NORTH-EAST VALLEY ROAD BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 1344, 1 September 1877, Page 16

NORTH-EAST VALLEY ROAD BOARD.

A special meeting of this Board waa held in the North-East Valley School-house on the 24th. Present— Messrs Green (Chairman), Farquharson, Short, Lamberfc, and Moyse. The Chairman, as convener of the meeting, said he had been asked by several residents in the district to consider the advisa« bility of forming a footpath from the bridge to the school-house, and also to consider the question of extending the tramway system into the district. He was of opinion chat great benefit would accrue to the residents of the whole district, as it would, without doubt, enhance the value of property. One or two large land-holders had requested him to bring the subject before the Board. There was one difiiculty in the way — the main road, along which the tramway would run, was not voder the jurisdiction of the Board, and it would be necessary to go to the County Council. It was also a question whether, m the face of probable changes in the constitution of the district, it would not be better to hold this matter in abeyance. Whatever they determined upon he would do his utmost to carry out. >He would read a letter he had received from the County Council. He then read a letter intimating that the Council had agreed to allow the North-East Valley Road Board to extend tha footpath on the trunk road. A cheque for the sum of £20 was also fo» warded to assist the Board in the work. The Chairman explained that he endeavoured to get a larger sum voted, but was unable to do so. He had had a fight to get the £20 voted. He thought it but right that they should go on with the part, so as to utilise the £20. He was afraid that £25 added would not do all that was necessary. Mr Short said one thing was certain : the people in this district have been paying rates for some years paßt without receiving on« penny benefit. He thought if £4© were added to the sum already voted, it would be money well spent. After some discussion, he moved "That £70 be expended on , this work ; the Clerk to cail for tenders for the formation of the footpath, and covering it with rotten rook, at per chaui." Mr Moyse seconded the motion, which waß carried. Messrs Lambert, Moyse, and Short were appointed s. sub-committee to draw up specifications. The Chairman then explained that he had seen Mr Proudfoot with reference to the tramway, and had found him indifferent as to whether he carried out the work or not. Mr Proadfoot was going home to purchase material for the Caversham and Dunedin tramway, so that he would bs able to do the work cheaper than anyone else. It would be necessary for a determination to be coma to quickly, as Mr Proudfoot would be going home in a month or two. He (the Chairman) had interviewed Mr Rothtrford, the Mayor of Uaversham, und fr jiq him he had ascertained the terras to be a 14 years' lease, 10 years rent free, and th& iasfc tour at £100 per annum rental. Tho Corporation of Caversham would have the option of taking over the tramway at a valuation at the end of the

term, if they were able to do so. If not, Mr Proudfoot would continue at the same rental. The fare would be 6d, and • if reduced, the fares could not be iaised again. Mr Lambert would rather that the question be left over until the district waa formed into a Municipality. The Chairman- thought it would be best to refer it to a public meeting. Whatever was determined upon at that meeting, he, a<s the member for the Riding, would bring before the County Council. If they obtained the voice of the people, it would strengthen the hands of the member. If it were left over until the district was declared a Municipality, it might be too late. " j ' Mr Short considered the suggestion a good, one. He would move — "That a public meeting be held in the North-East Valley Schoolhouse on Friday, at 7.30 p.m." Mr Lambert seconded the motion, which, on being put, was carried.