CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ROAD BOARDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8146, 18 April 1887, Page 5

CONFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ROAD BOARDS.

The adjourned meeting of Chairmen and Clerks to Road Boards was held in Mr E. R. Deacon's (solicitor) Chambers, Hereford street, on Saturday afternoon. Mr Milson Jones, Chairman Ellesmere Road Board, was voted to the chair. Apologies were made on behalf of various gentlemen who were Directors of the Farmers’ Co-operative Association, and were attending a special meeting of that Association. Mr Sinclair, who had officiated as Hon Secretary, stated that since last meeting he had communicated with the various Road Boards, asking suggestions as to

alterations required in the present Road Board Act. Some had sent replies, and others, he learnt, had not had time to discuss the matter thoroughly. Again, the Clerk? to the Road Boards were in many cases preparing for the audit of accounts and annual meetings. Under the circumstances he would suggest a further adjournment. This would also enable those who were present at another meeting to attend.

Mr J. R. Campbell would ask Mr Deacon if he had drafted the proposed amendments; he had not been present at the former meeting, and was consequently somewhat in the dark as to what had been done, but ho understood that Mr Deacon was prepared with several proposed amendments arising out of suggestions that had been made, and his own knowledge of the imperfections in the Acts. Mr Deacon had not actually drafted a new Bill, as until the alterations were agreed to after being (submitted to the various Road Boards, it might be found that they were not approved of. The Road Boards in different localities had their several difficulties to contend with, and it was suggestions as to these that would enable him to draft amendments that would supply deficiencies or correct existing defects. There were some wants that were patent to everyone who had anything to do with the present Acts, and these could be remedied from the speaker’s own knowledge of the working of the Act, but valuable suggestions could doubtless be given on subjects that more immediately affect particular districts. These were what he should like to see duly considered before proceeding to draft a new Bill. Mr Campbell thought an embodying Act would be a great advantage. A gentleman hoped that provision would be made in any new Act to compel the Chairman to put a resolution if called on to do so by a majority at any meeting of the Board. An occasion on which the Chairman had declined to put a resolution was instanced.

A conversational discussion took place as to the best means of arriving at what amendments and additions to existing Acts were deemed advisable, and it was suggested that the various Boards should hold special meetings to consider what alterations they should recommend. Amongst other subjects specially referred to was whether traction engines came under the head of ordinary traffic. On the motion of Mr J. R. Campbell, seconded by Mr Qaealy, it was resolved unanimously—“ That an Act incorporating all the Acts under which Eoad Boards are at present acting should drafted.” On the motion of Mr Carpenter, it was resolved—“ That the various Eoad Boards be asked to send in any suggestions as to alterations not later than May 7, and that Mr Deacon's draft Bill, embodying the amendments, be considered at a general meeting of representatives of Road Boards to be held at Mr Deacon’s Chambers on Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m.” The meeting then adjourned.