LOCAL & GENERAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2653, 1 May 1894, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Geraldine Trotting Cfcuu.—The Geraldine Trotting Club's programme has just been published for their inaugural meeting. The programme is the first of its kind ever placed before the public in thiß.district, and is well varied, comprising seven events.

Shearers' and Laborers' Union, Gekaldink.—A general meeting of the Gerald ine branch of the Shearers' and Laborers' Union will take place on Saturday evening next. The business is.- (!) Receiving report of delegates from conference; (2) election of officers for the following year.

n.oiiK-RicADiNu Union*.— A rcpresuiV tative meeting of ladies and gentlemen interested in the formation oC a branch of the Australasian Home- Headiug Union was laid at the Gemldme Institute on Friday a'temoon last. It was un-'iniiii'aisly resoU'ed to form a reading-circle, as suggested, and to meet oa Tuesday, a week hen.ee, to arrange about details. Foothaxl.—,A. match will come off at Gcrnldine on Thursday afternoon next between the White Star Club and all comers, commencing at .'J ;»<> o'clock. The following will reprcfiont the White Star : Full-back, A. Hhanks; three-quarters, Vi T . Prentice, J. Coogan, and J. Mundoll ; li'ilves, W. Gore and W. Liwlor; forwards, '.!'. SuLherlaud, W. Clouston, D. Joe. W. O'Urieu, J. fluid. P. C'oogan. aud .1. Trcngrove. Emergencies, F. Fyfe, J. Dean, JJ. Prattj mid. B. Hansen.,

Bound Over.—lsaiah Fake, who assaulted the Rev. Mr Habens last week at Wellington, was bound over to keep the peace for six months.

Special Settlements. There are eighty sections in special settlements in Wellington, area 13,130 ajres, liable to forfeiture, or which have been surrendered.

Onehunga Ikon.—Some Onehunga iron has been tested before leaving for England, and the strength was shown to be pretty equal to the average of cast iron, but it contains too much phosphorus for making steel.

Embezzlement.—At the Dunedin City Court. Frederick Marryatt, a clerk in the Customs, charged with embezzlement, was admitted to probation for six months, and ordered to pay £46 12.3 8d and the costs of the prosecution. Licensing Committees.—The first meeting of the new Rangitata Licensing Committee takes place on June the 6th next, at the Courthouse, Geraldine. The first meeting of the Pareora committee takes place on the 4th June. False Pretences. Francis William Byrne, who for some time past has been obtaining goods from shopkeepers by false pretences, has been committed for trial at Napier. The value of the articles procured by this means is over £4OO. Reserve Wanted.—The Auckland City Council have decided to petition the Government to declare a reserve of 4000 acres of bush at Waitakerei as a public recreation reserve, to protect kauri and kiwi from extermination. Sir George Grey.—The Premier has received a telegram from the Governor coufirming Sir George Grey's appointment to the Privy Council, and has sent a telegram congratulating Sir George Grey on behalf of the people of New Zealand.

The Governor. His Excellency the Governor and suite left Auckland for Kaipara yesterday, on a visit to see the district, and also for a week's shooting expedition. His Excellency is accompanied by the Hon. E. Mitchelson. Wife Beating.—A Wellington cabman named J. M. Wilson got six months' hard labor on Saturday for wife beating. He was only married in February, and according to his wife had begun illusing her almost at once to such an extent that her life was in danger. Horse Stealing.—An old man, Henry Devoy, who, according to Inspector Pender, had spent most of his life in gaol, was committed for trial at Wellington for stealing a horse at Levin, and got three months' hard labour for stealing a saddle and bridle from another person. Pure, After All.—At the inquest on the body of the man who committed suicide at Sydenham a few days ago the coroner ordered that the bottle of brandy found near the body should be submitted to analysis. Professor Bickerton has reported to the police that lie found the brandy free from adulteration.

Dangerous "Wreckage. Captain Kennedy, of the Terranora, has telegraphed to the Marine Department that he has examined the wreckage off Mohaka river, but was unable to remove it. The visible wreckage is the heel of a maßt about ten feet out of water, in 14 fathoms. The beatings from the mast are Mohakai river W. i S., and Waitua river N.W. i N., S£ miles off shore. The wreckage is almost directly in the track of vessels between Wairoa and Napier. Money for Settlement Purposes.—At a meeting of the Canterbury Progressive Liberal Association, notice of motion was given that the Government be asked to promote a Bill authorising the issue of £1,000,000 in national guaranteed notes to have a currency of ten years and to be used for the purchase of land for settlement and for roading and preparing public lands for settlement. A Falling Ovv. —At the annual meeting of the Orphan Home, Parnell, the Governor presiding, the report showed that the interest account had fallen £IOO a year; that the maintence account had increased £4O, and that since the Costley bequest had come in the public subscriptions had largely fallen off. Owing to this state of things no further children would be at present admitted without provision was made for their maintenance. The Government and the Rolls.—Mr Dnthie, M.H.R., has written to the Colonial Secretary, pointing out the inconvenience and annoyance to electors who are struck off the rolls', while it is doubtful whether the law intended that it should be done, and urging that registrars should receive legal directions in the matter. Sir Patrick Buckley replies that the Government do not interpret the law for statutory officers, and that if anyone is aggrieved he has a legal remedy against a registrar. Letters have also been sent to the Government on the same subject by other members of the House. Attempted Suicide. —James Coachman, a steerage passenger by the Rotorua, attempted suicide on the passage to Napier from the north. He fired two pistol shots at himself, one missing while the other grazed his face. Alongside him in his bunk was found a six-chambered revolver with four chambers still loaded. Coachman was brought ashore on Saturday morning and placed in the lockup. The revolver was purchased when the Wyalong gold rush broke out, but Coachman, changing his mind, came to New Zealand. No reason is assigned, but Coachman was in a depressed condition, and suffered much fro in sea-siukness on the voyage.

