GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2110, 11 October 1890, Page 4

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this council was held on Wednesday . Present —Aiessrs W. Balfour (chair- ( man), ■W. B. Howell, M Quinn, E, Mackay, and E. Banker. Mr Moore wrote apologising for non-attendance. ■ ; Waterworks. Mr Eadford, clerk of works, reported that the race at Cochrane’s Woodbury, was complete, and that other works were being satisfactorily carried out. Mr Gi-ynes, ranger at Bangitata, reported the races in good orden'n fa is district; the race on the Peel Forest road required to be larger, and new branch races were finished. He asked that now several other races had been made, his salary be increased. It was agreed that Mr Gynes was entitled to an increase; on the motion of Mr Barker, seconded by Mr Howell, his salary was raised to 35s per week. Mr J. Eeilly, ranger at Woodbury, Mr W Gould, ranger at Orari Fiat, and Mr E. Eichards, ranger ar Geraldine, reported water running in all the races satisfactorily. Mr G. Orozier, Seadown, reported Mr Marshall wanted the water taken across the road into a creek on Mr Holwell’s land. About 40 feet of pipes would be required for the work. It was agreed that the work should be attended to. The engineers reported that they had pegged out the branch race through Brosuahan’s and other properties. north side Point road, and Mr Hugh Brosnahan had signed an agreement to carry out the work on behalf of the persons interested, according to specifications and to their satisfaction. Mr Jonas Fiefield had satisfactorily completed his contract

for branch race through Rolleston’s, Macdonald’s, and others, and the water had now traversed about three-quarters of its length. Mr Cochrane’s race, Woodbury, is now completed, On the motion of Mr Howell, seconded by Mr Quinn, the chairman, Messrs Mackay and Barker were appointed a Committee to open tenders for .the Levels water supply on the 14th inst. at 2 p m., and accept. Messrs Wharton and Proadfoot were allowed to take a branch race over their farms, the work to be done under direction of the council’s officers. GERALDINE TRAFFIC BRIDGE. The engineers reported on the condition of the Waihi bridge at Geraldine, and cost ol‘ affecting repairs thereto. “The bridge is 160 feet in length, consisting of 4 spans of 40 feet each. Bach span is carried by 4 timber lattice girders under the roadway. The main

timbers of the two end spans are in a very decayed and unsafe condition; the two central spans are generally in good order. The bridge decking is almost new and in first-class order. At the time the bridge was redecked the Geraldine Eoad Board strengthened the girders by understruttine them; had it net been for this we think the girders could not possibly have withstood the passage of any moderately heavy load over them, The design of the bridge girders is weak, complicated, and expensive, and the cost of effecting any repairs to them would be excessive and unsatisfactory. .We propose then that new and independent supports should be given to the roadway by heavy understrutting, and so relieving the girders of any strain due to the passage of loads over the roadway. The decking being, new and the piles fairly good the additions proposed should make the bridge serviceable for some years to come. The sheeting planks of the abutments and wings are nearly all decayed, and will require renewal.”

Messrs Meason and Merchant enclosed an estimate of cost of putting the bridge into thoroughly good and strong repair, and on the motion of Mr Howell, seconded by Mr Quinn, were instructed to get out specifications and call tenders for the repair of the bridge.

T!ie Waihi. Mr Hawke, Geraldine, drew attention to the Waihi river against his land, being blocked with broom and rubbish, and this being at a sharp turn, caused the river to overflow his land He wanted to break up a paddock but could do nothing till the flow of water was stopped. He proposed cutting a way through, and would give £3 towards such a work. Mr Barker said that he had inspected the place, and by the aid of a sketch plan explained to the members exactly what Mr Hawke wanted—a channel scooped out of the riverbed.

Mr Howell said that on the face of it the proposition seemed to be reason: able, but if one were acceded to there were dozens of others. The question had been discussed last year on the Geraldine Eoad Board asking for authority to strip the river in places. Mr Quinn was ceriainly.in favour of giving Air Hawke permission to alter the channel.

Mr Barker said he deeired assistance to do the work, and Mr Howell said the trouble was that if one application were granted the council would be overwhelmed with similar applications.

Mr Barker thought it a good idea ; they should make a trial now, and see how it worked. Mr Hawke would do the job for £5, and relieve the council of any further trouble. Mr Barker added that if the council agreed, he would personally see those interested. Messrs Hawke and Lewis.

On the motion of Mr Quinn, seconded by Mr Mackay, Mr Barker was empowered to deal with the work, the cost to the council not to exceed £2. MISCELLANEOUS. The reading of two circulars on the labor question, and one circular from Sydenham, was followed by accounts amounting to £lO7 10s lid being passed for payment, and the council rose.