BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2475, 14 March 1882, Page 3

BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

An ordinary meeting of the Waimakariri Board of Conservators was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock. Present—Messrs F. Jones (chairman), H. W. Peryman, W. White, J. X>. Wilson, H. Atkinson, B. W. England, W. Boag, T. S. Lambert. The Chairman reported tbat, in accordance with a resolution of the Board, the Savings Bank account now stood in the names of himself and Mr Wilson.

The following reports from the overseer were read:—February 2lßt, 1882 :—" The river rose about two feet on Monday morning last, and there was a (mall itream running against the new groin at No. 14 embankment, bat no damage was done, and the stream was now pursuing the same conrse as before March 7th, 1882. The river is very low now, and running in the same course as before the Inst fresh " Accounts were passed to the amount of 7b 3d. A letter waß received from the Little Biver Boad Board in reference to the collection of rates, and enclosing a cheque for £, > 2s 6d. A motion of Mr Wilson, to the effect that a new grain shed bo constructed at Chayue's Corner, was postponed unt'l next meeting, it being decided that the works committee should visit the locality on Thursday next, and if neceßEary call a special meeting of the Board to deal with the matter. Mr Wilson, for the finance committee, submitted the estimates of revenue and expenditure for the ensuing year, and explained the different items. The principal subject that would require attention was the question of debentures which would fall due on the 28th May. The Board would have to consider whether they would withdraw any of the debentures or renew them, which he thought could be done at about 6" per cent., and reduce the rata. The Chnirman explained that the tot>»l amount of debentures was .£35,000, of which .£25,000 was at 6 per cent., .£4OOO at 8 per cent., and .£t>ooo at 9 per cent. Debentures to the amount of £4OOO would fall due on the 28th May next, at whioh date it was estimated that the Board would have .£IOOO to its credit, besides of sinking fund. The totul amount of debentures coming due the ensuing year was .£6OOO. It would also be necessary for the Board to decide either at present or at a special meeting as to striking a rate, as the local bodies were anxious that_ all the rateß should be Btrnck as nearly as possible at the same time. Mr White would be in favor of renewing the 1 whole of tho debentures coming due this year, and of reducing the rate' by one-half. He did not think they should be called upon to pay all the cost for works of whioh posterity would receive the benefit. ~,... ~ , , . ~ Mr Peryman agreed that it wonld be desirable to reduce the rate if they could finance the debentures so aB to enable that to be done. Mr Boagj although in favor of lowering the

rate, did not think it would be judicioußto> reduce it by one half, as suggested by Mr White Mr England moved—" Chat a copy of™ lß statement submitted by the finance committee be supplied to each member of the Board, and that a speoial meeting be called to consider tne question on Tuesday next at one o'clock." Mr Lambert seconded the motion, which was put and carried. The Board than adjourned.