Village Settlements. The Land Department have issued instructions that matters relating to village settlements under the Act of 188(5, are to be dealt with by the Minister and Commissioner, without reference to the Land Board. The Commissioner on the Wellington Board told members that one effect of this would be that settlers would have to be kept strictly to the regulations, instead of being allowed the latitude often permitted by the board. There was a discussion upon a letter from the Land Department, intimating that village homestead sections could not be converted by the board into leases in perpetuity. Messrs Pirani and Hogg took strong exception to this, and on their motiou the board decided to inform the Minister that they considered settlers entitled to conversion and will give immediate effect to their decision. Our Ekospecits.—The Minister of T,nnds was entertained at a banquet at Shag Point on Friday evening. There was a large attendance, among those present being the Colonial Treasurer, and several other members of Parliament. Mr Ward, in responding to the toast of tho Ministry, expressed the opinion that there was no necessity for the colony to borrow at present or for some time to come. He informed the meeting that (;he colony's ;3£ pjr cent, stocks were nqw approaching iuiM ; they were over 100,}—a thing which, had never happened before. _ Regarding the surplus tor the pust financial year ho declared not one payment had b,een kept back by the Government, and that tlmir liabilities at the end of the fjuaiujal year were never so low as at the present time. The toast of " The guest of tho evening " was received with enthusiasm. I

Wbkcks and Loss o V ta.—The oyster cutters -'-." ri ", and Doveron were wrecked during a storm on Tuesday moaning In Caroline 15ay, ltuapokti Inland. The Alarm broke from her anchor at li a.m. and \v:i6 smashed tq pieces on the rocks. b\(t her crew mmaged to scramble ashore. The Auuio went adrift atJ I o'clock, and eollidcd with the Deveron. Hor master, Mr Doyle, jumpad aboard the latter, but th ; other two of the crew stuck to the Annie, which went to pieces on the rocks, and tiie men were drowned almost immediately. Their surnames are unknown, one had been a liremnn on the steamer Tekoa, and the other a butcher on the llawke's Ray, both of which recently called at the BlulL They wcr; known as "George" ami " Totn.'' Tho.-ic on board the Ueveion managed to beach her in a safe spot. There is no insurance on tho cutters.

Temuka Stock Sale.—The fortnightly sale of stock at Tetnuka takes place to-day. A large number of entries are advertised.

Resigned.—lt is understood that Mr Gilruth, M.R.C.V.S., has resigned his position as Government veterinary surgeon. Personal.—lt is stated that Mr V. Pyke's health is so bad that there is little likelihood of his taking his seat, and he thinks of resigning. Board Meetings.—The monthly meeting of the Temuka Road Board will be held today ; that of the Geraldine Town Board this evening; and that of the Temuka Town Beard to-morrow evening. Meeting at Oraei. —A meeting of persons interested in the erection of a traffic bridge over the Orari river at the Main South Road will be held at the Orari Hotel to-morrow, evening at 8 o'clock.

Road Boakd ' Elections. —Messr9 J. Talbot, J. Fraser, and J. F. Parke were yesterday re-elected members of the Temuka Road Board. They were the only persons nominated to fill the vacancies.

Ratepayers' Meeting. The annual meeting of ratepayers in the Temuka and Geraldine Road Districts takes place to-day. The meeting at Temuka will be held at noon, and the Geraldine meeting at 1 p.m. Fire at Epwobth.—Yesterday afternoon the burning of a couple of straw stacks at Epworth, the property of Mr J. Marshall, led many residents in Temuka to fear that one of the houses of the settlers there was being destroyed by fire. The flames rose to a great height, and could be plainly seen from Temuka. Quoits. A match will be played in Victoria Park on Thursday afternoon between the following teams: Temuka Rifles: J. Watt, J. Sim, E. Whitehead, A. S. Jenkius, P. Coira, and J. Anderson. Temuka Quoits Club: P. McCaskill, senr., H. Lavery, E. C. Dann, A. Russell, J. McCaskill, and J. Grant. Play will begin at 2 p.m. sharp. Winchester. —A most enjoyable social was given by the members of the Waihi Football Club in the Winchester Public Hall on Friday evening. There was a very good attendance, and everything passed off right merrily. Mr T. Hart made a very efficient M.C., and Mr Colville supplied appropriate music. Mr Fenton gave a couple of good songs in a very pleasing manner. The ladies supplied the refreshments, which were much appreciated. The proceds are to go towards the expense of erecting a dressing shed on the football ground.

