PORTOBELLO ROAD BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3117, 10 December 1913, Page 4

PORTOBELLO ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Portobello Road Board was hold on the 4th, and was attended by Messm J. M. Dickson (chairman), H. V’. Fulton, J. H. Seaton, A. Johnston, W. B. Taverner, H. Allan, D. Seaton, J. Bacon, and S. Hinkley. CORRESPONDENCE. Messrs N. and E. S. Paterson write stating that the roads in Margate Township had been formed in accordance with the board’s requirements, and forwarded a plan of the subdivision for the board’s approval. —A considerable amount of discussion took place regarding the metalling of these streets, several members suggesting that if metalling were insisted upon it would hinder settlement very considerably.—Mr Taverner remarked that vendors should bo compelled to pay all expenses in connection with the disposal of their land for township purposes,—Mr Allan moved that Messrs Paterson be notified that these roads must be metalled for a width of 10ft, to the satisfaction of the inspector.—Carried Mr Taverner moved after some discussion ” That the board resolve to erect a new bridge at Anderson Bay, as per the commissioner's report, and that the sanction of tho ratepayers be obtained for the raising of a loan of not more than £500.”-—Carried. Mr J. McEnnis, District Engineer, wrote requesting the board not to blind any metal provided by a Government grant until it had been passed by a Government inspector. Failing that precaution, tho payment of claims might be disallowed.—Received. Mrs M. A. Wilson wrote complaining about the watortahle and culvert near her residence, suggesting that they were too small to carry away the water that flowed down tho road, and asked the board to remedy tho defect.—Referred to inspector. inspector’s report. The Inspector (Mr W. Roy) reported on the elate of the roads and on the work done during the month. Referring to tho frequent requests that came before the hoard to take over new roads in townehijis. Mr 1). Seaton said the time had come for tho board to insist on all streets being metalled for a width of 12ft before being taken over by the board. lie had only recently found that the board had the power to adopt that course, and bespoke strongly against taking over roads in future before bcinrr metalled by the vendors. Mr Seaton moved to that effect, and Mr Johnston seconded, tho motion being carried unanimously. It was resolved to inform Mrs M‘Donald that the Ixiarti would sanction tho formation of an 18ft road on her subdivision, provided that it be metalled with rotten rock for a width of 10ft.—Tho report was then adopted. GOVERNMENT GRANTS The Chairman referred to the fact that £2OO had bren placed on the Estimates by the Government as a pound for pound subsidy towards the cost of Hooper’s Inlet road. Iu that form the grant was of no use to the board, and tho chairman suggested that application be made for a straight-out grant up to £4OO.—A motion to that effect was carried. MOTOR TRAFFIC Several members had been elected on a pledge to keep the roads closed to motor traffic, and as tho vote of tho ratepayers had shown that they were in favour of opening tho roads to motor vehicles in future, the members referred to expressed entire agreement with that decision, tho grounds of their past opposition having been thus entirely removed. Mr Fulton said motor traffic had been approved by a majority of 140 votes, and suggested that a committee bo appointed to draw up regulations to control tho motor traffic consistent with public safety. Uo moved that a committee comprising the chairman, Mr D. Seaton, and tho mover wait upon the Motor Association for tho purpose of drawing up the necessary regulations a/s to speed, etc., and to report at next meeting. Mr I) Seaton urged that motors should have numbers in front as well as in tho rear, so that offenders might be recognised by drivers of vehicles, who were frequently too busily engaged with the control of their horses to notice the number on the rear of the ear. Mr Fulton approved of tho suggestion, and the motion was carried.