BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2482, 21 March 1882, Page 3

BOARD OF CONSERVATORS.

An adjourned general meeting of the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators was held this afternoon at one o’clock. Present—Mr F. Jones (chairman), Messrs W. White, jonr., B. W. England, H, Atkinson, Attwood, and Boag. Ihe Chairman explained that the principal object of the meeting was to farther consider the annnal statement of receipts and expenditure submitted by the finance committee at last meeting. They would have to provide for £IOOO of debentures which would fall due on 28tk May, and which here interest at the rate ol 9 per cent. The Board would have on hand about .£IOOO towards meeting the debentures when they matured. Their banker had informed them that they could have what money they required at 7 per cent., and suggested that the balance of .£3OOO of debentures should ba dealt with when they fell due. He had communicated with the {Sinking Fund Commissioners in Wellington asking if they would be willing to advance money for the purpose of retiring the debentures, and, if so. at what rate. A telegram bad been received asking the total amount of the Board’s debentures now outstanding, to which a reply had been sent that the amount was £35,C00. To this so answer had been received. Ho (the chairman) said they might, in the meantime, iavita tenders for renewing the debentures, and then they could see what the Sinking Commissioners said He would suggest that that should be done, and the Board could meet to consider the matter. Mr White moved that the whole ef the £6OOO falling due this year should ba renewed by longdated debentures, for which tenders should be called—£3ooo on the 20th May, and the balance in October next. If this wore carried, he would move that the rate be reduced by one half. Mr Boag seconded the motion. The Chairman thought it would be better to apply the £IOOO which they would have on band on the 28th May to the reduction of the debentures, instead of to the reduction of the rate. Mr England moved—“ That the £IOOO he applied to reducing the debentures, and that the balance of £SOOO be renewed.” He intended to follow this up by moving that the rale should be the same as last year. Mr White thought it was a pity that three members of the Board were absent when such an important matter as this was being discussed. Mr Atkinson seconded the amendment. Mr White said if the £IOOO were paid in reducing the debentures it would be impossible to reduce the rate, as there would really be a deficiency at the end of the year. The amendment was than put with the following result—For (3) England, Atkinson and Attwood. Against (2) White and Boag. The amendment was therefore carried.

Mr England gave notice of tho following motion for next meeting :— 11 That the rates to bo made and levied by tho several local bodies within the South Waimakariri District for the year ending December 31st, 1833, shall be as fellows: —One penny in the £ on the general district, and in addition one penny in the £ on the special district.” In the absence of Mr Wilson, a motion standing in his name to the effect that a gorse groin should be constructed at_ Chaney’s Corner was postponed unlil next meeting. The Board then went into committee to con eider the payment to bo made to local bodies as commission tor collecting the ra k a, and on resuming adjonrned.