Primitive Methodist Church, Temuka. —At this church on Sunday the services were conducted by Mr J. Hilton, of Timaru, there being fair congregations. In the evening Mr Hilton preached a harvest thanksgiving Bermon, taking for his discourse " Sowing and reaping." He took his text from Galatians, vi., 7th verse, " Be not deceived ; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap " He contrasted the field of grain with the field of the heart. Appropriate hymns were sung. The Timabu Levanter.—A meeting of the creditors of G. E, Best, the grain expert who recently cleared out with his clients' money, was held yesterday in Timaru. Ten of his victims were present, and represented about £I2OO, and it waa said that an absent creditor had lost about £300; bo that Best must have cleared out with over £ISOO. It was decided to declare him a bankrupt, and arrangements were made to use every possible means to bring him back. A Fairlie man. to whom Beat was well known, left by the same boat, and it is expected that some assistance will be obtained from him. There was a rumor about Timaru yesterday that Mrs Best had returned home, but it was generally discredited. Prospectors in Distress.—Mr Gordon Harney, one of three men who left Preservation Inlet about five weeks ago for Orepuki, with about a fortnight's provisions, reached Treseder's survey camp late on Thursday night quite naked. He stated that Evans and Kelly, his mates, were at the mouth of the Wairaurahiri river quite exhausted and starving, and that if not succoured immediately they could not survive the exposure. The Invercargill should have started for Preservation Inlet before the telegram arrived, but, being delayed by low ebb tide, Sergeant Mc Donnell was able to catch her, and instruct Constable Burrowes, who is a passenger, and Captain Sundstrom to endeavor to rescue the men. Captain Sundstrom landed a search party, and took every precaution. He fired continuous signals, which were calculated to be heard at a distance of seven miles, but the men made no. response. Finally he landed two men at Teweawea Bay to unite with a sfiarch party there, thus forming a party of five men, with two doga, to go in search of the missing men. The search party now have fourteen days' provisions. A hard northerly gale, with comparatively smooth water, prevailed along the coast.

Social at Obaki Gorge.—One of the most successful country socials ever held in the district was the one at the Orari Gorge Shearers' Whare on Friday night last. The social was held in aid of the local private school, which is in need of a blackboard, desks, maps, etc., and, as the sum of £6 3s 6d was taken at the doors, the school should now be provided with every necessary convenience. The whare was suitably decorated for the oocasion, and the floor was put in good order for the dancing, which was kept up till early the following morning'. Fully 50 couples were present, coming from Rangitata, Peel Forest, Woodbury, Geraldine, and otherparts of the country. Pianoforte music was supplied by Miss Fenton and Mr F. Lorgelly in an excellent manner, while Mr A. McPherson held the office of M. 0., and is deserving of every praise for the way in which he conducted the dancing. The promoters' thanks are due to Mr C. Q. Tripp for the loan of the room and the piano, etc. Refreshments were supplied by the residents of Orari Gorge, and were all that could be desired. During the intervals songs were sung by the following; —Messrs Bateman, Carney, Johnstone, T. Nichols, E. Tegridge, and G. Hammond, and Mrs G. Hamniqnd and Miss Black. Mr Macdonald contributed a recitation. Everything was conducted in a very sociable manner, and all who attended the social were loud in their praise as to the way in which it was carried out.

Photogkapiiy.—Our readers are referred to an advertisement in another column by Messrs Peirce and Brook, Photographic Artists, who have been in Timaru for the last two weeks. Their showrooms in McEJeowu's VJuildings are well worth a visit. Specimens of their ordinary work are to be seen of the same price and quality as Messrs Wrigglesworth and liiuns are now showing in the largo? centres. Messrs Pierce and Brook are only enabled to do this by making a temporary stay of six or eight weeks in each town they visit. In the showroom, which is open to the public, are displayed some specimens of their opal work, including enlargements of colonial celebrities. Among the latter is a fine group of the Biillauoa Miu's'ry, one of the largest photographs ever exhibited in New Zealanrl, also a particularly fine life-size of Sir George Mossrs Peiroo an.rßrook !*iaYe erected t:*.eir portable studio adjoining their showrooms. This has been built specially for high-class instantaneous work, and contains all the latest improvements in photographic furniture and apparatus, such as camera., louses, etc. They make a speciality of instantaneous portraits of children and others in any weather. There is, of course, a ladies' and gentlemen's dressing-room, properly titled up. and every attention ii paid to the gen- ra.l public. We are informed by Mas*rs Peirce and Brook that all tho work is iinislied in (Jhristohui'oh and Wellington by their firm, Ale.'i.srs Wrigglesworth and Binns, who arc patentees of tho new style of print called the " Matt-Opal Type." This is among tho choice of fclylos olfered to customers. The specimens exhibited arc certainly high-class pictures, and we were especially struck by some very fine enlargements of woll-known Timaru resident,

