MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

Ashburton Herald, Volume II, Issue 555, 22 January 1880, Page 2

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

A special meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday, after the ratepayers’ meeting. Present: Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman)', Taylor, Cameron, and Peache. The Chairman stated that himself and the Surveyor had had their time pretty fully occupied in going through the books with Mr. Frazer. The Surveyor’s report was read, recommending certain works on the Gorge Road, which was in danger of being washed away, and recommending rock embankments and groins to protect the road. The estimate of cost of the v r ork would be Ll3l, or if piles were used, L 239 18s. Clent Hill road was almost impassable, and a contract had been let at L2O IGs. fid. The Chairman thought the most important work for the Board to do was to settle all outstanding accounts at the present meeting if possible—more especially those referring to disputed claims with contractors. On Carlton’s contract for gorse fence, and tramway road, it was resolved to pay him L4O 14s. fid., provided he agreed to abandon his cLiim of L 32 14s. 9d. on the tramway road, as it was considered fully that amount would be required to finish the road according to specifications. The total amount due to the contractor was LI3G 2s. 3d. ; and sums of L2G os. for deficient sliingie on one job, and L 36 Bs. for w'ork done by the Board on another — were also deducted, bringing the sum to be paid down to L4O 14s. fid. Mr. Carlton objected *o such deductions, and pointed out that the work done by the Board was in excess of the specifications. He refused to accept the amount except as part payment. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. D. Forbes and Mr. Joseph Ferguson, informing them that unless the report upon their contracts for maintenance of roads be satisfactory, at the next meeting on Feb. 2nd, formal notice will be given them to complete their work at once. Correspondence was read as follows : From Mr. William Annett, relative to his contract on road from Anama crossing to M‘Lymont’s corner. From Ashburton County Council, re bridge over North Ashburton near Budding Hill. The clerk was instructed to reply that the Board approved of the tender of Messrs. Thomas and Hill, and they considered the Mount Hutt Road Board should be informed of the amount of the tender, and be requested to assist in the payment of one-lialf the amount. From Mr. Twentyman, requesting that a road be formed to his sections between South Hinds and the Rangitata. Clerk to reply that the Board will give this matter their attention after the harvest. It was resolved—“ That Mr. C. J. W. Cookson should undertake the collection of all outstanding rates, and that notice thereof be advertised. ”

Tenders were opened for the appointment of poundkeeper to the Mount Somers Pound. It was resolved to recommend Mr. B. Clark’s tender to the County Council, and that all the tenders be forwarded to the Council for their approval.

The Clerk was instructed to call for alternative tenders for protective works, Ashburton Gorge, as soon as possible.

It was resolved —“ That the Board as a whole object to the valuation list for 1880 on the following grounds :

“ 1. That the list is in one instead of five, according to the_ provisions of the Rating Act, 1870, section 0 “2. No proper description of properties valued is set forth, nor is a value set upon each section, so as to enable persons assc ssed to appeal. “3. That initials are given in place of proper names’ and names of firms, and more than one name is set down in the first column.”

The pay sheet, amour* n to L 705 18s. 5d., having been passer yment, the Board adjourned.