ROAD BOARDS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7830, 7 April 1891, Page 3

ROAD BOARDS.

SOUTH RAKAIA,

The monthly meeting of the South Rakaia Road Hoard was held at Rakaia on Thursday, April Ist. Present—Ah the members. It was resolved tbat au McLean and tbe Clerk visit the sand blow, and arrange with the manager of the Acton estatelor a pit. It was also resolved that the annual election be held oO Friday, May Ist. Mr Alexander Haslett waited on the Board, complaining that his name had been put on a petition to divert the thirds of money accruing from village settlement lands from the Road Board to the County Council under a misrepresentation, and asked the Board to take steps to counteract the petition. The Chairman reported that the County Council last meeting had accepted a tender for the construction of a race through blocas Nos. 1 and - of tbe Rakaia village settlement, and he had informed the Council that this Board had passed a resolution that they would assist in paying for the work. On tbe motion of Mr Lyttelton, seconded by Mr Strlngfellow, it was resolved—"That a letter be written to the Minister of Lands seating that It had been represented to this Hoard by some of the village settlers that the petition praying that the thirds money be paid to the County Council instead of to the Road Board was signed by them under a misunderstanding. It was resolved—That the Board's solicitors be written to to obtaiu a transfer from tho trustees of the late Thomas Harrison as soon as possible; also that Mr Allan be written to about the purchase money of Anderson's land. Messrs Sharplln, Vincent and Co. wrote offering to supply the Board with timber from their mills, Mr H. H. Secretan, agent for tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, wrote, drawing the Boardattention to the very great inconvenience the public are put to by the standing ot trains on the only level crossing available for traffic in the township, and gave Instances of grain-laden drays having been detained quite halt-an-hour, and asking the Board to make representation in the proper quarter. It was resolved — That the Chairman write to the Railway De* partment on the subject. A letter was received from the Property Tax Commissioner, stating that he had forwarded vouchers for payment of suosldy on rates. On the motion of Mr McLean, seconded b/. Mr Strlngfellow, it was resolved— " That 10 extra yards of clay aud 10 extra yards of metal per chain, be laid on the sandhill on Strachan's road." The tender of Wm. Kemble to repair the windmill far the sum of £11 was accepted. The sum ol £55 9s 8d was passed for payment. OXFORD. The ordinary meeting of the Board wai held on April Ist. All members present except Mr Aldridge. The Surveyor reported that he had engaged two men to put In a drive at the bank of the Walmakarlrl to ascertain the nature of the ground through which the long tunnel Of tbe proposed race would be driven. Oa Saturday last they were .In a little over a Chain, and the ground showed every appearance of standing. The first contract for constructing the Eyre water-race was completed. There were several placet along this portion ot the race where the shingle was loose that would require to be clayed, also that the heap of ahldgla below the dam should be levelled down, as it would turn the water In times oi floods over .to the side when the race ia cut. The contractor for the second portion of this race is meeting with great difficulty in getting in tbe pipes, owing to the very loose nature of the ground, and that he still has about a chain of pipes to put in. Resolved that the heap of shingle below dam be cleared away, and that the loose places in first portion of race be clayed, as recommended by the Surveyor. The Surveyor reported that he had laid out and pegged the line or this race from Ingram a Creek to the top of the terrace at Fergusson's, a total distance of 63 chains. The place selected for the Intake is about six chains above the present mill dam. The Surveyor was Instructed co write to Mr Lewis and request him to allow the race to be out through his property, and, If the reply was favorable, to call tenders by Thursday fortnight for construction of a race. The Surveyor reported that a culvert on the Main Bush road and also on the aide of the Main road were dangerous, and should be either lengthened or the ends fenced off. Culvert on Bush road to be lengthened; the other to stand over. The Clerk reported that a considerable amount! of rates were outstanding. The Board drew lots as to who were to be aurau-oaed next court day. It was decided that the annual meeting of the Board and elao Ot ratepayers be held on Wednesday, 6th May, and that the annual election of members for the Board should ta&§ place on May 7th, and that nominations should be sent in by Thursday, April 30th. On the motion of Mr P. Wright it waa decided to ijmprove that .portion oi the Woodstock road between the DepoS and Brown's road. The report on the water races was received, and it was decided to retain the services of the Ranger for another month. Mr P. Wright referred to the advertisement relating to tractlon englnes. As they were brought into the district for the good of the farmers (who paid the principal part of the rates), he thought the Board should either strengthen the bridges or substitute forda so as to render accidents leas likely. Tho other members considered it best to advertise in order to defend themselves against liability. Mr Wilson Fisher interviewed the Board re drain at the bottom of Stubb's road. To be attended to, Mr G. Ostyke re balance of contract for clearing shingle; amount to be paid when work passed. A petition was received asking for construction of Cooper's creek water-race. Surveyor to report. The following correspondence waa read :'— From' Mr J. Knowles requesting permission to destroy gorse by plough* ing main bush road—Granted. Frota Mr W. Askew, offering to keep the Waimakarirl gorge cutting in order for another twelve months on the same terms as before, and to supply 100 yards of broken metal at Is per yard. Accepted. MrGrtmwood re ford. Received. From Mr O'Halloran, Secretary Carlton Domain Board. To be Informed that the Board withdrew the former letter, and objected to take over the road, as it was not of tbe width required by clause of Road Board Act. From Messrs Wynn Williams and Son in reference to the pollution of tha water-races. To be informed that if they will furnish the names of the parties -Offending the Board will prosecute. From Miss Dods re, bridge in front of her property. Surveyor tc inspect. Kowal Road Board re importation of stoats and weasels. Received. The Chairman and Mr Ryde to sign cheques for the month. Accounts amounting to £10 10s 5d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.