MATAU ROAD BOARD.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 216, 30 August 1878, Page 6

MATAU ROAD BOARD.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Matau Road Board was held in the Schoolhouse, Inch Clutha, on Monday evening. There were present — Messrs Gr. Inglis (Chairman), Mosley, Petrie, Willocks, and Robertson. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. ' Mr Mosley pointed out that in all probability the separation of the two subdivisions of the road district would be effected within a few weeks. He was informed that the Bill for accomplishing this would be introduced by Mr Stout, •and being thus a Government measure, it -was sure to pass. An objection could only corno from the Clutha County Council, and from the little courtesy the Board had received from the Council in the matter of the petition for a separate Riding, he did not think much heed would be paid to any objection from that quarter. Under these circumstances he thought the chairman and officers should be re-elected. He moved accordingly. | Several members concurred in Mr Mosley's remarks. * ! The motion was seconded by Mr Petrie j and carried. PUNT FOR THE KOUA BRANCH. The Chairman said he had been asked whether, in the event of the Government declining to erect a bridge across tlie Koua branch the Board would subsidise subscriptions for the purpose. Mr Mosley said that he for one was not prepared to go into the consideration of that matter. A new Board would no doubt shortly be constituted for Inch Clutha, aud it would be for that Board to take action in the matter of a bridge or punt if it were considered desirable. For his own part he could not see what benefit the Island would derive from a bridge or punt across the Koua branch. Tlie settlers of Inch Clutha would never drive their grain or have any traffic in that direction. Tho subject then dropped. THE RIVER BANKS. A letter was read from Messrs Smaill in reply to a letter from the Board agreeing to do the protective work at their property upon the terms asked, excepting that the Board would undertake no responsibUity as to maintenance for the future. Messrs Smaill renewed their former 'offer of assistance, provided the Board executed the work aud undertook on behalf of that Board, and any other Board that might be constituted on the island to use all endeavour to protect and conserve the banks for the future. The Chairman said the wording of the offer was slightly different but the meaning the same. Sir Mosley pointed out the absurdity of asking them to bind any other Board that might be established. The Board could not control the river, and did not know what damage it might do in the future, and it would be ridiculous in the Board to undertake to repair that damage. If the Board agreed to the present request they might be led into heavy law and othor expenses. The Messrs SmaiU must take their chance of the river for the future same as the other settlers. Mr Petrie considered Messrs Smaill should have accepted the offer of the Board as sent. Mr Robertson concurred, and moved that unless tho offer be at once accepted the Board do nothing further in tho matter. Seconded by Mr WiUocks and carried. A DONATION. A letter was read from Mr G. M'Donald enclosing cheque for L 23 ss, being half cost of ditching. Mr M'Donald also caUed attention to the impassable condition of the road leading from the church to his place. Mr Mosley pointed out that every road upon the island was in the same condition. He had sold his wheat three months ago, and had been obliged to get the bargain canceUed, as he could not drive the wheat to the railway station. ACCOUNTS. The following accounts were passed for payment : — G. H. Gilroy, L 2 10s 6d ; Jas. M'Kinlay, labour, LlB lis ; Clerk's salary half year, Ll6 ; stationery, &c, L 5 15s 6d. SEPARATION. Mr Mosley moved that in anticipation of a separation of the two sub-divisions of the Road District an equitable financial arrangement be made, so as to give to each sub-division its distribution of funds, so as to equaHse the expenditure in each sub-division. Mi* WiUocks seconded the motion, which after a discussion was carried. RATE. Mr Robertson moved that a rate of one shilling in the pound be levied within the North Molyneux sub-division. Seconded by Mr Petrie, and carried. Mr WUlocks moved that the rate within •the Inch Clutha sub-division be threepence in the pound. Seconded by Mr Mosley, and carried. The Clerk was instructed to give public notice in the Clutha Leader of the intention to levy "the rates. RANGER. Mr WUlocks pointed out the necessity of having a ranger appointed for Inch Clutha, so as to prevent the ditches and fences being destroyed by stray cattle. He moved that John M'Kissock be appointed ranger for both sub-divisions, at a salary of 15s 6d per month, the engagement to be a monthly one. Seconded by Mr Mosley, and carried. The meeting then adjourned.