A Seriods Native Dispute. —An Auckland Press Association telegram states that Inspector Hickson, owing to the nature of a Native dispute at Faeroa, Thames, has chartered the steamer Paeroa and left on Saturday evening for Paeroa with sixteen of the police and twenty of the Permanent Artillery under Lieutenant Hume. The party are all armed. Just how this will affect you we can't say, but a really good violin and bow for 30s should certainly attract the attention and investigation of those needing a fine instrument, especially as Begg & Co., Timaru, are noted for keeping the largest and best stock of violins in New Zealand. —[Advt.] SYNOPSIS OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Temuka Road Board—Election of members. Bobt. Wood—Ha3 flour, bran, oats, and produce on sale. J. Lawson—Notice re impounded black hack pony mare. N.Z. Land Association— Additional entries Temuka sale. John E. Daley—Caution re sections occupied by Mrs Norah Daley, O.F.C. Association Have buyers for wheat, oats, and barley; storage accommodation, etc. Guinness & LeCren—Entries for Temuka stock sale. Will. Willoughby Rangitata Licensing Committee meeting on June 6th. Miss Campbell —ls forming a dresscutting and fitting class at Temuka. Geraldine Shearers' and Laborers' Union —General meeting on Saturday evening next. R. Darroch—Has sold his business, and is holding great sale of crockeryware and groceries; notice re accounts. ROAD BOARD CONFERENCE. The annual conference of chairmen and delegates of road boards, inaugurated last year by the Geraldine Road Board, was held this year under the auspices of the Temuka Road Board at their office, Temuka, yesterday. There were present —Messrs Tripp and Dennistoun (Mount Peel), F. R. Flatman (Geraldine), A. Mee (Levels), J. Talbot and J. Fraser (Temuka). Mr Mee apologised for the absence of Mr C. N. Orbell. Mr J. Talbot was voted to the chair.

Mr Flatman submitted the minutes o: the previous conference, which were read and signed by the chairman. j In this connection it was suggested b] Mr Dennistoun that as the conference seemed likely to be of annual recurrence it would be well to procure a minufe book and have the records formally kept This suggestion was unanimously ap proved of, and arrangements were made accordingly. i Mr Talbot said that as they were awan the meeting had been called in accordant* with the suggestion of the Geraldine Boat Board last rear, and it was hoped thai such good would result as would lead tc the conference being regularly held. The chief business dealt with last year was " The small birds' question," which mighi occupy some of their attention on the present occasion. There was no formal programme, but he thought that they might legitimately discuss the formation, or otherwise, of aeparate counties, by the amalgamation of road boards. This, he understood, would be brought up. The question of river conservation also was a subject that might attract attention. Doubtless, however, members had come there with various ideas in their heads, and they could be dealt with iu rotation. He then read a letter from the Selwyn County Council relative to THE SMALL BIRDS' NUISANCE. The letter detailed the steps that council had taken with regard to the destruction of small birds, payment for eggs and heads, and asked for information in return, or suggestions that might lead fl better results. '^

The chairman said that, as they were aware, the Geraldiue County Council had taken the matter up laat year, and relieved the road boards of expense. It was, perhaps, a question as to whether results justified the action. It was successful at all events as far as expense was concerned, for some £IOOO had been expended. This was nearly £SOO more than he anticipated, and perhaps some other expenditure, say on bridge repairs, had been curtailed iu consequence.

Mr Dennistoun : The burden was not really taken off the road boards.

Mr Flatman : It was really therefore unsuccessful I

The chairman could not go as far an that. It was a matter of opinion as to whether more birds had not been destroyed than formerly. Mr Mee was of opinion that there were as many birds as ever.

Mr Flatman said that Mr Orbell, of Raukapuka, was of opinion that a very large number of birds had been killed, and another settler in the Geraldine district, Mr Jobberns, had told him that he considered quite enough had been done iu this direction.

The chairman said that it seemed from. the letter of the Sebvyu council that it was just a question as to whether it was better to poison or pay for birds. Mr Dennistoun objected paying for birda and 6gg3. It made the young generation very mercenary. Mr Tripp said why not net by moon* light, as was done in the Old Country I Mr Flatman suggested paying for birds and eggs and then poisoning subsequently. Not do both at the same as it was possible they might have to pay for the heads of some of the poisoned ones. Mr Tripp: Why not have the whole bird sent in 1 Some heads were a good deal alike and they did hot want to pay for starlings or useful birds.

The chairman said that he took it as a suggestion that they should pay in the firat instance for heads and then poison during the latter part of the season. Ho might mention that the coancil had made arrangements already for poison for the next year.

Mr Deunistoun was of opinion that it was better only to poison and not to pay for heads and eggs. Mr Mee believed in poisoning when the ploughing and sowing were in. progress, say at the latter end of May and m June. After that they could pay for eggs and heads. Many people believed that was the best time as tho birds were then clucking and hatching. The elmrman said it was a question if a gceat deal was done by poisoning, etc. Mr Mae : It was certainly a check. Th.a chairman thought chere was a possibility of th -re being a check in any case. A good mauy pests had found a natural enemy.

