BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2143, 7 January 1881, Page 3

BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

A meeting of tbo Board of Conservators of the South Waitnakariri district was hold at three p.m. yesterday. Present—Messrs J. L. "Wilson (chairman), Lambert, Atkinson, Boag, A. T. Wood, "White, jun., England and P. Jones.

Tho Chairman reported the business whioh ho intended bringing forward on the occasion, including the consideration of the financial position of tho Board, tho cilices of tho Board, &o. The chairman said that the first business would be tho consideration of the manager’s report. The report of tho overseer was read, detailing what was required to bo done as regarded works, &3., and as to tho state of the river. Tho overseer stated that ho required fifty casks of cement for No. 14 embankment, and fifty casks for repairs on No. 5 embankment. He also reported that the river was working in at Chaney’s corner, towards the North -rood.

Mr England thought tho work on No. 14 should bo done in concrete.

Mr Jones said that they could not do better than follow in tho stops of tho old Board. He thought it would bo boot to carry out tho recommendation of tho overeeor. Mr Lambert moved—“ That the overseer be instructed to procure cement, as reported by him.” Mr Jones seconded tho motion.

Tho Chairman thought it would be bettor to movo that tho chairman ba instructed to procure tho cement. Mr Boag would like to ask Mr Jeal whnt would bo tho result of leaving the matter as regarded No, Id as it was now for the present.

Mr Jeal said that it would very probably result in tho water getting through and swooping away tho willows which had been planted by tho Board. Mr Jones intimated that at a later period of the meeting he would bo prepared to movo that a works committee bo appointed, who should report upon all works required. Some further discussion ensued, and ultimately it was agreed that tenders bo invited for 100 casks of oomont.

Tho Board then proceeded to consider tho question of tho encroachment of tho river at Chaney’s Corner.

The Chairman spoke very strongly on the neglect evinced o£ the Avon district by the late Board in this matter, and thought, speaking as a ratepayer of the Avon district, that the Board should now take some decided action.

Mr England thought that it would be os well for tho Board to visit the spot in question before deciding on the matter. Ho would move—“ That tho Board visit Chaney ’s Corner and other works on Tuesday next in order to inspect them." Mr Lambert seconded the motion, which was carried. In reply to Mr Boag, Mr Joal stated that it would not be a good thing to have a horse and cart belonging to the Board. The Chairman said he had met Mr Harman that day, who handed over the Bank book, &0., showing a credit of £637 14s to the account of the Board. Mr F. Jones moved—“ That a finance committee,be appointed, comprising Messrs White, Atkinson, and the mover." Mr England seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Jones then moved—" That a works committee be appointed, to consist of Messrs Attirood, England, Lambert, Boag, White, and tho mover, whoso doty it shall be to oversee and consider any works to be brought before the Board.”

Mr Lambert seconded tho motion, which was carried.

Mr England moved—“ That a letter bo written to tho chairman of tho old Board, ashing him to hand over to the new Board all books, plans, and documents referring to tho Sout h Waimakariri Board of Conservators, to enable them to carry on tho works relating thereto."

Mr Attwood seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Jones explained that the cost of the preparation of accounts should appear in the accounts of the old Board, and not in those of the new one. Ho mentioned this because there appeared to be an idea that the cost of preparing the accounts should be borne by individuals.

Mr Jones moved—“ That offers bo invited for tho offices and clerical assistance of the Board ” The Chairman stated that there had been some offers received of offices in accordance with the resolution of the Board at its first meeting. He might say that bo could give a verbal report of what was done by the committee. As regarded the standing orders and tho question of officers and clerical assistance, there had not been much done, and he thought perhaps it would be better to let Mr Jones’ proposition pass now, Mr Lambert seconded tho motion. Mr White moved, as an amendment—- “ That offers be invited for the supply of a room and the filling of duties of secretary separately." Mr Jones agreed to second his resolution, so as to road that joint or separate offers for the clerkship and supply (of offices be invited, which was then put and agreed to. A report was read from Mr Bell as regarded the groin for taking the water down Stewart’s Gully, reporting that tho effect thereof was to deflect the river on to the right bank. It was resolved that the Board should consider the report on the spot. With regard to the honorarium for members, the Chairman quoted tho Act, which said that the members’ expenses should be voted by the Provincial Council, which he took it meant nothing. Mir Boag suggested that the members of tho Board should give their services gratis. He for one was quite prepared to do so, and ho hoped all tho others would do the same. An application was received for a lease of a portion of the reserves of the Board. The Chairman was instructed to reply that the Board would deal with the matter at an early date. After a desultory and conversational discussion on tho subject of accounts, tho Board adjourned till Thursday, Jan. 20th, at 3 p.m.