PORTOBELLO.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 19

PORTOBELLO.

July 7.— The road board met on the 28th ult., there being present— Messrs Macandrew (in the chair), ICuiseii, Seaton, Dickson, Anderson, Lewis, Hinckley, and M'Taggart.— Mr J. H. Graham applied on behalf of the Dunedin and Anderson's Bay Ferry Company for permission to make suoh alterations to the bridge across the bay as will allow of theboat going through. . Granted, subject to the approval of the board's engineer.— The petition sent by the ratepayers of the west side of Hooper's Inlet was Mien considered. Mr Beeves appeared in support of the petition. A lengthy discussion ensued. Mr Dickson opposed anything being done to the road, but it was decided that the surfaceman should be put on to fill up the ruts, the inspector to make out an estlirate ot what the work will cost and report at next meeting.— The Property Tax Commissioner wrote in reply to the board's letter re Mr A. M'Kay'a rates, stating that no mistake had been made, and that Mr M'Kay has no grievance in connection with the valuation roll, and Be (the commissioner) cannot do anything ia the matter, The board agreed to act in accordance with the valuation roll supplied by the department.— Mr Alexander olarke wrote asking the board to form a road to bis property in block IV, Otago Peninsula. The board informed Mr Clarke thatas tbe deputation appointed to inspect the road some time ago reported adversely as to making it, and that he knew well the board could not spare money on an impracticable road, and as he (Mr^Olarke) had a good road tojhis house, the board was of opinion it was not needed —The Olerk of the Licensing Committee wrote asking the board to supply the committee with the amended aofcs and a copy of the Stamp Act. Bequests granted.— Mrs Fraser again appeared re her property in blook IV, a'king that a road should be made to it. As the board had written to Mrs Fraser on the matter last mouth it was resolved to]adhere to the former resolution.— Mr IMckson then moved the resolution that he had given notice of at last meetiugto have rescinded the motion previously carried with reference to providing poisoned grain and distributing it to settlerß to euable them to deßtroy the small birds. The proposal to rescind the motion was lost by 6to 2. It was resolved by the board to levy a rate of fdin the pound ou all rateable property in the district, to be payable iv one sum on August 1. The rate book is npw open for inspection at Mr George Green's shop, Broad Bay. The inspector's report of work done during the past mouth and

recommendations for work projeoted during the present one was adopted. Accounts to the amount of £65 16s 5d were passed for payment, and the board adjourned till the 26th inst. The Wbathbr.— We have had no rain down here yet worth meutionlng, aud water for domestic use is very scarce, and the oreeks are as low us ia summer. If rain does not come soon we shall be badly off for water. Thb Small Bibds —As the road board has now definitely taken up the small bird question, I trust the settlers will back them up, and lay the poison before the spring sets in, bb it will be more effective in winter than after sowing commences, when the birds have plenty to eat, and will not touch the poisoned grain. I think it Is hardly fiir to ask the board to bear all the expense of purchasing the grain. I would suggest that the settlers should contribute, say, 5s each and give it to the board and let them be the distributing medium, so that a thorough system may be established, as it will not do to have one party poisoning a< d another not. I think alt should joiu heartily iv the matter as the birds are very numerous and very destructive here and if no aotlon is taken we may almost as well stop sowing any c<"ops whatever. They destroy all crops except potatoes, and they may even attack them , soon.