GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1904, 15 June 1889, Page 3

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

At a meeting of the Geraldine County Council on Wednesday, An extensively signed petition was received, praying the council (o restore the bridge over the Waihi at Winchester, setting out at length the inconvenience and danger of the ford that must now be used, which is worse than it was 20 years ago, as it is narrowed and obstructed by the bridge in the middle of the road-line. A deputation, consisting of Messrs J. Mundell, J. Kelknd, and W. Deßenzy, waited on the council to urge that the bridge be restored. The deputation strongly urged that the bridge should be repaired, forcibly pointing out the dangerous state of the ford, the inconvenience travellers experienced, and the 8m n ll cost of the repairs. They also urged that the council need not make the repairing of the bridge a precedent with regard to repairing other bridges. After the deputation - had withdrawn the council discussed the request, and Mr Barker moved, and Mr Moore seconded — “That the Winchester bridge repairs be taken in hand forthwith.” It was decided that the engineers report to next meeting as to the most economical way of dealing with the bridge. Among the suggestions to be considered by them are shortening of the bridge by 80 feet, narrowing it from 19 feet to 13 feet, and using timber from the Oxford-lemuka bridge, given by the Government to the council for use in repairing bridges. The following report by the engineers was submitted : —“ In accordance with a resolution passed at thelast meeting of your council, we have the honor t» submit the following report on the proposed OrariWaihi, Geraldine Flat, and Waitohi water districts. We also enclose plans showing the lines of the head races of the two latter works! that of the Orari-Waihi, through Mr Tripp’s land, we have already handed to your council. “ Orari-Waihi-Our estimate for this work, from the new site of intake, is £9OO. This includes the whole of the works, head race, and distributing races, but does not include any fencing on Mr Tripp’s land. Wo understand this question of fenciug has lately been discussed between the ratepayers and Mr Tripp, and that the conclusions arrived at will be laid before your Council to-morrow. With regard to the alternative scheme proposed, we are unable to say, without survey, what it would cost.

“ Geraldine Flat—A preliminary survey only of this work has been made. The plan herewith shows the line of the head race. With the exception of a small corner of reserve 1323, the head race is wholly in Mr J. Innis’ land. In length it is about 34 chains, and in width 75 links, comprising about acres of land. This area may be reduced on survey. Our estimate of this work, from the preliminary surrey is £650. As we understand that the only reason of delay at present in carrying out this work is the non-arrival of the new rate roll, we would suggest the survey should be carried out forthwith, so that we should be free to proceed with the surveys of the other races when their construction is decided upon. “ Waitohi—These works were surveyed by us over six years ago, and as the conditions have probably altered materially, we should not care to give an estimate of cost without viewing the whole district again. The accompanying plan shows the line of the head race. It interseotsttfive properties, the names of the owners of which, together with the length, width, and area of land taken from each, we subjoin— George Prentice, 17£ chains, If acres ; P. Coll, 70 chains, 7 acres ; D. S. Pearce, 40 chains, 4 acres ; A. M. Hullen, 40 chains, 4 acres; D. Rae, 5 chains, £ acre. [The width required in each case is 100 links.]

“ Our estimates for the Oiari-Waihi and Geraldine Flat works, together, amount to £1550, which amount liberally covers all coats and contingencies, in so far as it is possible to estimate and foresee them at present. Our past experience, however, shows that so many extra races, etc., not at present contemplated, are afterwards required by the ratepayers, that we would recommend your council to borrow £2OOO for these contracts, any unexpended balance of which could be returned to Government.” Mr Kempster, Otari Flat, requested to be supplied with water from the now race. —Agreed to. A complaint was received from the ranger at Seadown, respecting a settler there driving his cattle over the race. The settler had a proper crossing over the race on the land. As he had 20 cows running at large on the roads, the ranger was instructed to impound them. Mr Dines wrote about a few fords needing repairs on the Rangitati-Orari race.—lt was decided that Mr Dines should attend to the fords.

A petition was read respecting a branch race in the Lower Rangitata district, from Messrs Macdonald, Eolleston and others. The engineer said that all the petitioners were in the water supply district.— Tbe estimate for the work is £55, and the council expressed their willingness to do it, provided the petitioners forwarded cost. A letter from the Tetnuka Town Board, respecting the collection of the dog tax, was referred to the clerk for reply. The aectetary of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board wrote asking for the council’s contribution of £606 12s Bd, and the clerk was instructed to write to the Road Boards interested on the subject. A circular was read from the Hull County Council respecting certain amend ments Ihey proposed in the licensing Act, and asking this council’s support.— On the motion of Mr Howell members agreed to cordially support the suggested alterations ia the licensing law. Accounts amounting to £142 Os 5d were passad for payment.

A pompous and unloving husband rebuked bis wife for stealing behind bim as be came home on® evening>nd affectionately kissing him. “ Oh,” she retorted; “ excuse me. I didn’t know • it watt you.’ 1