the boundary fenoe of the Heslerton run, the chairman write to tho Hon. John Hall pointing out the irreparable damage which is likely to result to the Conservators' district, and to urge him at once to take steps to have the solid approach to the railway bridge, on the south bank, removed, and an open viaduct substituted." A copy of statement showing receipts and disbursements for the year ending 31st March, 1880, and which had been forwarded to the Under Secretary for Public Works, was read. Also a circular attaohed to return required by the Treasury underthe Financial Arrangements Act, 1876, in which was notified tho intention expressed by the Government at the last session to discontinue the payment of local subsidies. The Secretary reported that since the last meeting there had been two serious floods, which had done more damage in scouring the banks than any fresh for the last two years. He particularised the most parts, and urged the immediate construction of further protective works between Mr E. Gorman's and Mr John Miln's properties, and above tho sheep dip on the Oakley Run, provided Mr Hurst's sanction could be obtained. He also recommended tho planting of as many willowß as possible during tho season.

The Chairman was authorised to arrange for the purchase of willows, and have them planted at once. It was resolved not to advertise for tenders for leasing any more reserves until a map showing the correct boundaries of the blocks was completed. Also to fence a paddock above Kynvett's blue gums, and sow it down with gorse. The Secretary waß instructed to write to Mr GK F. Stedman in reference to reserve" No. 1185, and to apply for permission to fenoe off the river fronts ge, so aa to protect the works from tho onoroaebment of stock.

The pay-Bheet for the last twelve weeks was examined, and passed for payment. Reference was made by the Chairman to the useful hints and suggestions given by Mr Wm. White after the inspection of the lower part of the worke, and recommended an early visit by tho members to the upper works.