BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2070, 12 October 1880, Page 3

BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

A meeting of the Board of Conservators of the North Waimakariri district was hold at noon. Present—Messrs R. J. S. Harman (chairman), O’Callaghan, Tosowill, and the Mayor of Christchurch. The Chairman said, with reference to bringing the new Act into force, be had been permitted to see a letter going forward from the Commissioner of Crown Lands. According to the Act, the Governor had to define lour more sub-divisiona of districts, there now being five —four in Christchurch, and one in Sydenham. The assessments on the subdivisions, as proposed, were as nearly equal as could be made. The divisions also were coterminous in a number of instances with the road road districts, and where there was more than one road district, they were grouped in a complete block. The Governor had to appoint a day for election in the now districts, which would be done when they were proclaimed. He had to report that the Crown grants for the Board reserves had been received, and also that the contract for the new embankment had been completed. He desired to ask the authority of the Board whether he should debenture of £IOOO in addition to one already issued. There was a debit balance of £1551 at the bank, but the Board would be entitled to a considerable subsidy. Mr Toss will—Do you think we shall got any subsidy ? The Chairman thought they would. The rates collected amounted to £1744 14s 9d, and they would be entitled on that to a subsidy of £654. Mr Tosswill said that their liabilities would amount, by the time the new Board came in, to about £IOOO. The question was just this, should they leave their successors a debt of £IOOO, or by issuing another debenture place them clear of debt. Mr O’Callaghan said tbat it was probable that the election of their successors might not take place for five or six weeks. The Mayor of Christchurch asked what was the rate of interest asked on these debentures.

The Chairman said that the amount for a short date had been 9 per cent., and they had offered to take the money at that. Now the question came, whether the Board was not bound to take this money at the rate stated, as it was offered at the time.

It was decided that the Board should issue another debenture for £IOOO at the rate fixed, ■and that the chairman be instructed to issue the same.

A letter was read from Mr J. L. Wilson, chairman of the Avon Road Board, complaining that a groyne in the river was doing damage in his district. The Chairman explained that tho groyne in question was near White’s bridge, and forced the water down Stewart’s gully. He had made enquiries and found that the groyne was put in by an individual acting under the instructions of some Board. The place had been inspected by him, and the groyno showed decidedly that tho water was forced down Stewart’s gully. 1 here was no one at work when he was up there. Ho Lad, however, deemed it his duty to lay tho matter before tho Board, and ask their opinion on tho matter.

Mr Tosswill pointed out that the groyne in question was outside their boundaries, and he did not see very well how they could interfere.

The Chairman suggested that an opinion should be taken by the Board of an engineer of high position. He should suggest that Mr Bell should be consulted. Mr O’Oallaghan thought they should leave the Boad Boards concerned to tight it out. He did not see why they should interfere when it was outside their limits.

Mr Tosswill said that they, as conservators of the South side of the river, had a right to eeo that no damage was done to the north side which would lead to damage to property where they received rates. The Mayor thought that the Board should not go to a great expense in the matter. It was resolved, after some discussion, that an engineering opinion be obtained. The Chairman said there was about £4O of sinking fund in the Post Office Savings Bank. Ho would suggest that the money should be withdrawn, and invested in a City Council debenture of £SO. It was resolved that this should bo done.

The report of the overseer was considered. He reported that Philpott’s embankment was concluded.

It was resolved that an extra fifty barrels of cement be procured for the strengthening of No. 5 embankment.

The Board, after passing some accounts, adjourned.