PELORUS ROAD BOARD.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 34, 4 May 1917, Page 4

PELORUS ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Tuesday, the following members attending: Messrs J. S. Storey (in the chair), J. Leslie, J. Kennington, J. Fulton, C. F. Hart, and F. F. Ilcalv. SECRETARY ’S REPORT. The secretary’s report for the month was substantially as follows: — Finnnce:The debit balance at bank to date stands at £1940. Receipts from all sources during the mouth total £(3B 10s Gd, outstanding rates £197 17s Gd. Mahakipawa: The only work done in this riding during the month has been the repairs to a culvert along the Grove road. A start has, been made with the Mahan track work and also with the Grove wharf repairs. Kaituna: Good progress has been made with the metalling contract from Bartlett’s, and the metal seems likely to stand up to the traffic. Repairs authorised to MrDowoll’s culvert have been effected. The Kaituna river through Mr H. M. Reader’s property was inspected, and a site for the swing bridge fixed lyion. Mr Reader has also made arrangements for the immediate survey of the roadway in order that the bridge work may be proceeded with. Pclorus: The weather during the month has delayed metalling operations along the Canvastown-Havolock road, but a fair amount of metal has been put on the worst places. Repairs have also been effected at Pike’s creek. Arrangements have been made to commence work on Twidle’s road. Formation of road has been completed to the river at Canvastown, and later metal will be applied. Side channels along the M akamarina road have received attention, and a fair amount of metal 'has been quarried ready for the road where repairs are necessary. Ronga settlers have been interviewed regarding the culvert asked for in lieu of metalling repairs, and it was found that settlers most, directly interested I knew nothing whatever of the proposed change of expenditure, and metalling was decided on. The metalling contract is nearly completed, and a start has been made with the Rimu Gully bridge. Other minor repair work has been carried otit on Rai Saddle road, and instructions given for similar work in theTinline road. THE OPOURI ROAD. Mr 'Wells, settler, waited upon the Board to ventilate the grievances of the Opouri settlers in regard to access across the river. The settlers interested were in favour of the proposed deviation of the road through Mr Kerr’s instead of the building of the bridges for which a grant had been made. It was feared that the logs coming down in flood time would carry away the bridges and they would then bo in a worse position than before. The ford used at present was almost impassable for vehicles and the children were unable to get to school. He understood the sections were weighted with enough money to build tho bridges, but it was considered advisable that tho money should be diverted to the deviation of the road.

The secretary reported on the proposed deviation, but an objection had been raised by Mr Kerr, through part of whose property the road would have to pass, that his water would be cut off. Mr Kcnington said he could support what Mr Wells had said in respect to the present ford. It was getting deeper all the time, and he thought the settlers of that district art. entitled to some consideration. He moved that the secretary write direct to the Minister of Public Works, drawing special attention to the fact that children were unable to get to school; also asking the Minister to instruct the district engineer to meet'the settlers and have something done towards giving them an outlet, and that the Minister be asked to treat the matter as urgent. Mr Hart seconded, and the motion was carried. STRAYING STOCK.

Tho secretary of. the Bai Valley Branch of the Farmers’ Union wrote asking the Board to take steps to deal with the straying stock nuisance in that district. After some discussion Mr Hart moved, and Mr Bennington seconded, that the Farmers ’ Union have the sympathy of the Board,- and if the Union have a man in view who would comply with the provisions of the ' Impounding Act the Board would only be too pleased to appoint him poundkeeper and ranger for the district. — Carried. SOLDIERS ’ BATES. Mr Fulton raised the question as to what position the Board was in in regard to rates owing by soldiers serving at the front. He quoted one case of a property in his district from which three brothers had left to serve, one of whom had been killed, another wounded. One or two others were in camp.—As the members were not clear as to tho Board’s powers in the matter the secretary was instructed to write for information on this subject. CARE OF BRIDGES.

Mr Hcaly drew attention to the decking of tlic Pclorus bridge, which was weakening in places. Mr Hart stated that the decking of tho Moutain Camp bridge was also rotting, and he considered that repairs should be put in hand immediately to save a possible accident. He moved that the inspector be instructed to inspect, and where planks are found to be perished to have the same renewed. —Carried, , Mr Leslie expressed the opinion that the Board should asphalt all their bridges to save the constntly recurring expense of repairing the decking. While members agreed that this course would be desirable, the expense would be a bar to the Board carrying out such a work at tho present time. After some discussion tho inspector was instructed to inspect the Kaituna bridges and submit a report and estimate of cost of asphalting. MISCELLANEOUS. It was decided to offer the contract of Battery to Butcher’s Point reading to Mr Flower, a limit being placed on tho expenditure. In respect to the application from Ronga settlers re the putting in of a culvert in lieu of metal repairs, it was decided that the settlers be informed that the Board has no funds available at the present time for further expenditure on this road. Mr Fulton said there were certain places in the Mahakipawa road that would be impassable during the winter if left in their present state . He moved that an urgent letter bo sent to the Minister of Mines re grant to

roads, and asked if the £IOO promised for flood relief is available. Mr Jakes (North Bank) was granted permission to enclose a certain portion of roadway to the satisfaction of the Board.

The chairman said that, being tho last meeting of the present Board, ho would take the opportunity of thanking members for their hearty co-opera-tion and assistance during the year, and expressed the hope that the good relationship which now existed would continue. He expressed his regret that one of their number—Mr Hart—had decided to drop out. On the motion of Mr Hart, seconded by Mr Fulton, it was decided to inform Messrs Noes and McLean that there was a motion before the Board for the increase of tho waggon tax, and “that the Board reserve the right to apply for the increase amount on pre-paid fees if at any time during the year the Board decide to increase the tax.

After appreciative references had been made to the manner in which the chairman had fulfilled his duties, Mr Fulton moved that it be placed on record the unbiassed way in which tho retiring chairman had dealt with tho business of the Board during his term of office.—Carried.

Mf Leslie Avas congratulated ffipon being returned unopposed as, the ratepayers’ representative in the Kaituna subdivision.