PICTON ROAD BOARD.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 141, 12 June 1909, Page 7

PICTON ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the abc-ve Board was hold at Tua Marina yesterday, when there wore present: Messrs O/Arcy Ohaytor (Chairman), Sewt^f, Law, Taylor, Randal and Smiih. - FINANCIAL. Accounts amounting to £39 18s lOd were passed for payment. The monthly balance showed a debit of £95 5s lid. The Secretary said that the^ new valuation of the district was £320,----000, as against £191,000 on the old valuation. Mr Law. remarked that either the one responsible for the old valuation did not know his business or else the one responsible for the new one did not. Mr Taylor said the new man evidently did know his business only too well. Most likely the Government wanted money. It was decided to arrange the bank overdraft for the year at £800. CONFIRMING RATE. The striking of a general rate of |d in the £ was confirmed. THE OPAWA BRIDGE. Mr John Duncan, M.P., wrote in reference to separate bridge accommodation over the Opawa River, and suggested that the Board co-operate with the other local bodies concerned in the matter of meeting the Minister for Roads and Bridges and the Minister for Railways when they visited Blenheim and lay the matter before him. Mr Duncan also enclosed a letter from the Minister .for Railways, who stated that it was not intended to reconstruct the railway bridge, and that the matter of a separate road bridge would have to be dealt with by the local bodies interested.

The Chairman said he had been in Blenheim when Mr Ho"-<? arrived, and there was no doubt that a substantial sum would be put^ on the Estimates for the object required. THAT ROAD ROLLER. The application from the Borough Council in regard to Mr JiishelTs offer of a road roller at £2 10s per day was considered. Mr Taylor said that opinions differed, but some people thought it better that the Council bought one of their own and let it out to other local bodies. Mr Seater thought it would be a good thing* to have a road roller, especially if all the local bodies joined in. Mr Taylor thought with an article in The Express that it would be better for a local body to have a roller of its own than to accept Mr Bishell's offer. The Chairman said that it really meant that Mr Bishell's roller would have to be used for eight months in the four years, and eight months at £2 10s per day would half-buy the engine. The Chairman moved "That the Board could not at present see its way to guarantee to fall in with the Council's views."

Mr Law seconded, and the motion was carried. A REQUEST. Aubry Bros, wrote asking to have their "thirds" spent upon the new surveyed road opoosifce^ Mr Sutton's woolshed, to connect with the newlyformed road that the ratepayers formed last year. The applicants offered to clear the track, and estimated £10 would suffice to do the work required. The Inspector was instructed to inspect the place and report at next meeting; Mr Taylor's amendment that £10 be allowed to do the work being withdrawn. A GRAVEL RESERVE. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote that the gravel reserve (section 55, block 12, Linkwater) was now vested .qn the King, and could not" be varied except with the acquiescence of both Houses of Parliament. The Chairman moved that the Crown be asked to have a clause inserted in the next Bill dealing with these matters, with a view of having the reserve vested in the Board. _ Seconded, by Mr Law, and carried. OUTSTANDING RATES. The Secretary asked for authority to sue for outstanding rates. Some people . would not pay until actually forced. The collector was authorised so to sue. SMALL BIRDS. It was decided that £5 be expended upon bird poison. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector's report was submitted on work dong during the month. The Inspector's recommendation that the concrete wing of the culvert at Blind Creek be extended six feet on the lowest side was agreed to.