GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 401, 16 June 1881, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

An ordinary naeetin# o£ this, Council was held on ; Tuesday, last. MEMBERS, PRESENT. Messrs C, G. Tripp (chaii-mfin), E. Acton, A. Wilson, J. Mendolson, and G. P. Cluleo.

MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. SLAUGHTEKHOUSE LICENSES. Mr Mendelson drew attention to a clausej in the Slaughterhouse Act, by which they could not issue licenses to firms, but only to individuals, It was decided iu future to-4o this. CORRESPONDING?. The following qor-responderine was read \-r- 9 Prom Mr Sealy, exousing hisat>senoe on account of being on the jury. From the Post and Telegraph Department, Wellington, stating that the name of Woodbridge would be changed back to Rangitata. From the Telegraph Department, Wellington, stating that in accordance with the Council's petition, a telegraph system was being established on the Albury line of railway, and public telegraph offices would shortly be opened at the Point and Albury stations. From Mr James Macdonald, Sheep Inspector, asking to be furnished with the > ames of those to whom slaughtering licenses had been issued, From the Colonial Secretary's office acknowledging the receipt of the Council's letter, enclosing a resolution urging upon tho Government the desirability of granting a land endowment in aid of the Harbor Board, and in reply stating the Government had no powei at present to make such reserves, and that the Legis--latnre of late years had declined to sanction endowments of this nature. From the Colonial Secretary's office, acknowledging a leter from the Council requesting return of all fines, fees, transfers, &c, which have- been received at the Resident Magistrate's Court at Timaru, frotn 23rd Dec, 1879, to the pre. sent, and in future when such returns are made up. The reply was that, the request had been forwarded to the Department of Justice. From the Department of Justice, dated Btli June, informing the Council that the fines, etc,, aro paid in stamps at the R.M. Courts, and returns of same forwarded to the Treasury every month,, particulars of which are remitted to the local bodiea bodies concerned From Mr R. Beetham, R.M-, acknowledging the Council's letter, and replying that he would be happy to furnish returns as desired, if authorised by the head of the department to do so. From the Colonial Secretary's office, re reserves, stating that the Government had no power to change the purposes for which the reserves were allocated, but furnishing a list of reserves made in the district, and how vested. RANGITATA A letter was read frorrPMr C. M. Blair, Engineer-in-Charge, Middle Island, en - closing one from Mr Under-Secretary Knowles, intimating the control of the Rangitata Bridge had been vested in the Ashburton County Council. Mr Iligginson's report on the Rangitata bridge, which had been forwarded, was read. A letter was. draftad by the Council dining its sitting, addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, to the effect that it considered it somewhat arbitrary and unjust to vest the control of the Rangitata bridge in the Ashburton County Council at a time when the mode of construction was under consideration, and submitting that the use of solid iron piles wap condemned by every competent authority connected. They suggested, therefore, that a commission of competent engineers shoaild be authorised to prepare pla,ns for the bridge extension. They also npronded a few further argumeu ts in support of their position. RESOLUTIONS. The following resolutions were carried : Proposed by Mr and seconded by Mr Mendelson —" That a copy of the letter from the Hon. Colonial Secretary, dated May 26;th, referring to. endowment for the Timaru Harbor Board bo furnished for the information of the Chairman of the Timaru Harbor Bpard." Proposed by Mr Acton, and seconded by Mr Mendelson—" That the letter as read be addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, in reply to his letter, of June 2nd, referring to. the Ran--gitata Traffic Bridge " Proposed by Mr G- F: Clulee, and seconded by Mr Hardcastle. —" That copies of the letter framed by Mr Acton, with the petition referred to therein, be forwarded to the followin r members of the House of- Representatives, viz. : Mr Wakefield, Mr Studholme, and Mr Turn-. bull." ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts, the Council adjourned to the 12th J uly.