Mr Tripp thought it a pity more sparrow-hawks had not been introduced. The chairman aaid that the idea of the Sehvyn council was evidently that by paying for oggs at a fair prico there would l)e an ultimate saving of expenditure on eggs.

Some further discussion ensued, several members questioning the efficiency of the present system. Mr Dennistoun donbtod if tho distribution to farmers of poisoned grain was much good, as a good deal was never usod.

The chairman reminded members that tho council had arranged to take up the matter for another yoar, and Mr Denuistouu moved.—" That the council bft

asked to take control of the question of the destruction of small birds for another year." Mr Flatman suggested that the council increase the price paid at present. Mr Fraser agreed, but Mr Mee dissented. Mr Fraser thought 2d a dozen all round a fair price. Mr Tripp asked if there would be any objection to road boards supplying poisoned grain if farmers desired some, and suggested that such an arrangement should be made. In connection with the price, Mr Flatman said in his district only some £lO had been paid against £6O the previous year. The boys would not work for the low figure. Mr Dennistoun thought the decreased expenditure due a great deal to the effects of poisoning earlier in the year. Mr Fraser again urged the adoption of a payment of 2d per dozen all round. In the course of further consideration it was agreed that the council could do the work more effectually than separate bodies, and Mr Mee gave interesting information as to the treatment of poisoned wheat by the ranger employed, who managed to make it attractive to the birds, with the result that numbers were killed quickly. Ultimately it was agreed to accept Mr Dennistoun's motion with the suggestion that the council raise the price to twopence per dozen all round. Mr Dennistoun moved that the letter to the Selwyn County Council be acknowledged with thanks. NEW COUNTY COUNCILS. Mr Flatman said there was a burning question as to the conduct of public business, whether there should be so many governing bodies, with powers overlapping one ano+her, or whether they should reorganise. There had already been Borne discussion at Geraldine, and the question would be again brought up at the annual meeting, and doubtless there would be the same at Mount Peel. The present occasion was a good one for ventilating the subject. The chairman said that there could be no resolution arrived at. The Levels Road Board had moved in the direction of the establishment of a. council some time ago, and now the question of the amalgamation of the Geraldine and Mount Peel Boards was mooted. He suggested Mr Flatman should give his views upon the subject. Mr Flatman was of opinion that it would be a good thing if the Geraldine and Mount Peel Boards were formed into a county council. On the other hand, if the Levels were merged into a council, he thought there would be a difficulty in getting a Bill passed agreeing to it, and leaving the Temuka Road Board out. Under the present Act acreage did not stand in the way, but, supposing tli3 Levels gained their point, what would be their position outside 1 Mr Mee : You could form a separate cou.uty. Mr Flatman thought that it would be best just to take it in a friendly light and arrange where the boundaries should be. Mr Mee could safely say that the Levels ratepayers desired to establish a separate county. They were sick of double rating. It looked absurd to have bo maDy boards dealing with the same people. They would admit that the county council could not attend to everything, but if two counties were formed it could be worked all right at a great saving in cost of officials. There might be objections from Temuka to joining with the Levels, as the latter were handicapped by receiving the bulk of the traffic to the port. The Levels Road Board were determined to try and form themselves into a council, but they were TBWPf>rSsWpß|te Mr Seddon's speech at Hawke'soay, was about to be brought Tbefore the House with regard to local bodies. ; It would be better if the other boards joined and formed themselves into another county, but the Levels would offer jio objection to Temuka joining them. Mr Talbot desired to speak upon the subject, and offered to vacate the chair. Members saw no reason for this, and he then spoke to the question. It was, in his opinion, a moat important one, and could not be put lightly aside. There was, he admitted, some dissatisfaction, but it all came from the south and not from the north. The Levels, he took it, did not want to be burdened with the cost of the bridges, etc. (Mr Mee dissented.) In x'egard to a separation, he could not agree e believed rather in the counties being extended. The large works should be carried P ut free of local P re J udlces - Bridges and waJer supply districts must be kept up. If there were a separation, as suggested, one of the largest water supply works would be partly under one body and partly under auother, and there would be all sorts of compilations, Smaller bodies rarely agreed upon joint works, as witness the Opihi and Rangitata Bridges, which would never have been built if the council had not undertaken the work. Such works as these should be looked at more from a colonial than a local point of view. It was the same with the water supply. Something might be said so long as there was a natural boundary, like the Opihi. Somelhing had been said about cost. If all the work now done by the boards and the council could be done by the officials of two bodies, it jyas an argument that the present officials • hzd. not enough to do, but he could say rth&t the amount of work done in the .council's offico was such that one clerk could not cope with it. He should most assuredly oppose any separation. Lookiug at it from the Geraldine and Mount Peel point of view, one road board would be wiped out, and naturally that would be Mount Peel. If the Mount Peel Board had to go, the office of the council would be at Geraldine, aud would that be as well sor the ratepayers 1 He firmly believed the work would not be done as cheaply as now admiuistered. One man could not possibly supervise f-nd attend to all the ordiuary work, and then there was the splitting up of au important water supply district. As a ratepayer in Mount Peel, he hoped the arrangement would not be effected. The cost of admiuistration could not be reduced. JMr Dennistoun mentioned the matter oE representation. In the Mount Peel district there were only 95 ratepayers as against some 460 at Geraldine. He hardly thought they would get a fair representation on the council. Mr Flatman said that could be arranged, Mr Talbot referred to tha old days, when the whole district was controlled by one board. People then complained that members could not go about and see what was required. It was for that reason Mount Peel formed a separate district. Now au attempt was made to get back to the samo state of things, Again, when tho Main South Road was tho boundary between the Geraldine and Temuka road districts, local prejudices caused a difficulty iu getting railway stations at convenient sites. Reverting again to the Levels point of view ; if Geraldine aud Mount Pool got what thoy wanted, Temuka aud tho Levels would bo loft to represent tho county. How much wearer would t ho Levels board bo to attaining thoir Object. The only way wyuld bo by sub

