GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2345, 19 April 1892, Page 4

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council was held on Wednesday. Present —Messrs W. Balfour (chairman), W. B. Howell, M. Quinn, and J. M. Barker. SMALL DIRDS. A letter was read from Mr John Grigg in reply to an inquiry respecting Powell's bird poison. Mr Grigg wrote that Mr Powell prepared the poisoned grain from a recipe of his own, and " there is not one bird here where there were 50.” The members of the Longbeach Road Board were determined to use nothing else. A circular from Mr Powell stated that the prices were from 20s to 25s per bushel (lesser prices for larger quantities), and not more than half the quantity of the common kinds need be used. It was agreed to hold over the subject until the season arrives. BRIDGES, Mr Quinn reported that he and Mr Talbot had arranged with the Temuka Road Board to continue in charge of the Opihi bridge for the Council. The chairman stated that in response to the invitation of the Waimate County Council he and Mr Quinn and Mr Marchant went to the Pareora bridge the previous day, and met there six members of the Waimate Council and discussed the bridge question thoroughly. No definite conclusion was come to, but all those present were against a stock bridge as compared with a traffic bridge. The majority were of opinion that the present bridge should be removed, but it was agreed there was urgent necessity for protective works on the south side, irrespective of a bridge, to protect the ford ; the river is cutting away the bank, and the Council would have to buy more land if the bank were not protected. Something definite should be settled as it was simply playing with the question. The matter had been adjourned before to suit the Waimate Council. The engineers’ reported that the Saltwater creek bridge repairs were concluded, and a good strong job made of it. The total cost was £3231 35,0x £25 3s above the contract price, more new timber being used than was contemplated at first. It would be advisable to asphalt and metal over the bridge next summer, or the heavy traffic would wear out the planking long before it could decay. After inspecting the encroachment of the Pareora river on the south terrace, they recommended a protective fence should be erected, cost about £55. The stock of rails was getting low, and they recommended that 10 tons be procured. They also asked instructions concerning the clearing'of a ford at the Upper Opihi bridge, as they understood that traction engines would want to cross there. Also concerning the maintenance of the fords at bridges which engines are not allowed to cross ; if the council had to pay arrangements should be made with road boards to do the work required, the council having no plant or organisation for it. It was resolved on the motion of Messrs Howell and Barker—” That the engineer be instructed to erect the training fence to protect the south ford of the Pareora river, as per his report thereon.” The question of a northern training fence was held over. It would cost about £l5O. It was resolved on the motion of Howell and Quinn —“ That this council do take over such fords in the county where bridges form an alternative means of crossing the river in immediate connection with such fords ; and that the several road boards be requested to keep them in repair and furnish cost of same to the council.” WATER RACES. The chairman stated that the races were all in good order, a report from Mr Marchant would be read to that effect. The Geraldine Flat ranger had resigned, and Mr Marchant had temporarily engaged another ma.n The new by-laws would give the council more power in dealing with obstructors of races. They also required owners to keep races clear on their own land. The rangers’ reports were read. S. Gould, Geraldine Flat, resigned his post, and Mr Marchant stated the work was being satisfactorily done by \V. Fly. W. Gould, Orari-Woodbury, reported a good supply and everything satisfactory. G. Crozier, Seadown, reported two or three instances of races being blocked, and recommended the enforcing of the by-laws. Some parts of the races were getting blocked with gorse and the owners put off clearing them. No damage of any consequence was done by the late floods. The water had to be cut off three times during the early part of the month on account of floods. He sent accounts for £(> Ills for assistance obtained, in men and teams. Three ratepayers on Rangitata who had constructed a branch race at their own cost to supply themselves, wrote complaining that a fourth occupier took advantage of the water being brought by them close to his place, applied for a water supply, was granted it, and obtained it by simply cutting a V trench for a few chains, and now refused to contribute a “ penny ” towards the cost of bringing the water down unless the council compelled him. They estimated his share at 80s. —The council did not see that they had power to compel the man to be honest and neighbourly in the matter. Mr C. Bisset, Rangitata, complained that he had had no water in his race for three weeks. —Attended to. , Mr N- 0. Orbell wrote that he took over Mr Postiethwaftie’s water agreement. Mr J. Campbell, Rangitata, was granted leave to make a small loop race. A special meeting was fixed to be held on the 28rd inst., to adopt the new by daws, Tenders were opened as follow for 8 £ miles of race, Marshall's to Humphrey’s, North SeadownJ. Cartwright £BO (accepted), Fletcher £O2, Grogan £93 15s, Davies £94 Is Sd, Calvert £o7Bs 4d, O’Mara £99 Is Bd. MISCELLANEOUS. The slaughter house inspectors’ returns and reports were received. The reports were satisfactory. The issue of slaughtering licenses was approved to Woodhead and Son, T. Oliver, T. Chamberlain, F. Matthews, and D. Gedyc. ACCOUNTS. Letters from the Waimate County Council demanded full particulars of claim against them in connection with the litigation over the Pareora bfjdge, and complained of engineer’s chargee being made against them, when they charged none for works done by them. Resolved on the motion of Messrs Howell and Barker —“ That this Council regrets that the Waimate County Council objects to professional charges rendered them in n> Pareora bridge, and would wish to draw their attention to the different arrangements our Council works under as regards our engineer as compared witli theirs.” Accounts amounting to £491 0s lid were passed for payment.