GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2221, 30 April 1880, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly'' meeting of the above ivas held to-day. Present —Messrs C. C. Tripp (chairman) E. Acton, A. Wilson, T. Hardcastlc, 11. J. Scaly, G. F. Clulcc, and J. Mcndclson. CO RRESPOXDEX CE. Erom Mr Cooper, Colonial Secretary’s office, intimating that the slaughter house by-laws passed by the Count}' Council had received the assent of tho Govcrnor-in-Conncil. From the same in reference to the proposal to hold courts for the revision of the electoral r«ll in the Road Board offices, intimating that the Government COIIIU only appoint tlm 7? AT TV,r the purpose if such wore available. From the Ashburton County Council re the distribution of tho £IOO,OOO belonging to the Canterbury land fund. From the same in reference to the extension of the Rangitatu bridge, intimating that the matter M'as now in the hands of the Government. From the Levels Road Board, enclosing letter from R. Chisholm, complaining of the nuisance caused by a slaughter yard near Timaru, together with copy of resolution passed by the Board, suggesting that the County Council exorcise supervision over these establishments. {inspection of slaughter-houses. Mr S. Durham, Inspector of Slaugh-ter-houses, reported that he had inspected the slaughter-houses at the Washdyke, Tomnka, Winchester, and Rangitata, and had found them in good order. Appended to the report was a list of licensees within the county. THE DOG TAX. Communications were read from the Inspector of Slaughter-yards and the Clerks of the various Road Boards, in reference to the offer of the County Council re collection of the Dog Tax. The offer made was 10 per cent on the amount collected,and exceptiu tliecaseof the Mount Cook Road Board,who stated that their Clerk’s time M'as fully occupied, and the Temuka Board, mlio advised that the offer be made to the ratccollcctor, the terms were agreed to. Considerable discussion ensued, the Chairman intimating that it had been suggested to’him that tenders be called for the collection of the tax, and Mr Acton opposing the proposal.

Mr Acton moved that the Governor in Council be requested to appoint the following collectors under the Dog Tax Ordinance: —Mr Sherrat, Mount Peel and Geraldine ; Mr Gaze and Mr Barnett, Levels Bead Board ; Mr Gall, Mount Cook ; Air Lawson, Teinuka.

An amendment was proposed by Mr Clulec, and seconded by Mr Wilson—- “ That tenders be invited for the collection of the Dog Tax within the county and that a record of the fees collected be kept.”

This occasioned an animated discussion, and after a further amendment bad been proposed dividing the county into two portions for the purpose, the original motion was carried, with the understanding that the policy of farming the work next year should be a matter fer future consideration. It was resolved—“ That Mr Scaly' be appointed to arrange with the Timaru Town Council for all monies received by them for dog foes due to the County Council.” CATTLE DISEASE. The Chairman called attention to the outbreak of pleuro-pncuinonia in the North Island. He considered the steps taken by the Government in appointing catile inspectors for Canterbury' did not go far enough and he suggested that the G overnor be requested to issue an order in council, prohibiting the introduction of cattle from the North Island or elsewhere. Mr Scaly moved—“ That the Governor be respectfully requested to issue an order in council prohibiting the importation of cattle by sea into any port of the Middle Island of New Zealand, either from the North Island or the Australian Colonies, in consequence of the existence of pleuro-pneumonia.”. The motion was seconded by' Mr Hardcastle and carried unanimously'. THE .SLAUGHTER NUISANCE.

With reference to the complaint of Mr Chisholm, the Inspector of Slaughteryards stated that he had objected three months ago to the yards in question being licensed. The yards, it transpired, belonged to Mr Johnstone, butcher, whose trustees were now carrying on the business. It was represented that they were about a mile out of Timaru, but the gully' where they were situated led into Samlictown, Mr Acton submitted that as a license for the premises was applied for, and the application was before the Council, no license be issued. Mr Mcmlclson and Mr Wilson submitted that the Council should give the nuisance a chance, and not break up the business.

T 1 ic Chairman also suggested that the authors of the nuisance should get a month’s grace to select another place.

The Inspector intimated that the same applicants were asking for leave for another establishment at (Mount Horrible. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Clulce, seconded by Mr Archer, that the license to continue operations on the present site be refused. STOPPAGE Ol' ROADS. It was resolved to confirm the decision arrived at by the Council on Dec. 1,18/5), with reference to to the stoppage of certain roads in the Levels and Geraldine districts. INSPECTOR OP SLAUGHTERHOUSES. Mr Durham was appointed Inspector of Slaughterhouses at a fixed salary of litoo per annum, together with 20s premium on £5 licenses and 10s on £2 licenses, the inspector to visit all slaughterhouses every three months and report to the Council. ACCOUNTS, Accounts amounting to £4O 17s lOd were passed for payment. The meeting then adjourned until June 1,