GERALDINE COUNTY CONCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2150, 15 January 1891, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY CONCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine Council was held yesterday. Present—Messrs W. Balfour (chairman), Mackay, J. M. Barber,, M. Quinn, W. B. Howell, and R. A. Barker.

The Seadown ranger, G. Crozier, reported in December that everything was in good order and the water in good supply. Small works in branch races were reported on. The ranger asked for an increase of his pay of 27s a week, as the laoes had been considerably extended since be took the work. It. was stated that there were 70 miles of races when he started, and some 18 miles mere now, and it took all bis time. In January he reported that a flood in the river washed down the shingle dam, and he had to engage a horse and dray to restore it. There were some cases of illicit irrigation before the rain came, but none since.—On the motion of. Mr Quinn Mr Crozier’s wages were increased to 30s a week. Mr Radford, inspector, reported that ha had been all over the districts and they were all in good order. He also reported that the mam. who was appointed to look after the Geraldine Elat race bad' gone shearing, and the writer recommended another man to look after the works. In December Mr Radford wrote that the Geraldine Flab races were being choked by vegetation?, and the head race by slips, from neglect, and the supply was somewhat short. He had had the slips cleared

and some leading channels cut in the river which restored the supply, and then the rain came; now there was plenty elf water. There were many complaints oil interference with the supply boxes. Other oases of pure mischief had occurred, embankments being cut away and the water let out. Short reports ware also read from the former and present rangers of this district. Mr A. Kelnuin waited on the council to complain that lit had been agreed that he should be supplied with a certain quantity of water—6 x 6 box supply—and this

supply had been reduced to a quantity useless to him.—Referred to the engineers for examination of the cause of complaint. Mr W. Gould, the Orari-Waihi ranger, reported a good flow of water and all in good older. He found a race dammed one day, but he did not know by whom. The Woodbury ranger, Mr J. Kelli}, reported all in good order, but the practice of using thawater for irrigating the gardens at Woodbury had robbed people below of their supply. A threat of legal proceedings, however, checked the practice. Ad application for a water supply wan referred to Mr Barker for inquiry. The Orari-fiangitata ranger reported a clear case of irrigation of a garden' at Orari, with tho effect of stopping all the flow below for 24 hours.—lt was decided to prosecute in this case. Mr W. Positlethwaito applied for an

extension of the Orari-Waihi water dis-

trict, to include some 500 acres of bis land, in order to enable him to obtain race water. —Mr J. M. Barker stated that the adjoining ratepayers had come to him «nd protested against a portion of Mr Postlelhwaiie’a land being taken in, and that if any were taken in the whole 1700 acres should be.—lt was explained that Mr Postleihwaite refused to have his land included in the water district, and refused to allow the water from the race above him to cross his land except on condition

that he was allowed to make use of tt.

This agreemen t was made, and Mr Footlethwaite uses the water for driviig m»cbinory, Mr Kelman, the last occupier on this race w ithin the race district, claims to h«\e the right, as last user, to use the water for irrigation, and this would deprive Mr Postlalh waits of it.—The engineer was instructed to report on the application, and its effect on any subs'quenfc applications for water lower down.—Mr Barker said there would certainly be such applications before long.

Mr Talbot wrote that the Waitohi water district should he redefined, and made to ino'ude a wider area. He re-

commended the council to try to get the law simplified.—The chairman said a Bill was introduced last session, but it was not successful.—A long discussion took place re the proposed redefiniiion. and as a result it was resolved that the engineer coneu't with Mr Talbot and report to the chairman, the latter to t ke action if necessary. A petition was received from residents on the Tengawai Elat, asking for the declaration of « water supply distn'c 1 ; on the flat, ex'eodini; half a mile in width on each aide of the M.ckerz’-i road and f orn near Sutherlands (o Hie Cemetery Reserve oo the south side of tl e Mackenz'e road, and to Maze’s road on the other side. The water could he got fiotu the Tengawai. Another petition asked for the extension of this scheme to make it include some properties on this side of the Point township. Mr P. Patullo also wroia asking if the council could at the same time in ka a race oa (ho north side of the Tengawai, to servo six settlers on o flit of about 300 acres. A flying survey had been m*de, and the cost was estimated at only £3OO. It was static that the Land Company would be glad to have a race carried on to the downs, and along the 13 leading spurs if it were possible. Mr Merchant thought it would be quite possib'e. It was also stated that the Tengawai F/at occupiers would object to be inc uded in any scheme for racing the downs, as their supply would be a cheap one and that on the downs an expensive one.—lt, was resolved that the chairman inform Mr Bishop that the council engineers are prepared lo attend a meeting of the residents interested, to discuss the question of supply of water for the Tengawai Flat and clowns, Mr Patullo to be inv led to be present at the meeting also. Mr Howell said he would like to know whether it was not possible lo get tbs water on to the downs on the north, side, when if so he would apply to have it carried to his downs.

Mr L. Walker and Captain Temple applied to have a small district proclaimed in the Hae-bae-te-moana forks, and a race of about 4 mile* constructed.—To be referred back for further information. In view of the number of applications for new races, and for ex'ensions of races, members were inclined to approve of proclaiming the whole county a watrr district, us has beun done by the Solwyn County, and Mr R. A. Barker gave notice to moye at next meeting that the council consider the advisability of doing so. The engineers reported as follows : The engineer reported as follows; sVaitohi Water Supply ; The survey of the head race has been completed, and the lines of the distributing races surveyed

with the exception of about three days’ work. We have the contract plana of the bead race in hand. Tengawai Stuckbr'dge ; We estimate the cost of building a stookbridge across the flood channel of the Tengawai river at Pleasant Point at about £BSO, including necessary protect!- e works at (he south end, and putting the decking of the old traffic bridge into propeir order for 'light traffic. Love’s Water-race : The contract for this work bus been very satirfno'orUy completed for the com of £149 143 lOd.