Parihaka Road Board.

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 214, 22 September 1896, Page 3

Parihaka Road Board.

Monday, Septembeb 21st, 1896. Present: Messrs M. Fleming (chairman), McHardy, Wright, Morrow, Alexander, and Wells. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. COBBESPONDENCE. From Mrs Crisp, asking permission to make three drinking places for stock on drainage reserve, and offering to pave same. The Foreman read a report on the drainage, and that the drain was in a bad state. He estimated the cost of necessary works at £BS 2s 6d. If the Board took it over and did works it would be necessary to have it securely fenced. He met those interested, and as they were present to-day their opinions could be got. Messrs W. Harvey, Quickenden, J. Fleming, and Crisp were in attendance.

In reply to the Chairman, Messrs Harvey and Quickenden objected to being made liable for a drain, as it would be of no benefit to them.

Mr J. Fleming said he objected to any rate being struck for drainage purposes. He and Mr Crisp had made a drain on the lower part of the swamp, but it was now filled up. The Chairman asked if any others besides Mr Crisp had taken any steps to get it vested in the Board. They all replied in the negative. Mr Crisp said he had taken round petition and waited on the Land Board, who had no objection to vest it, and it was now vested in the Board, who were liable for it. . The Chairman said the Board had never been consulted, nor had any official notification been given to them that it was going to be vested in them. A notification had afterwards been received that it was so vested. The only portion drained was that between J. Fleming and Crisp, and it would be unfair to make Harvey and Quickenden contribute to the cost;

Mr Wright asked if a special drainage rate could be struck without the consent of the parties interested. The Chairman said it could not for doing new works. If the Board had opened the drain they would have to keep it clear. Crisp and J. Fleming had made the drain years ago, and Mr Crisp now asked that the other ratepayers be made to keep it right. The upper ones drained in the natural water-course, and the water ran on to Crisp's land, where the natural watercourse was.

Mr Crisp said that was according to the Chairman's opinion, but the facts wore different.

Mr Harvey said it would be a great injustice to have a special rate forced on them, as they had to pay enough rates already. Mr J. Fleming said there were two water-courses which could be traced.

Mr Crisp claimed the Board had a right to strike a rate, and were by law compelled to do the work. Mr Alexander took it that the drainage reserve was on just the same footing as a bye-road. No special rate could bo struck without a majority agreeing.

Mr J. Fleming said he had gone over the drain that morning and found it broken in in several places by Crisp's cattle. He had helped to dig the drain and was prepared to do his share of keeping it open. He had asked Mr Crisp to assist, but he declined.

Mr Crisp said Fleming had spoken to him, but he declined to do it because it was the Board's duty to do it. Mr J. Fleming said he would clear the lot of it out himself rather than have a special rate. In fact, they could have it done in the time they were wasting in attending the Board. Moved, That this Board has no power without a petition signed by a majority of those interested, to constitute a drainage district. Carried on division. Ayes: McHardy, Wright, Morrow, Alexander, Fleming ; No : Wells. From J. Kothery, notifying that he was about to move his residence to the Kahui Road, and that he would not be able to continue his duties as poundkeeper, but that Mr J. McDonald would undertake the duties. Resolved, That on Mr McDonald applying he would be appointed. From H. Stonex, asking to have 8d a yard for gravel taken from his section stopped from contractor. Resolved, That the Board has no power to stop payment. From Treasury, notifying that £6OO for Opua and £4OO for Namu Road were now available.

Resolved, That tenders be called for works on Opua and Namu Roads* (Alexander-Morrow.) From H. Manson, stating that settlers on Upper Opua Road would defray preliminary expenses if poll were not carried.

The loan to be proceeded with. Mr Wells moved in accordance with notice given, That a rate of one farthing in the £ be struck, payable in

one instalment on the Ist November. Seconded by Mr Alexander. Mr Morrow moved an amendment, seconded by Mr McHardy, That the rate be a halfpenny. Only the mover and the seconder voting for the amendment the resolution wa.4 carried.

Mr Morrow suggested that the Board borrow £IOO for the Manihi Boad, and pay it back out of general rates coming to the road. The Chairman said if a petition were received signed by a majority of those on tbe road that the Board would take tbe necessary steps to raise a loan. Mr McHardy called attention to the need for repairs to Ihaia Boad. To be attended to. UPPEB WAITEIKA BOAO. Mr Coombridge waited on the Board in connection with a proposal to raise £4OO to metal the road. He stated that a petition had been signed by seven out of tbe twelve ratepayers and it had been forwarded to another, who was agreeable to the loan, for signature, but it had not been returned in time for this meeting. He therefore asked the Board to take action as soon as the petition is received. Besolved, That on receipt of petition by the clerk that the necessary steps be taken to raise the loan. (Wright-McHardy.) Mr Coombridge also stated a meeting of ratepayers had been held and a resolution was carried protesting against rates from the upper portion of the road being spent on the lower road. He also said that the ratepayers were going in for the loan on the distinct understanding that bullock traffic would be stopped on the road. Mr Wright intimated his intention to move in the matter of by-laws at next meeting. The following accounts were passed :—J. De Castro, 9s; J. Kirkwood, 12s; B. Dann, £8; J. Cook, £B4.