ROAD BOARDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5912, 6 February 1880, Page 6

ROAD BOARDS.

ELLESMERE-, The monthly meeting of the Ellesmere Road Board was held on Monday last, ieb. 2.; all the members present. On the motion of Mr Bourne, seconded by Mr Bluett, Mr John Rennie was re-elected Chairman for the current year. On the motion of Mr Maddison, seconded by Mr Boag, Mr 0. Bourne was elected treasurer.—On the motion of Mr Bluett, a statement of the Board’s funds was read and laid on the table; as also was the agreement with the Union Bank of Australia at Southbridge. Mr Bluett then moved—- “ That one month previous to the agreement ceasing with the Union Bank, the Board advertise for tenders for the banking account. In support of his motion, Mr Bluett said he thought better terms could be obtained by advertising for tenders for the account than by simply asking a Bank what rate of interest they would give for deposits, A long discussion ensued, in the course of which one member remarked that the Union Bank were prepared to give better terms if tenders were invited, but still he would not support the motion for advertising. The motion was allowed to lapse for want of a seconder, but at the request of the mover it was recorded on the minutes.—Several tenders were opened for leasing the shingle reserves, and five were accepted.— A. petition was received from Mr W. Johnston and 15 others, asking the Board to fill up the drain at Doyleston between the drain road and High street. The Overseer was instructed to inspect tho work and take what action he deemed necessary.—A petition was aleo received from Messrs John Cunningham and others, calling attention to tho dangerous state of the road between Cunningham’s Corner and the Irwell road. It was resolved to reform the road and put a light coat of shingle on it. It was proposed by Mr Bluett—“ That the Board obtain a legal opinion, without delay, on the question of bridging the Doyleston drain.” Carried. — In reply to a petition it was decided to form the street in Southbridge, leading from Aid win’s corner to the creek; also, to shingle Smithson’s road.—ln reply to a letter from Mr Bright, complaining that he had to do more work in shingling Bluett’s road than specified in the contract, it was resolved to pay him 3d per yard extra on 16£ chains A letter was read from Mr 0. Warrington, complaining of the state of the road from Ruddock’s to Oryer’s read. -Resolved, to form that portion of tho road at once which has been cleared of gorse, and to serve gorse notices to tbe occupiers on the other part of the road.—A letter was read from Captain Willis, complaining of the large quantity of thistles growing on the newly formed roads.— The Overseer was instructed to examine the Poundkeeper’s books, and prepare a statement by next meeting; also, to have the valuation list of the district prepared.—lt was resolved to have the map of the district coloured, showing the roads that were formed and those that were unformed.—The Overseer’s report was laid on tho table, and the pay sheet, amounting to £974 16s 76, was passed for payment, and the Board adjourned. WAIPARA. The monthly meeting of the Waipara Road Board took place at the office, Waikari, on Monday, Feb. 2;. present—Messrs G. H. Moore, T. Saunderson, and R. Wade.—Mr Moore proposed that Mr H. P. Lance be elected Chairman. Seconded by Mr Saunderson and carried.—Mr Moore, in the absence of Mr Lance, was requested to take the chair. —The Surveyor’s report was read and considered.—Correspondence was read— From J. Russel, Motonau, wishing the Board to lay off a track from Motonau to Stonyhurst. The Surveyor stated that he had done so.—From F. B. Dennis, stating that the Stonyhurst road to the Greta was not finished, asking the Board to complete it and clear out the cuttings.—J. Foster, the contractor at the Greta Gorge, saw the Board, requesting payment for ms work, but was told that they could not on the report of their Surveyor give any money to him. Tho Board also told Him he had better see the Hon W. Robinson.—J. Newton asked for a month’s extension of time on his East Scargill contract, which was granted.—Mr 0. D. Crossley saw the Board, wishing them to grant him £25 to make a cutting to his woolshed and station, which they acquiesced in.—T. Muir complained that he had finished his cuttings, but the Surveyor would not pass the work. The Surveyor said that it was not the length stated in tbe specification, and badly done. After some argument, he was told by the Board he could get another competent Surveyor to go with the Board’s Surveyor if he chose, but that he must give them previous notice.—Mr M'Lellan saw the Board, asking for his road to Glendhu to be made so that he could obtain access to his land. He was promised that it should be attended to at once.—R. Johnston asked for jpermission to be given him to obtain gravel oh his Omihi contract, which Mr Moore agreed to, from the Omihi Flat and Cattle Pits Creek.—Accounts amounting to £630 18» Id were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.