merging the Temuka Road Board. It would not suit Temuka and he should certainly raise his voice against it. The difficulty of water-supply alone would be a great one. It would never pay Temuka. They were a compact body with a low rating and every ratepayer could get what he wanted in reason. Would that be the case if a county were formed ? The Lsvtls had still d lot of work to do, and there was no reason why Temuka with all its roads formed should join with them. If a divison was arranged the Opihi would be a natural boundary, and if Temuka went in with Geraldine and Mount Peel it was reasonable to consider that Temuka would be the central position for the governing body. (Mr Flatman : " Not at all.") Well, it always used to be. (Mr Dennistoun : " Yes, and you treated us very badly.") He did not think the Levels board had much to gain by forming a separate county, but if it were formed Temuka would lose nothing. H e believed, however, it would end in a lot of bother for the Levels people, would object for one thing to the maintenance of the Opihi bridge. If a disruption took place it would be for Temuka to go to Geraldine and Mouut Peel, but he sincerely hoped there would be no change. Before he sat down he should like to refer to some remarks that had been made at Mount Peel with regard to the administration of the hospital and charitable aid board. Mr Flatman had stated that the Geraldine board had contributed £l6O and only received back £26. This he thought a very misleading statement. He had looked into the matter, and could give very different figures. Taking the Geraldine and Mount Peel Road Boards and the Geraldine Town Board, he found their total contributions amounted to £305 12s, while the charges against them amounted to £6ll 4s. He thought Mr Flatman's figures required correcting. Mr Flatman said he should stand to his statement. He was not responsible for the figures of Mount Peel or the Geraldine Town Board. There were only two paupers in the Geraldine road district getting charitable aid. Mr Talbot said he was aware there were a number of children boarded out in Geraldine, but he thought Mr Flatman might have seen it was impossible that £26 could cover the cost of all the charitable aid in the district. Mr Flatman adhered to his statement. Mr Talbot said that Mr Flatman at Mount Peel had not discriminated between the separate headings, maintenance, management, etc. About £l5O might be allowed for the cost of maintaining children, but, although the matter did not bear upon the question of division of the district, he thought people should give figures more in accordance with facts. He was glad that there was more difficulty than formerly in getting the separate districts made into counties. Waimate was different, as it was already a road district of itself. If the Levels liked they could do it, no doubt, but they could not get rid of the maintenance of the larger works, etc. Mr Flatman said that he took the figures he quoted from the Geraldine Koad Board books, and he was certain they were correct. They took only £26 direct for charitable aid wants. He did not consider other expenditure, nor wish to make a misleading statement. It was not contemplated making a separate charitable aid district or to build a hospital. Waimate had a hospital, but still had to contribute to the South Canterbury board. (Mr Talbot: You may thank me a little for that.) Mr Flatman said he was aware, of course, thoy could not get out of it. With regard to the bridges, Mr Talbot's arguments did not bear upon the facts. The Counties Act would still be in force but he took it that the districts would be so apporntioned, and the bridges equally distributed that their maintenance could be kept up. Rangitata bridge would go to and so forth. If the districts were merged into a county he maintained that the works could be kept going and money saved, as they would not have to"pay the present country staff in addition to their own. As to the water races some arrangement could be come to, the boundaries might take in all the present races as at present constituted. It was a mere matter of agreement. They wanted to do away with extra or duplicate rating. Mr Talbot expressed himself so satisfied with Mount Peel that he did not want to change. Mr Dennistoun : I don't want any change. Mr Flatman : Can we keep on as we are ?

Mr Talbot said : Why not ? You've only to keep to the north. Mr Flatman said the Mount Cook people had changed to a county, and were satisfied. If necessary it could be arranged, for the Government to maintain the maui roads and bridges right through tho island. This would dispose of one of the difficulties urged against the proposal. Mr Dennistoun said that Mr Flatman in instancing the Mount Cook Road Board had overlooked the fact that, like Waimate, it was a district by itself. Mr Flatman, in continuing, urged that the districts should not be too large. Mount Peel cut itself off because, as part of a large district, it could not get justice ; done.

