MEANEE ROAD BOARD.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3906, 24 April 1877, Page 2

MEANEE ROAD BOARD.

Monday, Atoil 23. The Board met at the Meanee Hotel at 2 p.m. Present — Messrs Pedclie (chairman), Speedy, Hallet, Lord, and Barry. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, and some correspondence read by the chairman, Mr Barry said, with reference to the motion standing in his name, for the formation of the Taradale drain, that he had had some conversation on the subject with Mr Bennett, who, he considered, was competent to give an opinion ; and he had informed him that on several occasions previously efforts had been made to bring the water down by Guppy's, but that it could not be done. After going down a little distance the drain was filled with quicksand. The Taradale people were strongly in favor of the formation of the drain described as jSTo. 2 on Mr Hallett's plan ; the drain to run along the boundary fence between Butler's and McDowell's properties to the Taradale new road ; thence by the side of that road to the Saltwater Creek. He would now move, " That this drain be opened and proclaimed." Mr Lord seconded the motion, as the formation of the drain referred to would be the best and cheapest way of getting the water off. Mr Speedy said that the County Council had voted £10 towards the Meanee drain, and no doubt they woiild contribute to the erection of the one now proposed to be erected. The Chairman was of opinion that if they opened this drain to take away the flood water, the river wo\ild, without doubt, come down that way. If the road drains were properly cleaned out, it would be sufficient to carry off all the surface drainage at Taradale. As to Mr Bennett's opinion, they must remember that the Meanee land was higher by four feet now than it was a few years ago. He would propose, as an amendment, ' ' That the Board get the county road drain cleared as far as Guppy's corner." The amendment was not seconded. Mr Barry's motion was then put and carried. Mr Hallett moved, "That the proposed deviation of the Meanee drain, for the purpose of carrying off the surface water of the township, as shown on Mr W. Hallett's plan, be adopted." Mr Speedy seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Speedy presented a petition, signed by 45 residents of Meanee and Taradale, praying that the present im pounder for the district be dismissed. He remarked that lie knew nothing of the matter, but merely presented the petition. Mr Barry said that, although he was a large ratepayer, he had never heard of the petition. There was no specific charge made against the impounder. Other members expressed similar opinions, and it was decided that, as no special charge had been brought against the impounder, the Board should not entertain the petition. Several tenders, for the formation of roads and culverts required in the district, were then opened and dealt with. The Board then adjourned till Monday, the 7th May. The next meeting will be held at the Greemneadows Hotel, Taradale.