ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 114, 12 October 1874, Page 4

ROAD BOARDS.

RICCARTON. A meeting of ratepayers was held yesterday at the Riccarton Hotel, for the purpose of electing a member to serve on the Board, in place of LVlr Durey, resigned. Mr H. J. Hall (chairman of the Board) presided as returning officer, and, having read the advertisement calling the meeting, explained that the gentleman to be elected would take the place of Mr Durey, whose term of office would expire at the end of the current year. The returning officer then called on the electors to nominate candidates for the office. The following gentlemen were nominated, viz, Messrs Hack, Rowe, and Maydwell. A. show of hands having been taken, Mr Strange demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Maydwell, Mr Rowe said he would retire in favor of Mr Hack.

Before proceeding with the election, Mr O’Callaghan asked Mr Hack to express his views respecting tne proposed exchange of gravel reserves at Fendaltown. Mr Hack said he quite agreed with 'the action taken by the Board in the matter. A similar question having been asked_,of Mr Maydwell, he said he was against exchanging the reserve with Mr Boag. The election was then proceeded with, and at 4 p.m. the returning officer announced the result to be as follows, viz:—Hack, 72; Maydwell, 27; majority for Hack, 46; and declared Mr Hack duly elected a member of the Riccarton Road Board. Mr Hack thanked the electors for the honor conferred. Mr Maydwell also thanked those electors who had voted for him. A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mr Petherick and carried unanimously, and the meeting terminated. BPREYDON. A meeting of the Spreydon Road Board was held on Tuesday, October 6th. Present all the members. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Messrs Dunbar and Ashworth reported that they had inspected the Heathcote river below Mr Payne’s, and were of opinion that the sides ought to be trimmed in places and made a little wider, and the surveyor was directed to go with Messrs Dunbar and Ashworth, and ascertain what they think had better be done, and to have the work done accordingly. Letters were read—

From the Government, informing the Board that the clearing of the River Halswell has been let, and the cost of one portion of the work was deducted from the Provincial grant. Another, recommending the erection of guide posts in the district. The Board was of opinion that no more were required. Another, stating that his Honor the Superintendent will proclaim the footpath on the Lincoln road if it is sufficiently made for the use of foot passengers. The clerk was instructed to reply, and state that the path was sufficiently made for foot passengers. Another, requesting the educational rate collector to be supplied with a copy of portion of the rate roll within the limits of Christchurch West educational district. From Mr Stevens, stating that he is incorrectly rated. From the Halswell Road Board, accepting the terms of the Board for the use of office. From Mrs Wagstaff, praying for remittance of rate (granted). From Mrs Hadfield, on the same subject. To be considered next meeting. Tenders for the formation of roads were accepted. The surveyor was directed to have all side channels cleared where required. Mr Fantham suggested that some steps shquld be taken to have the Windmill road at the turn near Mr Harman’s, improved, and it was resolved that the owners of land abutting be asked about the matter, A letter was read from Mr Harman offering to allow a drain to be cut through section 154, on certain conditions, and it was reserved that the Government be asked to the Provincial Engineer to make an estimate of the cost of the work. Accounts paid by the treasurer, amounting to £162 10s 9d, were allowed, and accounts to the amount of £76 18s 7d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

TEMPLETON. The Board met at the office, the Talbot, Taldhurst, on Monday, October sth. Present —The Chairman, Messrs Bailey, Carpenter, Hepworth, and Sinclair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Letters were read— From Provincial Treasury, informing the Board that the sum of £473 10s had been lodged to their credit. From Secretary Public Works, that the Board would undertake the care and supervision of the cottages in course of erection.

From Secretary Public Works, to appoint Borne one to superintend the immigrants’ cottages. ■From Mr Alexander Lean, granting the Board permission to fence in gravel reserve No 321. ■ . From the Eiccarton Road Board, enclosing account of expenditure incurred on the boundary roads between the two districts. The-clerk was directed to forward a cheque for the amount. From Mr Leatbam, claiming one-half costs of boundary fence between his land and gravel reserve. The Board decided that the consideration of his claim stand over till next Board day. From Austin and Kirk, encloping quotations of list of pipes. The clerk was directed to select 200 six-inch pipes. It was decided that the two immigrants’ cottages be fenced in. An application was made by the Venerable Archdeacon Wilson, for permission to skim plough the gorse off the sides of the byeroad past his land, which request the Board decided to grant. The clerk received instructions to serve Mr Russell with notice with their intention to put up a fence on gravel reserve adjoining his section. The clerk was directed to put in culverts where required. It was resolved by the Board that gravel reserve No 321 be fenced in, and that tenders be called for the same. The pay sheet, amounting to £292 I9i 8a f was adopted and passed. Xbe Board then adjourned

EYEETON. The monthly meeting was held on October sth. Present—Messrs Dixon (chairman), Wilson, Coup, Bradley, and Dailey. Letters were read : From the Secretary for Public Works, authorising erection of four immigrants’ cottages ; and in reference to erecting guideposts. The surveyor was directed to report on the places for the guide-posts. From Mr Joynt, solicitor for Strachan Brothers, protesting against the erection of Eyre drain reserve embankment. From Mr J. Moffatt, asking permission to use a piece of land at the head of his millrace to lead the water from the Ohoka stream into his race. The matter was referred to the surveyor ; no dam to be placed in the stream or the solid bank interfered with. From Mr W. Bckersley, requesting leave to put in a culvert across Mill road to drain his land to the Ohoka stream.

