GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2924, 9 August 1882, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The Council held an ordinary meeting to-day in its office, Maclean and Stewart’s Buildings, Present—Mr C. G. Tripp (Chairman), Messrs J. Talbot, • G. F. Clulee, A. Sherratt, J. C. McKerrow, and J. Mendelson. BANOITATA FEEET. The Ashburton County Council wrote re subsidy of £4O for the maintenance of the Rangitata ferry. f A desultory discussion followed as to the adequacy or otherwise of the remuneration to the ferryman, the traffic, and the fees charged for crossing, which was terminated by the appointment of Messrs McKerrow and Clulee to enquire into the above matters and report to next meeting of the Council, The amount of £4O as asked for was passed for payment ; the Ashburton Council to be informed that the continuance of the subsidy would depend upon the result of the enquiries made by the Sub-Committee of the Council. TIMAEO CEMETERY EEBEEVE. A copy of the petition to the Governor against the proposal of the Cemetery Commissioners to sell the Reserve, was read. Mr McKerrow remarked that for the first time in their lives the Cemetery Commissioners were unanimous on a subject. The proposal of the Commissioners was widely disapproved of in the community, and the general wish was that the land might be reserved for a recreation ground.

The Chairman read a resolution arrived at by the Levels Hoad Board yesterday, disapproving of the sale, which it was desirable the Council / should either endorse or disagree with. Mr Mendelson said he desired to inform the Council, before any step was taken of this kind, that the Council had itself granted the Commissioners the control of this land, and had also allocated funds to them. He thought therefore that the Council could not with a good grace interfere with the Commissioners. If the inhabitants wanted a park let them pay for it. Do not let the Council be forced to interfere between them, and the Commissioners in the exercise of their undoubted rights, Mr MoKerrow said if a majority of the inhabitants wanted the land reserved, the Commissioners had no right to sell in defiance of that wish. Mr Talbot said Mr Mendelson had been the first to throw light on the other side. For his own part he thought country member coaid not conscientiously act on an ex parte statement. From what had dropped from Mr Mendelson it was evident there was much to be said on the Commissioners side. He declined to vote.

Mr McKerrow was surprised at the weakness of the Council in declining to touch a matter concerning their own. county. It was moved by Mr Talbot, seconded by Mr Clulee and carried“ That in the absence of any information on the subject of the North Cemetery Reserve from the Commissioners, this Council does not feel justified in venturing to express an opinion on the matter.” licensing clbbes. Correspondence was read from the Department of Justice, stating that Government declined to interfere as to the payment of clerks for services in connection with Licensing Benches. From the Chairman of the Levels Boad Board, enclosing (I) Copy of hia letter to the Government, asking by whom the labors of Licensing Clerks ought to be paid ; (2) From the Deparfment of Justice, declining to rule, and leaving the matter to be settled by the local bodies. Mr Howley also forwarded an account for travelling expenses, 10s lid, and £6 5s for salary, in all £6 15s lid. This was endorsed as correct by the Levels Boad Board. The Chairman was in favor of the Clerk being paid. Mr Clulee supported this. Mr Mendelson said these Clerks were also Clerks of Court, and had no claim on the local bodies. Mr Talbot thought these Clerks were Government officers ; and, if they felt it a hardship, they should settle the matter with the Government. Mr Sherratt said if the Council began paying out salaries in this way it would be a misappropriation of public money. After further discussion it was moved by Mr Clulee, and seconded by Mr McKerrow—“That the account presented by Mr Howley for services while noting as clerk to the Licensing Committee, be passed for payment, and that the letter received from the Colonial Secretary on this subject be attached to this resolution in the Council’s minutes.” There voted for the motion Messrs Tripp, duke, and McKerrow. Against it Messrs Mendelson, Talbot, and Sherratt. The Chairman gave his casting vote ip favor of the motion and declared it curried. HABBOB LOAN POLLING. Mr Mendelson wished to call the Council’s attention to the Harbor Board’s letter re presiding officers at district polling booths. He thought it would be best for each individual Councillor to express his willingness or otherwise to act. It was decided that the clerk should notify the Board as to which councillors would act. ACCOUNTS, Accounts amounting to £277 • were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.