MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2071, 13 October 1880, Page 2

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Road Board office. Mount Somers, on Monday, October 4th. Present— Messrs A. E. Peache (chairman), J.E. Taylor, and Duncan Cameron. The following correspondence was read—From Mr W. Gerrard, with reference to the Black Mountain track, and urging upon the Board the necessity for repairing it before November. From the Chief Surveyor, relative to gravel reserves in the district, and also with reference to the Black Mountain track, consenting to adopt any route that the Board’s surveyor may lay out. It was resolved to have the necessary repairs done at once. Prom Mr J. Bruce, enclosing account for preparing plans of stable, and also for amount of premium for insurance on Road Board offices. The Board decided to pay the latter account, but the clerk was directed to apply to Mr Bruce for an explanation re the former one, which was contracted in 1879. From Mr N. H. Maofarlane, manager for Messrs Campbell Brothers, requesting the Board to obtain the co-operation of the Mount Peel Board in making a road from Mesopotamia to the east side of Turnagain Point; the clerk to reply that as the point in question is below the boundary of the Mount Somers district they must decline to act in the matter. From the Upper Ashburton Road Board, re metalling boundary road near A. Thompson’s, and informing the Board that it is the intention of the Mount Hutt Board to metal that portion of the road passing through their district. From the same, with reference to the road from Twentyman’s corner to Laghmohr, From the manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Ashburton, with reference to the Board’s fixed deposit account. From the Under Secretary for Public Works, drawing the Board’s attention to section 2, subsections 1,4, 5, and 6 of the Public Works Act, 1880, with reference to the stopping, exchange, or sale of roads, whereby a considerable saving can be effected. From the Standard Insurance Company, re the fidelity bond of the late clerk to the Board. The clerk to reply that it is not the intention of the Board to renew it. From the Mount Hutt Board, enclosing cheque for £122 9s 2d, being half the cost of boundary road. It was resolved, “ That the Mount Somers Road Board strongly protest against the proposed separation of the southern portion of the district, on the grounds that such separation is wholly unnecessary and would only add to the public expenditure, the residents in that portion of the district having always been treated on an equal footing with those in any other part of the district.” The clerk was directed to send a copy of the above resolution to the Colonial Secretary, informing him that a counter petition would bo forwarded as soon as the necessary signatures can bo obtained. The surveyor’s report was road and considered. With reference to Howson’s road it was decided to apply to Mr J. H. Aitken, requesting him to give Mr Howson access to his bush through his section. It was also decided to reform and metal that part of the road from Slevens’ store to the eastern boundary of Symes’ section; to make cuttings on Morris’ road, re-form and remetal Alford Forest road forty chains ; make cuttings North Hinds road, and also to form and metal about 200 chains of Cameron’s road, from Devery’s to the western end of metalling done by F. Soland, conditionally upon the proposed exchange being completed satisfactorily. Mr P. Shearer requested the Board to grant him an extension of time for his contract on Gorse Fence road. Granted. Messrs Petersen and Shepherd requested the Board to allow them some compensation for detention on their contract for Hewson’s road footbridge. The Board could not entertain the claim, as every effort had been made to prevent delay. With reference to the accounts from the Ashburton County Council, it was resolved —“ 1. That the amount for half cost of approach to Taylor’s stream bridge and also half cost compensation made for land taken from Y. Rouse be paid. 2. That the amount for half cost Padding Hill bridge, :

lass interest charges, be paid. 3. That the amount for half cost flood’s Crossing bridge, less_ interest, and half amount of alleged omissions in Butts’ tender be paid. 4. That the clerk be directed to apply to Council for amended account for interest charged on the two last-named bridges, and to explain to the Council that the Board do not consider themselves liable for the error made by Butt, and, therefore, decline to|pay half the amount.’ 1 ’ Mr Hugh Smith, manager for Mr Morrow, waited upon the Board and requested them to form eighty chains of the road from Boyd’s house to the corner of the fence near Mr Morrow’s new house. To be reported upon. The surveyor was directed to report upon'the road from Anama to Yaletta. The clerk was directed to write to the Mount Hutt Board, requesting them to restore the natural embankment across the West Coast road near the boundary, as its removal has already caused considerable damage to the formation and metalling in the Mount Somers district. Tenders were opened, and one accepted, for sundry works. Accounts amounting to £4087 7s 7d having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.