Granted on condition Mr Eckersley filled up the old ditch to the old mill-race. From Mr G. Smith, asking the Board to prevent further encroachments of the main drain between his and Mr Guild’s land. From Provincial Treasurer, forwarding £2Ol, under the “ Payment to Provinces Act 1872.” ■

The surveyor’s report was read and considered.

Appeals against the assessment for 1875 were received from Mr G, Patterson, J. S. White, Eckersley and Co, J, E. Brown, H. H. De Bourbel, and H. Eevell, and ordered to be laid before the commissioner.

Mr J. Keetley applied to have pipes laid to drain his land across the road at Perrin’s Ford, Agreed to, subject to the approval of Mr J. Baker, owner of land on opposite side. Mr Butters suggested the adoption of two lines of 12-inch pipes at the ford, instead of wood culvert.

It was decided to put one row in or the culvert.

Mr Bice waited on the Board re [road fronting on Grigg’s drain. The Board declined to reopen the question, Mr Rice not having fulfilled the agreement made on August 10th. The surveyor was directed to write to the Board of Conservators, asking what drain had been taken charge of in the Eyreton district; also, to give Mr Rice notice that the Board required a strip of land on south boundary of section 2381 for road purposes in accordance with the Roads Diversion Ordinance.

Tenders were considered for shingling South Byre road; shingling Middle Island road ; Coutt’s Bridge road ; shingling Gust road; shingling Two chain road; forming Coutt’s road; forming Tram road from Whites; forming Tram road from Two chain road; Eyre outlet drain; shingle for roads and immigrants cottages. The surveyor was instructed to have the bridge at Mr Ellis’s farm removed and pipes put in ; the road to the Plains from Oxford and Ohoka made passable, by putting in pipes and levelling same. The immigrant cottages, it was resolved—

Should be built at Bayliss’s, Cherry’s ford; at Fisher’s on Tram road, and on the cemetery road reserve,”

After passing accounts amounting to £BB 2s 3d, the Board then adjourned.

KOWAI. The usual meeting of this Board was held on sth ult, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Leithfield, All members being present.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The surveyor reported having received £1 2s 6d for rates 1872-1873, £ls 6s 2d for rates 1873-74, making in all £l6 8s Bd, which was in hand. The balance to the credit of the Board at the Bank of New Zealand, Kaiapoi, was £1859 14s Bd.

The following correspondence was read : From Mr Innis, with regard to the road to the Ram paddock, and also about the bridge over Bowbye’a creek. It was resolved that the piles of the bridge be strengthened, and that the surveyor have the necessary repairs carried out.

From Messrs Ensor and Matthias, with regard to the Leithfield and Mount Grey road, suggesting that the road be carried in a direct line through the reserve to Lucas’ corner, and thence along Lucas’ fence, in lieu of following the windings of the terrace. The matter was referred to the surveyor. Mr J. 8. Woodhouse waited on the Board with regard to Biown’s Bridge Creek having overflowed it’s banks where it crosses the North road, and running down the road having caused very serious injury to his property. The Board informed Mr Woodhouse that they would give the matter every attention. The surveyor stated that owing to the serious damage which had been done to the road by the creek overflowing its banks be had caused embankments to be made which would prevent any further damage being done. Mr A. Greig waited on the Board with regard to the same creek, offering to do certain works if the Board would give him assistanbe. 1 1

The matter was referred to the surveyor to examine the creek and to enquire more fully into the matter. Tenders were received for various works.

The surveyor submitted plans for bridges over source of Saltwater Creek, by Stringer’s, and over Foxe’s Creek on the Mount Grey road, by McNamara’s, and was instructed to advertise for tenders as soon as timber could be procured, and was further instructed to have other pressing works carried out. The pay sheet, amounting to £945 9s 9d, was examined and passed for payment, being £325 10s part payment on No 2 contract, North road (special grant), £250 on account of contract for immigrants’ cottages (special grant), and £369 19s 9d Road Board grant for general purposes. The Board then adjourned. ASHBURTON. A meeting of this Board was held on October 6th ; all the members present. It was resolved that tenders be invited for thirty immigrants’ cottages. The surveyor was instructed to point out suitable places for guide posts, and it was resolved to order fifty posts at once. With reference to the diversion of the Waikari, it was resolved that the surveyor, in accordance with the proposition emanating from him, make an offer to Mr Brotherwiek, and make an arrangement to the extent of m,

The application of Mr Scott regarding work done on the boundary roads, was referred to the surveyor. The offer of Mr Scott, with reference to the outfall to Coldstream Swamp road, was accepted. Mr Jones had an interview with the Board, applying for culverts to be put in on road between sections 17,743 and 17,744. The application was granted. Mr Davie had an interview applying for culverts between sections 18,894 and 17,826. Granted.

