GERALDIINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1092, 12 April 1883, Page 2

GERALDIINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Council was held in Timaru yesterday. Present —Messrs C. G. Tripp (Chairman), J. Talbot, G. F, Cluiee, J. Paterson, and J. C. McKerrow.

After. the reading of some correspondence of no great importance, a report was read from Messrs F. W. Marchant and G. Laing-Meason detailing their scheme for irrigating the Waitohi Flat District. The report set forth the proposed source of supply, viz, a channel of the Opihi River near Prentice's faim; the distribution of water, which the engineers proposed to effect by constructing races through which to convey the water to the natural channels ; and the purchase of land required. In reference to this ths engineers proposed *o buy a strip of land along the Opihi River terrace, of about 1G acres, In reference to maintenance, they considered no provision would be necessiry for regular maintenance, and that £SO per annum would be quite,, enough to allocate for the purpose. Their estimate of cost was as follows :—Total construction and land purchase, £I7BO ; inspection and contingencies, £260 ; total. £2040. There was a good deal of discussion on ho question of carrying out this work. Mr Talbot pointed out that it required the careful attention of a sub-committee, and it would then be necessary to lay the matter before the residents of the district.

It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Talbot, seconded by Mr SherraU—-

"That a Committee consisting of Messrs Moody, Clulee, MoKcrrow and the mover be appointed to consider the report of Messrs Meason and Marchant on the irrigation works proposed to be carried out on the Waitohi Flat, and to report as to tha best steps to be taken in getting the scheme carried out; a!so, to take into considsration the advisability of getting a special Water-supply Bill drafted, applicable to the whole county, with a view to its being passed during the ensuing session of Parliament." The Council resolved to hold a special meeting on the 23rd inst., for the purpose of receiving the sub-committee's report on the irrigation scheme, and taking steps, under a special order, for dissolving the Temuka and Geraldine Road Boards, this action being rendered necessary by recent alterations in the boundaries of the two districts.^ Accounts amountiug to £l6 15s 6 d were passed for payment.