Mr Tripp said originally there existed the Geraldjue Iload Board, with its head office at Temuka. Then they could not get anything done. Mr Dennistoun explained that the primary cause of a separate district being constituted was that Mr Aeland, when the country was scarcely settled, had just paid £75 of rates, and asked for a small cutting, necessary to give access to his homestead. After a great deal of bother £25 was granted, nothing like onough for the work, and he and Sir Cracroft Wilson had to make up tho balance. It was then that the change was thought desirable. Mr Flatman asked < What representation had they then 'I It would be different now.

Mr Dennistoun; May be, but hoau quarters always get the best of it. Mr FUtman said they mi;3t look at tho matter iu a broad light and put away selfish considerations.

Mr Dennistoun said that was all very well but he understood that Mr Flatman's chief reason for urging the formation of a council was the fear of the Levels swamping them. Mr Flatman said: No. He only objected to the double rating and multiplication of expenses. Ho heard objections on all aides. Ho had been asked why the Geraldine Board had allowed the poisoning question to be taken out of their hands and there was some reason in tho question for t)ioy could seo it had cost about double as much as : ,t did before

Mr Dennistoun said, with regard to double rating, it did not matter much if tho same amount was required what body it was paid to. There inight, of course, be a little extra cost of collection. Ho quite agreed with Mr Talbot iu large district having control of bridges. If tho repairs of tho Rangitata bridge wcro to fall upon the M.mut Peel board it would bo a very heavy item. Mr Moo considered thoy wcro anticipating difficulties. These things woro provided for by tho Act.

I Mr Dennistoun did not see that there were many objections to the present county council. They arranged a lot of work and managed such matters as hospital and charitable aid very well indeed. Mr Flatman asked if they got fair play from the council in the matter of the Orari bridge. Mr Dennistoun said the objections to the repairs to the Oraji bridge emanated from Geraldine township. There were meetings held there about it, and Mr Maslin for one had spoken most strongly against it. The Mount Peel people had to attend these meetings in force, otherwise the townspeople would have hfvd it all their own way. Mr Flatman said if the county council had done its work there would have been no occasion for meetings. As it was, the road board had to send its overseer to the bridge and show that the piles were sound before the council could be got to move in the matter. Mr Mee said he hoped the northern people would not oppose the Levels getting the county arranged. He did not believe the Geraldine county did work cheaply. He knew they objected to the Levels separating, for the district was a milch cow for the whole county. He was sorry to see so much selfishness amongst public men. He could not see the slightest reason why the whole district should not be worked cheaply, with two or three officials in place of half-a-dozen. See what a lot of local revenue was absorbed by the council—such as the dog regißtration,slaughter-housefees,licousing fees, etc. —and yet as soon as a bridge needed patching a special rate had to be struck. Under the present system they did not get the worth of their money. Mr Tripp was of opinion that the maintenance of the Rangitata bridge would lay with the Ashburton and Geraldine county councils, no matter what happened. (" Mind and not any mistake about that," said Mr Talbot.) Well, he might b« wrong. He was not opposed to the Levels forming a separate county. It was not policy to thwart them in their desire. As regards the double rating, there was a good deal in it. Farmers did not want two rates. He «as thoroughly in accord with Mr Mee on that point. The office expenses, clerk, engineer, etc., were all duplicate expenses that could be curtailed. The only difficulty that he saw in connection with the northern boundaries were the waterraces. He had gone into the matter a good deal. He had written to the Mackenzie County Council to ascertain what benefits they/considered they had derived and it had been pointed out to him what a large saving there was in local revenue. He believed from a monetary point of view if the Geraldine and Mount Peel districts combined there would be pounds upon pounds saved. With local revenue and the interest on their accumulated fund, they could do with a very small rate. If the Levels formed itself into a county, what would be the position 1 Two other boards wanted a county and the third did not. It was awkward. Mr Dennistoun asked did the other road boards want a county ? He hardly thought so. Mr Mee said that he uncerstood the council contemplated taking over tho maintenance of all main, roads. If that was the case they would be in a worse position than ever. Mr Talbot said that such a matter was never formally before the council. It had only been conversationally discussed. Mr Mee said that Mr Orbell was strougly in favor of a Levels County, and so were other members of the Geraldine County Council. There seemed only one man opposed to it, and that was Mr Talbot, who was thoroughly satisfied with his own compact little road board, which he managed, he must say, very well. At this stage an adjournment was made for lunch.

