BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1951, 26 May 1880, Page 3

BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

The Board of Conservators for South Waixnakari held a special meeting at noon to-day. Present —Messrs Harman (chairman), Dun- . can, O’Oallaghan and Tosswill. Mr Duncan said he had been requested to apologise for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor of Christchurch. The Chairman mentioned that the preemptive rights not purchased within the reserve of the Board amount to the total acreage of 1080, and Mr March intended to recommend that they should be included in the grants to the Board. Some discussion ensued as to how the Board should deal with the reserves, and it was determined that the Board could not make any pledges till the land came into their possession. It was decided (o postpone further consideration of the matter. The Chairman stated that in answer to the advertisement re loan he had received applications for £7OOO, but as they were limited to £6OOO, they had only accepted such. He pointed out, however, that they really required £7OOO, £2BOO being required to pay up short dated debentures, and the Bank overdraft amounted to £I7OO. In conversation that ensued, the chairman stated that the other thousand (that is to make up the £7000) could be obtained at 9 ■per cent. After consideration as the best form of resolution to give effect to what was desired. The Board resolved as follows:—“ That in addition to the sum of £6OOO ordered to be taken up by the resolution of the Board on the 11th instant, a further sum of £IOOO be borrowed for a period of two years at 9 per cent, per annum.” In reference to the protective works on the banks of Waimakariri, The foreman of works was called at this stage, and stated that no change had been made on the banks by the late fresh, but that there was a deep hole in the place where it had been proposed to place willows. The chairman explained that he had proposed to put out willow groins to divert the water from a point on which it threatened to encroach. The Board then proceeded to consider what protective measures on a large scale were [necessary. The chairman remarked that owing to the present position of affairs, they were now called upon to do what they might have been required to undertake any time for ten years —namely, the protection of the particular bank threatened. They had never had a direct attack such as that which the river had made quite recently. In answer to Mr Tosswill, Mr Jeal said, if the river made a breach in the direction indicated on No. 1, it would cost some hundreds of pounds to restore. Mr Tosswill pointed out that the question seemed whether they should undertake the protective work at the bend for £IOOO, or risk the loss of some hundreds by a breach further on, which might ultimately prevent the former work being done unless carried out beforehand. It was a matter of great importance, as involving the protection of property, and he did not think they should hesitate to do it under the circumstances. After some further discussion,

Mr Tosswill moved—“ That, considering the danger of the river washing a breach at the end of No. 1 bank, it is advisable to construct a new embankment about 15 chains in length, about 25 chains higher up the stream, during the present winter, the total cost of which is estimated at £1000.” Seconded by Mr Duncan, and carried unanimously. The Chairman was authorised to call for tenders for that portion of the work which is usually done by tender. This concluded the business, and the Board adjourned.