GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1763, 14 July 1888, Page 1

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine Couniy Conned was held on Wednesday. Present ~ Messrs Bilfour (Chairman), Barker, and Moore. In regard to repairing the bridges, Mr Barker suggested that the Council should repair the bridges on condition that the Road Boards interested paid two-thirda of the coal, by special rate levied on the same princip'e as the waterworks rate ; a vote being first taken of the ratepayers whether they would agree jo be rated for such purpose. If local residents had to pay directly they would not bo so eager to demand redecking when a single plank wane wrong. The Ashburton County Council forwarded a report by their Engineer slating that the older decking of the Rangitata bridge must be replaced immediately, and tenders were being called for the work. The Chairman said they must repair the Pareora bridge. It was understood that the bridge would be repaired, otherwise the Waimate Council would not have agreed to this Council having control of the badge ; they would have taken it, and carried out the work themselves and charged the Geraldine County Council with half the cost. The Orari traffic bridge was mentioned, and it was stated that the present bridge was not worth repairing. The Eegineers were ins'ructed to report on the c )*t ol repairing or reconstructing the upper Orari an I Cpihi bridges. Mr E. Griffiths, a settler just outside the Rangitata water supply district, «p----p'ied for a branch race to supply his f*rm. A discussion arose as (o the terms on which supplies to persons outside the district could be arranged. Mr Merchant, who was present, said the Council must have such races laid out by their Engineer. They might wait until ihors were half a doz-n such applications, when the coat of survey und supervision would be reduced. The Clerk stated there were several outside the district who wished to be supplied, He further stated that if the property tax assessment is reduced this year, as a good many people think it will be or alien'd Ir, the rate struck on the Rangitata water supply district to raise interest on the water race loan, will be insufficient to pay the interest. After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Barker seconded by Mr Moore—“ That Mr Griffiths be informed that the Council will cause the race to be cut if he will pay the cost of same, and pay at the same rate pet annum as if he were within the district, subject to any alteration as to yearly rate for maintenance that may hereafter be made; that steps be taken to ascertain if others wish to get water on the same terms so that the additional races may be out at the same time,”

The Engineers, Messrs Me«son and Marchant, reported as follows :—“ Woodbury watar-racae The contractor commenced work on this contract about thres weeks ago, and is making goad und satisfactory progress. Rangitata water-races —We recommend that a working ranger should be appointed for this district. It is n cesiary that there should be some one in charge of the works, more especially while they are new," —It waa decided to advertise for a ranger. The Mount Peel Road Board sent an account for 5s for a plank put over a water-race.

The Property Tax Commissioner requested that facilities be given to persons desirous of being appointed valuers under the Property Assessment Act, to ascertain the amount of work they would bare to do, —Agreed to, Mr 0. 6. Bradley was granted a slaughterhouse license conditionally on the inspector reporting favorably of the proposed site for slaughter yard.

The balance-sheets and statements of account* for the year endiag March 31st last, having boon duly audited, were formally adopted. Accounts amounting to £194 13* 4d were passed for payment, and the meeting terminated.