UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 7, 11 October 1879, Page 3

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday. Present— Messrs. Charles Reed (chairman), McLean, Sargeant, and Stitt. The Surveyors’ report was read. It referred to various public works in progress. It was intimated that Scott and Ross had finished their contract for forming Black’s road ; that from £BO to £IOO would be required for the works referred to in Messrs. Chisolm Bros. ’ letter, and that to repair the damages done to the Hinds roads by floods, about £IOO would be required. The report was received. RIVER PROTECTIVE WORKS.

A letter was road from the chairman of the County Council enclosing a report of the Engineer for the County and overseer for the Board in reference to flood damages along the course of the river. The report stated that the encroachment on the banks of the river was chiefly due to an alteration in the channel at Mr. Joseph Good’s, and suggested that for the protection of the river banks and adjacent roads, embankments of gorse and stones should be made at various points, and the silt scooped out where necessary in order to restore the river to its old channel. The report also pointed out that the employment by a Board of River Conservators, of a small labor gang to effect repairs at times of floods, would do away with a great deal of damage and subsequent expense. It was estimated that the works indicated would cost £450, and the money it was submitted might be raised by the ratepayers interested, subsidised by the Road Board and County Council. After considerable discussion, it was resolved that the overseer should be requested to see Mr. Walker and arrange far a meeting of the ratepayers of the Forks Ward, to be held at the local school-house some day next week. BRIDGE OVER NORTH ASHBURTON. A letter was read from the County Council re bridge over the North Ashburton, enclosing engineers’ report in reference to the bridge in question. It was considered that the site selected for this bridge being about a mile distant from the crossing where it was originally requested the bridge should bo made, the work was actually a different one from that requested by the ratepayers altogether. The chairman, however, pointed out that it was too late to take any action, and that the onlv thing they could do was to endeavour to get good approaches to the site now chosen. The letter was received. TENDERS. The tender of Thomas Bulger for keeping road in repair for twelve months for £IOO was accepted, and it was resolved that Robert Bingham should he employed as day labourer under the overseer, when necessary. The tender of W. C. D. Fraser for supplying metal at Is. per yard for twelve months, was accepted. That of Richard Clark, for keeping roads in repair at £2 per week, was also accepted. BRIDGES. A letter was read from the County Council enclosing report on the River Protective Works, and explaining the clauses of the Act relating to rating powers in connection with such works. From the same, in reply to the petition of ratepayers re site ot bridge near Digby’s, and explaining that the Council, in selecting the site adopted, were guided by the report of their engineer, and that the contract was signed before they were made aware that the ratepayers were dissatisfied. CORRESPONDENCE. From William Nicholson, intimating that he was prepared to transfer two acres of land purchased by the Board fora gravel pit on payment of the balance due. It was resolved to communicate with the Board’s solicitors, so as to have the necessary conveyance made. From the County Council, asking the Board to appoint Mr Loach, County Valuator, as valuator for the Board for 1880.

The appointment was made, and ordered to be advertised.

From J ohn Boyle, asking permission to remove 200 yards of shingle from the river for making a road. Resolved to reply that the specifications of contract prohibited the use of river-bed shingle. From Mr Mossman, relative to the Board taking over certain roads in Tinwald, and urging that they should be taken over without being shingled, or that the Board should contribute towards the cost of shingling. Resolved to reply that the Board could only expend money on main thoroughfares. From W. C. D. Fraser, offering to take the reserve now leased by Mr Bennison for one or two years, at the rental of 20s per acre. The offer was accepted. From Messrs Weeks and Dixon, asking a share of the Board’s advertising for the “Ashburton Guardian.” The request was granted. From the reporter of the Ashburton “ Mail,” offering to supply the Board with a copy of that paper free. The Board thanked that gentleman for his very liberal offer.

From Mr John Carter, forwarding tracing of divisions of roads at Maronan Station.

Resolved That a Committee of Mr McLean and the Overseer see Mr Carter in reference to the Tinwald and Maronan road, and that a ford be made at a portion of the road not to exceed £7..

Resolved —That Mr Sargeant and the Overseer examine a portion of the old Timaru road, with the view to having it repaired. Should the repairs necessary exceed £lO, the work to be tendered for. Resolved —That all tenders be advertised for two weeks, and that the Overseer name two days in each week to be at the office to give information to intending tenderers.

Resolved—That Mr Robert Miller be offered 5s extra per chain in his contract for forming the road full width. Resolved —That the rents of the Road Board cottages be collected, and a balance sheet be made out by the Clerk.

Resolved—That the Overseer be instructed to invito tenders from Messrs Nide, Nelens, and Bingham, to cut a drain at Nicholas’ Cutting, to carry the water off the Alford Forest Road.

Resolved —That Robert Bingham be employed by the Overseer when required. Tenders wore then opened, and as Robert Wake failed to take up his contract, No. 37, the next tender of Mr Jas. Gardiner, at £22, was accepted. The following tenders were also accepted : 43, William Fraser ; 44, Thomas Bulger. Accounts were passed for payment, and sia Board adjourned.