GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1518, 12 June 1886, Page 1

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council took place on Wednesday. Present—Messrs J. Talbot (Chairman), Mackay, Postleth waite, Balfour, and Barker.

After the minutes bad been confirmed} letters were read From the Clerk to the Levels Road Board, stating that members had postponed consideration of the Opihi Bridge question till next meeting.

From the Clerk to the Mount Peel Road Board, stating that the Board had agreed to pay their share of the bridge over the Opuha.

The Chairman said he had received no reply from the Mackenzie County Council re the biidge and after a slight it was resolved—“ That on receipt of an official notification from the Mackenzie County Council of their refusal to join this Council in erecting the proposed stock bridge over the south branch of the Opuha river, on the Clayton road, the Chairman be authorised to request the Governor to place the control of the proposed site of the bridge in this Council.”

From the Clerk to the Vincent County Council and Mr G. R. Johnson, Chairman of the Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament on the rabbit nuisance, forwarding correspondence on the subject named, and soliciting suggestions from the Council how best to deal with the matter. After a short discussion it was unanimously resolved—“ That thia Council strongly objects to the Government giving any bonus on rabbit skins; that the management of the question should be left to County Councils to deal with, or pieced under Boards specially selected for the purpose ; in either case a portion of the rents for Crown lanls should be vested in the body appointed to deal with the question ; also to have charge of sheep inspection, and the revenue therefrom.” Twelve landowners and leaseholders of land on the Tengawai river wrote stating that the river had for the last two years taken » most dangerous mm towards the south bank, and during the late fresh had done much damage. They urged that unless immediate steps were taken the river would keep on encroaching, which would result in the inevitable destruction of the township of Pleasant Point.—The Counci' decided that they could not deal with the matter. Mr Geo. Butler wrote in reference to the Seadown water-race going over hla land, objecting to the Council taking so much of his land for irrigation purposes. —lt was decided to see if the parties interested were inclined to agree with the report made by the Council’s valuer. Tho Clerk to the Ashburton County Council wrote stating the Council had accepted a tender for £468 13s 8d for rebuilding one-third of the old portion of of the Rangitata bridge.

The members for South Canterbury wrote acknowledging receipt of the Council’s recommendation r« amendments to the Dog Registration and other Acts, and stating they were now taking action in the matter.

Licenses were granted to Messrs J, Tindall, W. Beedel, E. J. Stericker, and Q. H. Rhodes.— The Clerk was instructed to enquire into alleged cases of slaughtering without licenses.

Mr Balfour drew the Council’s attention to a resolution passed by the Levels Boad Board at their meeting on Monday, dealing with private roads laid off in townships, which roads had not been formally dedicated to the Crown. The Board suggested that the fact that plans were deposited in the Registration office showing roads giving access to lands which had been parted with by sellers be considered sufficient to make these roads public property.—The Council resolved to endorse the motion and to add to it the following words;—“And that in future it be necessary on the cutting up of properties that all roads must be laid off, and after being approved of by the County Council, must be dedicated to tbs public use; no road to be laid off leM_

than one chain in width.” The Chairman drew attention to tbs passage in the Financial Statement bearing on irrigation, and how funds were proposed to be raised for carrying out this and similar works, and expressed his approval of the scheme. Accounts were passed for payment, and the Council adjourned.