GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2734, 6 November 1894, Page 4

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Geraldine County Council was held on Saturday. Present—Messrs Balfour (chairman), Mackay, White, Quinn, Orbell, Talbot, and Holwell.

The chairman opened the meeting by reading and explaining correspondence with the Colonial Secretary, and counsel’s opinion, regarding the division of the county, and the appointment of valuers for the rating assessments. He raised the question of the validity of the council as at present constituted, in view of the di vision of the county. He thought they could not transact any business for the I evels county and the Levels members could not act with the rest of the members. He had Mr White’s opinion tha t they could not accept a tender for the valuations in the Levels, and it seemed necessarily to follow that they could do no other business for the new county. Most members agreeing with this, an animated discussion took place on the subject, and it was agreed to send for Mr J. W. White for consultation to resolve the chaotic condition in which the council found itself.

Mr White having arrived, the chairman said they wished to consult him as to the position of the Geraldine County Council—as to their powers to continue to act in respect tf works in the Levels County and to pay moneys on moneys on account of works in that division.

Mr White said they had power to go on with any contract or business already initiated, and to make payments for works in hand before the division was made, but not to undertake any new works or new business arrangements. The severance of the county could not affect the rights of outside parties. To Mr Quinn ; If any disaster occurred requiring the attention of the county council before the Levels County was elected, the Geraldine Council would naturally attend to it, for the benefit of those concerned. No question would be raised about such a thing. Mr Talbot thought that that was not the logical position, and Mr White seemed of that opinion too, as he said “ no question would be raised.”—Mr While said that was so. Mr Howell said the council had no official notification cf the division of the county.—Mr White said that made no difference, the severance was made by Act of Parliament, and everyone is supposed to know the statutes.

The chairman said contractors could claim against the Geraldine Council, and the payments would be a matter of adjustment.

in reply to the chairman Mr White said the Geraldine Council has power to collect rates in the Levels County until a council is elected ; and that the Levels ratepayers must have paid the county rate to be entitled to vole at the election. —Mr Balfour said there wore many who had not paid. Mr White was asked as to the position of the members for the former Levels Riding, and he said they had no locus standi at the Geraldine County Council since the severance.

The conference then ended, and on the last advice Mr Howell left the room. Mr Talbot moved that there be recorded on the minutes an expression of the council’s appreciation or the courtesy of Mr Balfour as chairman to the members, and of the care and pains be had bestowed on the council’s business. Inhis remarks he expressed regret that the county had been divided, but as it had been done he hoped the councils would work amicably in dealing with any work on the boundary —the Opibi river. Messrs Mackay, Quinn, and White enth.Tsed Mr Talbot’s remarks concerning the chairman, who replied thanking them for their kind remarks, and endorsing Mr Talbot’s hope that the two councils would get on well together. Mr Orbell replied to allusions to the pleasure of Levels members at the severance ; the pleasure was not personal but because the district desired ft, He was sure that the persons likely to be elected to the Levels Council would meet the Geraldine Council in a fair spirit in any work to be carried out between the two counties ; he had no doubt about that. The other Levels members, Mr Balfour (the chairman), and Mr Orbell then left the room, and the Geraldine councillors §af-^M essrs Talbot, Mackay, White and Quinn, tl>e §rst named being elected to the chair.

TilS engineers reported as follows ; £t Bridge A “tart has been made with thb Orari Bridge at JRiver'dea, the chief work so far has been on the constitution of the protective works, so as to get the willows planted as soon as possible, Pareora works—The diversion of the Pareora river and erection of training works are now completed. As soon as flood water has scoured a channel along the fence lines it will be necessary to anchor large willow boughs in front of the fences; we cannot do this at present, but the necessity for doing so should be impressed upon the Levels County Council now that the control of the work is passing from the Geraldine County Council. Teugawai protective fence—The completion of the original contract has been effected by day labor. We have not been able to make up accounts yet to see how the matter stands linaucially with regard to the contractors, but we think they will be indebted about £3 to the council after their deposit has been been expended. Four p 6l -ks Water District-—This water supply is finally completed with the addditjou of boulder lining aS wo previously advised was necessary.” Correspondence re water races was read. Mr G. Crozier, Seadown, asked for a pair of gum boots, which were granted. Mr A. J. McMaster wrote complaining being short of water. The ranger wrote that water reached the applicant but his race was choked with gorso. A letter was read fro ill C. 0. Tripp urging that the tax on rabbit u3" a should be reduced.—Consideration of the letter was deferred.

Mr P, Mulvahill applied for a branch supply from the Four Peaks race.—To be referred to Captain Temple for consent. Mr D. Angland asked for permission to alter a race at a road crossing near Nowlands.—Referred to the local committee.

Mr J, Allen waited on the council and explained at length his claim to bo exempt from interest rate as well as from maintenance rate for section near Geraldiine Flat headworks. '1 he con: cl promised favourable consideration, but referred the request to the local com niittee first.

Tenders were opened for making the county assessments in the several rid’.ngs Geraldine riding (includes one town district)— A. f), .Saunders, £IOO ;G. J. Wreathall, £00; P- E. Corsby, £7O; C. E. Sherratr, £sß.—Mr SJierratt was appointed valuer. Mount Peel Riding—J. Popping, £-10 •; j D. McFarlai:.:, £10; L. E, Crosby, £88; K. H. Tempi or £1(» 10s Mr Temp'.er was appointed vainer.

'J'hreo lenders were received for Ihe Temnka Riding, but the appointment of a valuer was held over panning inquiry as to the qualifications of candidates, ..osc.fi

Talbot and Quinn to make an appointment on the result of the inquiries. The council discussed the increase of the representation of the Geraldine County ridings, so as to make up a council. The result was a resolution—- “ That the Colonial Secretary be asked to obtain the consent of the Governor-in-Council in accordance with clause 30, sub-section 2 of the Counties Act, 1886, to one additional councillor being elected to represent the ridings in the county of Geraldine, so that the total number of members shall be seven, apportioned as follows—three members for Temuka') two each for Geraldine and Mount Peel. The foregoing allotment is based upon the gross valuations of the ridings, which are in round numbers —Temuka £714,000, Geraldine £622,000, Mount Peel £387,000. Accounts amounting to £286 14s 3d, general, and £92 9s Id, water race accounts, were passed for payment and the council rose.