Mr Grigg applied for approaches to bridge to be made between sections 7200 and 8897, and also to have the culvert lengthened where necessary.

The application was granted. It was resolved that the shingle pit at Davie’s, and all other pits opened by MrT. Leatham, be reported upon by the surveyor. Re the ditches in township, it was resolved that attention be drawn to Roads Ordinance re ditches made in the township ; and that all persons having made ditches out of footpaths be ordered to fill in the same at once. It w T as resolved that the Provincial Government he requested to place this Board on the same footing as Mount Somer’s Board re grant for cottages ; and to state that this Board will erect thirty cottages ; and that application be made for sites to be reserved in accordance with suggestions given. It was resolved that Mr Davie’s application for transfer of Gravel reserve No 1444, be forwarded, and to state that the Board recommends same.

It was resolved that notice be given to Mr Mendelson’s sureties, to fulfil his contract according to specification ; also to write to Mendelson on the subject. It was resolved that the surveyor inspect Messrs Wilkin and Thompson’s drain on south side of Ashburton, and see if the cleansing of same has been done according to notice given.

Tenders were opened for forming and metalling Dobson street —eleven chains, and one accepted ; also for forming and metaling twenty-three chains of Tancred street, and one accepted ; also for forming sixty-four chains of Dawson’s road, and one accepted, Mr M'Lean applied for a bridge and culvert, to be placed on Jackson’s No. 2, near his station. The application was granted. Mr Miller applied for twenty chains to be formed near Winchmere; It was resolved—- “ That tenders be called for'the same, also for a portion of Wakanui road and Cameron street.”

A number of applications for the office of surveyor to the Board was considered, when it was decided to ask Mr Bruce to withdraw his resignation, which Mr Bruce eventually agreed to do. The agent of the Bank of New Zealand had an interview with the Board, re Mr M‘Lellan’s contract, and overdraft on the same, and the Board decided it had nothing to do with the matter.

It was resolved that all plans, specifications, &c, be ready before tenders are called for, and work authorised to be taken in rotation; also no work to be undertaken except that recorded in the minute-book.

Mr C, B. Books tendered his resignation as a member of the Board. Notices were ordered to be served on Mr C. Klingenstein, Mr T. Quile, Mr W. Smith, Mr P. Bosenberg, and occupiers of Mr F, Peiper, butchers, to abate nuisance. Accounts were passed to the amount of £1564. and the Board adjourned to the first Tuesday in November.

AKAROA AND WAINUI. A meeting of this Board was held at the office, Akaroa, on Saturday last, the 3rd instant, all the members being present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was received : From the Secretary for Public Works, advising the Board that Mr R. Townshend would complete the survey of the several lines of road for which special grants had been voted. Requesting the Board to take the necessary steps to forward the construction of the Barry’s Bay Valley road ; and recommending (in compliance with resolution of the Provincial Council) that guide-posts be erected for convenience of the public. The clerk was instructed to reply to the above to the effect that the Barry’s Bay Valley road should be put in han(l as soon as the line of road be approved by the Government Engineer for the Peninsula ; and, that direction-posts for the guidance of travellers should be erected where necessary. Letters were also received from Mr E. 0. Latter, applying for permission to lay tramway on Barry’s Bay Valley road. From residents in Checkley street, requesting the Board to furnish the material for the reconstruction of a foot-bridge, connecting Checkley street with Bruce’s terrace. From Mr E. Chappel, urging the necessity of proceeding with the construction of the Long Bay road. And from Mr J. P, Roberts, tendering his resignation as a member of the Board, It was resolved, —■' That Mr E. 0. Latter’s application to lay a tramway be deferred for consideration. That the superintendent of works inspect and report as to the material required for the Checkley street bridge. That Mr E, Chappell be informed that so soon as the diversions required to the line of Long Bay road are laid off, and the prosecution of the work placed in the hands of Jthe Board, it will be proceeded with without delay, and that ratepayers’ meeting be called for Saturday, the 24th instant, to elect one member in the place of Mr J. F, Roberts, resigned.” A tender for metalling the main road, Robinson’s Bay, and for metalling main road, Little river side of the range, were accepted. The subject of Mr E. Morey’s letter of 12th instant was discussed, and the clerk was directed to inform Mr Morey that the Board is not satisfied that the injury to the oyster beds complained of by him is caused by the presence of sawdust, but will make further inquiries. The sum of £l6O 2s, on account of wages and contracts, was passed for payment, and the meeting then adjourned.