HIGHWAY BOARDS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3188, 4 October 1867, Page 4

HIGHWAY BOARDS.

To the Editor of the Daily Southern Caois. Sib,— Yesterday being the first Tuesday in October, the electors of the old Boardi, and thoie gentlemen who were desirous of establishing new Highway Boards in the newly proclaimed districts, had doubtless an opportunity of electing gentlemen willing and anxious to open up new fine* of communication, and look to the maintenance of existing lines of road within their respective districts. The Highways Act, 1866-7, of session 20, Ifo. 9, does not show any great amount of legal acumen in its compilation ; and unfortunately does not define or specify the powers of Trustees. Perhaps some persons might object to power being given to the Superintendent to alter and amend the names and boundaries of any districts then existing. Had the clause gone

on to say at the request in writing of at least one-half of the rate-payers of the district, the apparent injustice and arbitrary power conferred under the Act would be rendered less obnoxious. In olause 6 the rate to be levied is named— viz., not exceeding Is. per acre, or l^d. in the pound on the estimated value to sell, — and the olause concludes by exempting native property and lands belonging to the Provincial and (renerftl Government, the latter certainly most unfairly. This being an exceptional year, Trustees will have to use their wits if they intend to fix an approximate value to landed property, for the value to sell would be the price of an estate, or what a party would give, and probably the property owing to the depression of the times , might be unsaleable. Again, the acreage rate ' in a district with a sparse population, where the proprietors are extensive holders, may be all very well ; but an acreage rate nearer town or in the suburbs would probably produce a small amount, barely sufficient for district requirements, whilst the l|d. rate on the value to sell might be made excessive and very oppressive. The next clause gives a plurality of votes to an elector according to the amount of rate paid by him, and calculated either from the acres he possesses, or the selling value of his property. This power or privilege may operate very unfairly in some districts, especially where the population is scant, there being nothing to prevent a large proprietor or holder from obtaining a road right round his estate. By clause 9 the Superintendent has the 'power of appointing the chairman of the first meeting of electors. By the next olause ten electors, being present in person, or by proxy appointed in writing, shall thereupon nominate and elect by open votes, and majority of votes of the electors present in manner aforesaid, five persons qualified and willing to be elected as Trustees for the said district. The power of voting by proxy was simply intended to apply to those parties who lived at a distance, or who could net attend owing to indisposition, and ought never to be employed by private parties to carry out their own selfish ends and views. The votes by proxy should invariably be forwarded to the chairman. On reading clause 10 one is led to suppose that the proxies would assist at the election of five persons qualified and willing to be elected as Trustees for the said district, but it would appear that eleotion by proxy had reference simply to the eleotion of Trustees, and not to the management or working of the trust, the olause beinsf more particularly applicable to a thinly-populated district. It seems singular that gentlemen should attend Eoad Board meetings with proxy votes en masse in their pockets, which when handed in and exercised might have the effect of swamping progress and improvement within the district. The 12th clause is drafted entirely for country districts, giving power to adjourn if a sufficient number of electors shall not be present within one hour, " for any period not exceeding ten days." By the 13th clause the Superintendent has power to appoint, in case the electors fail to elect, trustees; the chairman having neglected to inform the Superintendent of such omission, &c. Without following the Act clause by olause, it fails to point out and show to the trustees their particular duty, especially with reference to ditches and fences; the drainage and carrying away the water to the gullies, &c; also, the clearing of docks, thistles, and gorse or whins by the roadsides. Perhaps it would be well for the Provincial Government to request the various Eoad Boards, through their chairmen, to forward remarks relative to the working of the repealed Acts, and suggestions which would materially assist in working Eoad Boards, and prevent the hurried drafting or adoption of new Acts. It seems desirable that notices of appeal to the yearly assessment should be at least once advertised in the local papers. Many ratepayers and absentees never see the list on the church door, and rarely a copy of the Provincial Government Gazette. In conclusion, it is to be hoped that the various districts will endeavour to carry out local improvements, trusting more to district support than grants in aid. Main lines of road already formed to be kept up and made passable ; then the branch roads should be cared for ; but no new lines of communication to be permitted without the sanction of at least one half of the ratepayers. Endeavours should be made to assist the back settlers, bringing them by roads, and by paths, nearer to market and civilization, even if the latter paths are only cut through the tea-tree and bush. These Eoad Boards are capable of doing immense good, by improving the districts, and opening up the country ; but all depends upon the electors and their choice of Trustees, and the wise manner of expending in improvements the rates collected.— l am, &c, October 2, 1867. _ Highway.