GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 240, 6 March 1880, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

This Council met in Tinmru on Friday (y ■-s'-.erday) Present—Mr Tripp (Chairman), and all the members. Minntes were read and confirmed CORRESPONDENCE From Clerk Geraldine Road Board re valuation of Road Eoard District From Chairman of same, stating that the Clerk was instructed to forward returns From Col. Secretary, stating that all the funds belonging to the Geraldine County Council, derived from subsidies, etc., were disbursed, and that tho Government could not forward the L2OO asked for From Inspector of Slaughterhouses, advising stone or concrete for floors of slaughterhous?B. From Temuka Ro?.d Board, enclosing correspondence with Levels Road Board reOpihi bridge. From Col. Secretary, pointing out the necfsity of advertising certain matters in the Govt. Gazet'e From proprietor of Evening Telegraph applying for share of advertisements From Messrs White and Jameson, accepting the appointment solicitors. It was proposed and seconded " That the Clerk write to Chairman and Clerk of Geraldine Road Board, explaining reason that their 1 •tters Wire not received for last meeting Copy of bond of security provided by the C'erk ;" also rcemo of agreement between the Council was read by the Chairman. Mr Wilson drew attention to this documen', wuieh did not state what hours or day* the offices would be open, and that by clause 8G it. was needful that, the Clerk, or one in lim absence, should be in attendance to receive any person who might require information or otherwise. Mr Mende'son said it was left with the Covin cil to fix any hour they liked Mr Acton said that "any fixed rule in connection with tliis might lead to fr inhle, and thought it was not r.ecessary to define the time when the Clerk should he present Mr Wilson replied that the Act required the attendance of =>omo one. After considerable discn.-s'on it wa« resolved that the office hour-3 be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m every Saturday. Mr Acton moved, and Mr Mendelson seconded, that a reply be sent to the Colonial Secretary, pointing out. that the Council desires him to reconsider his decision not to advance any money, and that the Council considers it is entitled to have their request complied with, and pointing out cetrain clauses in the Public Works Act bearing on tho subject. Mr Wilson proposed, Mr Clulee '.'seconded, that, so that there should be no misunderstanding on the subject, the 26th clause of the Slaughterhouse Licensing Ordnance be printed and sent to license-holders. Mr Wilson said said the 26th clause requires tho owner of a slaughterhouse to keep a book, to enter in it the brands, sexes, places from whence rece-ved and other things, and that many of those who do not do much business might be ignorant of the clause, and could not perhaps get a copy of the ordinance, even though willing to pay for a copy. Mr Acton would rote against the motion, as he thought it an unnecessary expense. Mr Clulee thought if tie clause was printed and distributed it might prev> nt the licensees infringing the law and being fined. Mr Sealey thought it would be better to have them printed, as they would not cost much. Mr Hardcastlo also spoke in favor of the m 'lion, and said that the clause could be t icked into the books supplied. o licencees,and misunderstanding thus pre rented. The motion was carried. Mr Wilson moved and Mr Clnclee secon led " That it was necessary that sfcens be at once taken to have the Opihi bridge built,and that | Council take temporary charge of work, and if*at any time the Temuka and Levels R >ad Boards choose to take ib over the; cm do so." Mr Wilson said it was an urgent necessity, and that travellers were in danger of their lives Mr Sealey spoke strongly in favor of going on with the work, even if a rate had to be levied. He said if the Council did not take in hand such works the Council would be a dead letter Mr Clulee said if it lead to rating, lie would only second the motion pro form • Mr Acton moved and Mr Menlleson seconded, as an amendment, " That this Council consider the matter of the Opihi bridce, one of the first works the Council should proceed with when able to do so." Mr Mendelson supported the amendment, because he saw no funds to carry it out, and that a Is rate over tho whole county would only realise LIO,OOO He did not believe in counties Ho considered the Road Boards is all that is needed, and regretted that two local bodies should be in tho field Mr Wilson asked how the Rangitata bridge was to be paid for Mr Acton said this was a work betwoen the two counties, and Government would have to pay for it in the first instance, and that the whole county would likely be rated for it Mr Wilson replWl that if the whole countv had to be taxed fcr the Rangitataßvidge,which benefitted only a few to any extent, surely it would not be fair to rate the two local boards for the Opihi Bridge, which w?s a public necessity.

The Chairman agreed with much that had' been said by Mr Wilson and Mi* Clulee, but as there were no funds in hand it. would be well to let the matter stand over till they saw what the next General Assembly would do Trie bridge is v?ry much wanted, but the Levels Board having no money they could not expect the Temuka Road Board to : do it alone. After a long discussion the amendment was carried. The hire Clerk handed in his account. It being in accordance with the minutes of the meeting at which he was engaged, it was passed. Mr Cluleo proposed, Mr Wilson seconded, and carried, that some floor-matfchig, books, and a safe be purchased. Messrs Acton and Sealey weic requested to see the manager of the Bank of New Zealand and arrange about a small overdraft. Moved by Mr Sealey, seconded by Mr Clulee, and carried, that LI Is be allowed to all members residnig in the county for each meet ing of the Council. Mr Acton moved as an amendment, Mr Hardcastle seconded,and carried —That 103 6d be allowed to each member for expense?. j The Couicil adjourned till Friday, 31st I inst.