ORARI BRIDGE WATER-SUPPLY DISTRICT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2510, 1 June 1893, Page 2

ORARI BRIDGE WATER-SUPPLY DISTRICT.

A well-attended meeting of ratepayers in the above district was held on Tuesday evening, to consider the question of the maintenance of water races.

Mr F. R- Flatman occupied the chair, and explained the purpose for which they had met. The maintenance of water races appeared to be very unsatisfactorily carried out, and it was the duty of rate*payers to find a remedy. Mr John Barker answered questions on behalf of the County Council respecting the water races. He knew very well, being a ratepayer himself, that the state of affairs was very unsatisfactory, and the council also knew this and wished the matter settled for the benefit of all concerned. But as by-laws were framed with regard to the maintenance of water races, it was a somewhat difficult matter to alter them at a moment’s notice.

Several ratepayers present strongly condemned the present system with regard to the maintenance of water races, and thought it time they had some remedy. Ratepayers also spoke unfavorably of the present engineer, and showed dissatisfaction with respect to his being employed by the council. Mr Barker defended the engineer, and said the conncil could not possibly do without him.

It was finally decided thnt a committee . be formed of five residents, and their names be sent in to the next council meeting asking the council to appoint them as supervisors of the working of the water races in the Orari Bridge District, and to look after the ranger. After a reply is received from the council tenders to be called for the position of ranger. The following committee was appointed:— Messrs John Thatcher, A. McLean, A. Metcalf, 0. Hewson, and A. O’Neill. Owing to Mr Flatman not being a resident in the district the meeting were not empowered to appoint him on the committee, although they wished to do so. It was resolved—“ That the clause referring to the appointment of a committee of residents only be pointed'out to the council.” Ratepayers thought there was evidently a clerical error somewhere, and possibly they could appointJjMr Flatman next year. A vote of thanks|to’the chairman concluded thejjmeeting.