RICCARTON.

The ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Monday. Present—Messrs Hall (Chairman), Nunweek, Stanley, Taylor, and Bong. The minutes of the last meeting were road and confirmed. The following correspondence was read. From the Secretary to the Treasury, advising payment of balance of snbsidy nnder the Local Bodies Finance and Powers Act, 1885. From the Railway Traffic Manager, enclosing account for demurrage incurred on four tracks of gravel at Middleton. The Burvejror stated that the siding road being flooded itwaa impossible to get a cart near the tracks to unload, and that he had advised the Traffio Manager accordingly. From the Belwyn County Council (in reply), stating that the sum •( £200 had been voted by the Council towards the cost of maintaining the main reds of the district. From the Property Tax Commie, aioner, advising alteration in the roll. From Mr Blake, calling attention to the detective state of the drainage on the Kniapoi and Prebbleton Junction road and other roads in that neighborhood by which a considerable area of land was periodically flooded. The Surveyor's report on this matter having been considered, the Board wee of opinion that the obstractioas in the drain om the western side of the Kaiapol and -Prebbleton Junction road was the eanse of much of the flooding complained of; and it mi resolved to atk-the Templeton Boad Board to have culverts laid down ia the gateways instead of the present 6in pipes, which were useless in times of flood. From Messrs Harper, J. Carleton and others, pointing out the necessity for metalling the new road leading frori Fendalton to the Ham road, past Mr John Carleton's. The Board oouU. not undertake to metal this road at present, as the gravel pits were f nil of water, bat wonld attend to it when the weather was favorable for carting. From Mr -ames Wilkin, suggesting the necessity for lowering the culvert across Queen's Avenue, so as to facilitate the drainage in that locality. Referred to the Surveyor. From Mrs Hanmer, calling attention to the state of the road passing her property. The Surveyor stated that the road had been flooded, and was now being repaired with gravel. From the Bey. C. Bowen, calling attention to the flooded state of the Biocat ton crioket ground, and asking the Board to provide an effectual remedy. The Board directed the Surveyor to inspect the locality and take.levels, with a. view to improving the drainage. From Mrs Stoddart, pointing oat the absence of drainage for her property, and hoping the Board will consider the matter and provide an outlet. The Surveyor said the drainage outlet for this property was via the pipes crossing Qneen'a avenne, the channel on which wonld require deepening The Board decided to have this done, and directed the Purveyor to advise Mrs Stoddart accordingly. From Mr Hewinson, requesting permission to take a few loads of grovel from the Board's pit for private use. Granted. From Mr J. Toovey, ponndkeeper at Papanvi, requesting permission to use a paddook of twelve acres adjoining when the pound Iβ not large enough to hold etock. It was resolved to grant the permission asked for in terms of the Impounding Act. From Drainage Board, stating that obstructions in the Papanui drain had been removed ar requested. From the Chairman Papanui Sparrow Club, asking foe a grant in aid of the club. Itwaa resolved to vote the sum. of £10. From Messrs Price, Hanson, and others, requesting that Harper street, Peerswick, be formed. It was resolved to reply that the road would be formed when the weather was favor* able for road making. From the Railway I a ;ineer, in reply, stating that the drain recently out from the line into the Middleton road would be filled up, and that it was proposed to put larger cnlveita under the line when required. From Messrs Harper and Go, in reply, advising that the Drain, age Board has the control of all culverts crowing drains under their jurisdiction, and that the culvert crowing the North road at Kruee'e must be repaired and kept in repair by it. The Chairman stated he hao taken the Board's solicitor's opinion on this question in consequence of the refusal of j the Drainage Board to reinstate the culvert recently damaged at Krnse'n. The Board approved of the action of the Chairman. The Surveyor reported that during the past winter be had foond it impossible to maintain efficiently the main roads by patching, more especially the North and Biccarton roads, aad tbat a coat of metal before next winter would be necewary. The Board was of opinion that a large outlay would soon be required on the main roads, and it was resolved that the qnostion of ways and means be discussed at a subsequent meeting. Ihe earveyir'e report for the past month wae read and approved, and the following resolutions were carried, viz.-That to divert the water from fendalton, a drain be cut along Webb's road, from the Fendaltonroad to the main drain on eonth-eastern Boundary of 8.8.83. That on the drain through B.S. <59 being opened up to Beeoe's road, this Board will place a culvert across the said road, so as to facilitate the drainage of Oraham'a road ana the lands adjoining. Accounts having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.