On resuming, Mr Fraser said that as far as the formation of the Levels into a county was concerned he could offer no objection. He believed in people having control in their districts subject to proper restriction. As a member of the Temuka Road Board, however, he had to watch the interests of ratepayers aud he should object on that account to any separation which involved Temuka joining with one board or the other. Some further discussion ensued without any definite issue being arrived at and the subject was dropped. " THIRDS." Mr Dennistoun drew attention to the system of payment of " thirds," and stated that his board received no benefit from sections disposed of in Arundel. Mr Archer, overseer of the Temuka Board, was referred to for explanation of the system adopted, and it was agreed that Mr Maslin, M.H.R., should be written to, and asked to represent the matter to the Land Board. Mr Flatman was asked, aud agreed to support Mr Maslin in any action taken. RABBITS. Mr Tripp brought up the question of the advance of rabbits. He believed thoy would prove a more serious pest than the small birds. His attention had first been drawn to them some time ago at Lake Wakatipu, where they were as thick as bees in a swarm. He realised at once the danger to the country, and never ceased to make representations upon the matter to the Government and Local Bodies. He was glad to say that oue of the last acts of Sir Julius Vogel before he left the country was to sign a cheque for £IO,OOO for the erection of the rabbit fence iu the Mackenzie County. It was a difficult matter, however, to get tho Government to believe in the danger. There was no doiibt they were encroaching, the only way in his to stop them was by more fences. He thought there should be a liae of fonco from the Rangitata, past Orari, Shorwood Downs, and Clayton to Burkes Pass forming a V there and thence to the sea. He had written to Mr Ritchie on the subject and offered the suggestion, yhat Governmont should import a lot of the proper netting aud let people have it at a small interest on the cjst cl Importation. He was pure no good could be done without fences. They were gradually working down country and he understood several members there could state that there were rab! its iu the more settled parts. Mr Fraser knew of a few in the Opihi riverbed and Mr Flatma.ii of some at the Cave. The latter thought they had decreased of late years in soiuj placoj as at Haugitaia. Mr Tri;;;.' claimed l.h it. In wi:j mainly r..sjic.!i?il ; i-.; i'ur having tin.' latter killed.

JSi'r Fh:iin:;u wii-1 it was a pi:y -Sir Juliu; Vogcl di I :.o!. make the cheq-io t'-J'J.iF'U im.t-:--. ! tvf tI!U,;!iS I ;md have ihe fence taken right over to the sea. The rabbits were working round.

iM r Dennistoun said doubtless there were ;i good nmv.y above the fence when it was erected.

Tlie chairman said ha knew Mr Tripp had this siihj u;t very much to heart but for hi.; own put he thought that there was already a !"L of ;>o\vi.-r iu tho hut I.; of the inspectors who ooulu lie very nevero if they liked. The only danger would be is they came over broadways into the hack country. When thoy got into ihe fanning; districts tho danger was doci , oaiud i

As far as he knew there were less rabbits than ever. The Government already did a great deal in the matter. The sheep rate they paid went mainly towards the cost of rabbit inspection. Ms Mee believed the danger was great and gave an instance of a farm of 200 acres within 15 miles of Dunedin where two rabbiters were regularly employed. The chairman thought all that were spread over the farms would not do much harm. He did not decry the danger unless they came over, as he had said, broadside on.

Mr Tripp said he knew, within a few miles of Mr Talbot's Raincliff farm, where some 2000 rabbits had been killed iu 18 month. It was a pity it should go abroad that the chairman of the Temuka Roard should say there was no danger. Mr Talbot said the place Mr Tripp referred to was sheep country. He had been speaking of agricultural land. They had spread from the sheep runs. Mr Tripp : That's exactly the danger. Mr Dennistoun agreed with Mr Talbot that the inspectors had a good deal of power, but the staff were too few and Government were reducing instead of increasing it. Mr Tripp gave more instances of destruction by rabbits. On one run 4000. less sheep were carried than formerly. On another the clip had been deteriorated from the sheep having to contend for the feed with rabbits. He had been killing at the rate of some 400 or 500 a year for 15 years, and expected to be ruined in a few years by them if they once got a hold. The danger was worse than that of small birds. If the rabbits were not dealt with the rents of "the runs would be reduced, and eventually knocked off altogether. This money would have to be made up from some source, and the country at large would suffer from the inactivity of the Government.

Mr Flatman had heard of one runholder having to use no less than 400 bushels of poisoned oats in one season. Mr Dennistoun referred adversely to Government's action in reducing the staff on the fence line. One man, Moffatt, had about nine miles to keep in order. He was being killed with the work. Mr Tripp said the inspector, Mr Hullah, was a capital man, who did his utmost, but he could not do everything. The runholders might put on two or four rabbiters, but without something more were done ruin stared them in the face. He was sure that the danger threatened the low country, and he asked the members of the conference to support him in making strong representations to the Government upon the subject. After some little further discussion, the following resolution was carried : " That this conference of road boards considers that rabbits continue to spread in South Canterbury, and that the agricultural portions of the district are in danger; it therefore desires to impress upon the Government the urgent need of full, vigilance in checking the pest in the back country, by the erection of fences or otherwise."

Another matter mentioned by Mr Tripp, was the advisability of tram lines being built instead of branch railway lines. The former were very cheap as compared with the latter. He gave a good many figures in connection with the subject, but members, while admitting the use of a tram line in particular localities, considered the subject outside their province, now the bulk of the roads, etc., were formed. GENERAL. In reply to Mr Flatman, the chairman said he was not aware if the County Council had moved in the direction of making the financial year of all local bodies terminate on the 31st March. The new Rating Act provided a charge of 10 per cent, on oustanding rates. It was agreed that the next conference be held uuder the auspices of the Levels Road Board —if not formed into a conncil as one member remarked a day or two prior to the annual meeting ratepayers, and Mr Archer was asked to have the minutes sent on to that body as soon as convenient. The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.