MOUNT PEEL ROAD BOARD.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3248, 23 February 1885, Page 3

MOUNT PEEL ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held m the Bond Board office, Peel Forest, on Friday, tho 20th inst. 3IEMBEBS I'RESENT. The Hon. J. B . A. Acland (Chairman) , Messrs C. G. Tripp, G. J. Dennistoun, R. Mack ay, and A. Hawdon. MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The correspondence for the pu&t month was read and considered. From Mr J. Talbot, expressing his views upon mutters connected with the Timaru Harbor works. From Mr W. R. Reay and other ratepayers m the Sherwood Downs and Clayton districts, requesting the Board to form a road from the Clayton road down the east side of tho Opihi River to the Foirlie Creek footbridge on the Allandale road. Resolved — "That the Board cannot soe their way to comply with tho petition unless the petitioners could procure the land required for the road free of charge, either for land or for fencing, particularly as there is a road line at present leading from tho Bouth branch of the Opuha river to the foot-bridge along tho Allondalo Downs ; that part of it m the Mount Peol district being already formed, the remaining part only requiring forming by tho Mackenzie County Council." From the manager of the Trust and Agency Company of Australasia, requesting to be I supplied with a lithographed map of the district. The Clerk stated that he had replied that as the district map had never been lithographed, the Board could not comply with the request. From Mr W. Badger, m reference lo his publication of the " Statute Law of New Zealand," and soliciting un order for the work. Resolved — " That a copy of Iho work be procured." From Mr Charles Pye, requesting leave of absenco for a short time to enablo him to attend a meeting of delegates of tho Order of Oddfellows at Invcrcargill. Resolved — " That tho request bo granted." From Messrs White and Smithson, m referenco to closing certain roads m the district. The Clork was directed to see Mr White on the matter. From . tho Mackenzie County Council, forwarding a statement of account for painting the Fairlie Creek footbridge, and requesting payment pf half the cost. Tho account was passed for payment. INTERVIEW. The poundkeeper at Peel Foreßt had an interview with the Board, asking whether he was justified m allowing the pound to be used for any other purpose than that of impounding cattle. ; Resolved — " That all animals put into tho pound under any circumstances be charged the full poundage fees bofore they are released." DIRECTIONS TO THE 01EEK. «The Clerk was directed to write to the Mackenzie County Council, asking whether the footbridge at Fairlie Creek could be strengthened to carry sheep, what would bo the cost, and whether the County would agree to carry out the work provided the Mount Peel Board pay half the cost. Further, to write to tho Coininiasioner of Crown Lands,' asking whether the Laud Board has como to any decision jn reference to tho Board's application for a, grant of land on the Opibi river under the Forest Trees Planting Act. ACCOUNTS.

After passing accounts to tie amount oi £376 14? lOd, the Board adjourned.

WINCHESTER. (from our own correspondent.) A vovy pleasing ceremony took place m the Winchester Lodge, No. 1737, E.G., on Monday evening last, when Bro. Andrew Dunnett, Immediate Past Master, was made the recipient of a Past Master's jewel by the members of the Lodge. The presentation was made by the W.M., Bro. Samuel Gould, who, m a few well-chosen remarks, expressed the pleasure it gave him m presenting this special mark of the esteem m which Bro. Dunnett was hold by the brethren of the Lodge. Bro. Dunnett made a suitable reply, which was well received by the brethren present, many of whom had come from a considerable distance to take part m the interesting coremony and to Bhow their esteem for Bro. Dunnett. The jewel, which was a very handsome one, was from the well-known firm of Coates & Co. of Christchurch, and was much admired by the brethren present. Lieut.-Col. Lean and Major Slater spent two days m this district lately m inspecting the country before determining upon the exact locality m which tho different movements shall lake place. As some 300 Volunteers mny be expected to attend the encampment, and as this number will no doubt be trebled by excursionists, our little town will bo quite crowded ; but I havo every confidence m the ability of the residents to meet the requirements of the case, and to give to all that come a hearty welcome. If the weather should be fino a pleasant outing may be relied upon, for a better place for the movements of a body of men would bo difficult to find than can be had m this and the surrounding district, level ground, hilly country, streams and wooded covers allowing for all the manoeuvres which go to make up a successful review, whilst affording onlookerß an opportunity of witnessing the different movements of the troops. The weather still keeps fine, and harvest work is progressing most favorably. The crops are, with few exceptions, quite equal to those of previous years, while the continuation of fino weather has enabled the grain to be Bafely stacked, which has not been tho case for several years pnst. I havo not heard one farmer grumble this season, and that of itself is something unprecedented, while many are m hopes that the price for wheat will rise m a short time and enable them to secure the double benefit of a good crop and a remunerative price. I sincerely hopo their opinions may be correct, for it will do good not only to those most directly concerned, but indirectly to nil. Mauy of the residents of this district, Orari and Geraldine are looking forward to a cheap trip to Christchurch, a rumor having got afloat that a train from Timaru, stopping at Temuko, Winchester and Orari, will leave for tho City of the Plains next week. Our local " Domine" intends sending several pupils to compete for the scholarships given by the B.C. Education Board, the examination for which takes place early m March. It is to be hoped that some at any rate may be successful. Owing to several scholars being required to assist m tho harvest field, tho children were given another week's holiday. The classes will, howover, reassemble on Monday.