Patutahi Road Board.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 106, 14 May 1901, Page 1

Patutahi Road Board.

The first meeting of the newly-elected members of the Patutahi Road Board was held on Saturday afternoon, there being present Messrs Gallagher (who was elected Chairman), J. Ferguson, J. W. Dobbie, J. and R. Atkins.

The Chairman said that in the past too much favor had been shown to some parts of the district. He had come there to put a stop to it, and to seo that those works which were most necessary would have first consideration. He was of opinion that a special rate would have to be struck in order to bring the roads into a serviceable condition.

The. members also thought some rate would have to be struck, but the matter was held over till next meeting. Mr Fergusson proposed that the funds in hand for that part of the district, about .£45, should be spent 'oil extending the drain bey-ond Fcrgusson’s present contract. This was seconded by Mr Dobbie. The Chairman moved as an amendment that no money should be spent until members had inspected the whole district, and seen what were the necessary works. Mr J. Atkins seconded this, and the amendment was carried.

Wednesday next, May 15th, was appointed a day- of inspection, members meeting at the Rphool-house at lO a.m. Other works.,;bjfefight before the Boar Ps notice formation of a footpath towards the' School, and metalling the approaches to bridges. - The Government grant received by the Board has always been divided into three distiuct divisions of the district—the township, West and South divisions. Members expressed their opinion that the money in future should be pooled and spent evenly over the whole district. This matter is also to be finally settled at next meeting.

The Clerk, Mr Billiam, informed the Board that their annual balance-sheet was at present in the hands of the Government Auditor, but he expected to be able to present it for their consideration at the next meeting.

Two strong complaints were received from the Patutahi School Committee. One had reference to a pig-stye on a section adjacent to the school grounds. They alleged that tho stye was possibly in a condition dangerous to the health of pupils. The secretary was instructed to write to the ownor ordering him to abato the nuisance. A complaint was also mado against a slaughterhouse in the neighborhood of the school. The Chairman said he had spoken to the person in charge, who had promised to have tho place cleaned up. The Committee’s complaint further referred to the dangers that existed in the bullocks that wore being constantly driven to the yards. The Board agreed to wait till next meeting to see if any improvement had been made before taking steps in the matter.