ASHLEY COUNTY COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6489, 14 December 1881, Page 6

ASHLEY COUNTY COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the members of this Council was held at the Boad Board office, Bangiora, at which Messrs B. L. Higgins (Chairman), H. Blackett, J. A. Cunningham, M. Dixon, W. C. Fendall, and J. Ingram, were present. An apology was received from Mr Coup. EAXGIOEA HIGH SCHOOL BOABD, It was explained that the meeting had been called for the purpose of electing representatives on this Board. Mr M. Dixon suggested that Mr J.O. Boys and the Hon H. B. Gresson should be elected. Mr Blackett did not think that there was any chance of doing anything yet, as the present revenue from the reserves was only about £IBO a year, with which it would fcio impossible to do any good in establishing a High School. He believed there were a few hundreds which had accumulated from the rente, but he thought it would be necessary for them to elect persons who they were eure would take an interest in the school. He had spoken to Mr G. J. Leech, whom he considered a good man for it. Mr Ingram suggested that they should keep within their own Council, and advocated the appointment of Messrs Higgins and Dixon.

Mr Higgins thought much better men might be obtained, and also that if the meetings we- e held in the evening, as they possibly would be, it would be very inconvenient for country members to attend. He did not think he could undertake the duties. Mr Dixon pointed out that it could only bo for a short time that the reserves would remain as they were, and they most inevitably bo taken away. The 2000 acres reserved for Boroughs, were, he contended, only a bonus offered to induce the public to go in for abolition. Mr Cunningham would move tho election of Dr J. B. Downes. Mr Blackett preposed Mr G. 3. Leech, which was seconded by Mr Dixon. It was suggested that the Eaiapol district should bo represented. Mr 3. L. Wilson being present and consenting to stand, Mr Dixon proposed that gentleman for the other vacancy, which being seconded, was carried unanimously. PLASTATIOH. Mr Fendall asked the Chairman if he was a member of the Plantation Board, and if cot, whether the mistake could be rectified. Mr Higgins replied that by some omission his name had cot been included in the list of <he members of the Board, and he said it was a pity, as in tho Cust district alone there were largo reserves planted, the rent from which went to the Central Board, while the trees in tome instances were being spoilt for want of a small expenditure; but he did not see how it was to bo rectified at present, The proceedings then terminated.