APARIMA ROAD BOARD.

Western Star, Issue 988, 7 October 1885, Page 2

APARIMA ROAD BOARD.

A mfe'ing of the Road Board was held" at Foster's Hall, Thornbury, yesterdiy. Present: Messrs Mclntyre (chairman), Hamilton, Stevens, Officer, J Walker, Hodglun-on, Ilazletr, and Kennedy. Before tho business was proceeded with, the Chairman explained that the meeiiiig had been delayed pending the pissing oF the Local Bodies Powers Bill. Toe mea-ure had passed, but copies thereof had not yet come to hand. However, after consulting with several members, he thought it advisable to call the meeting, especially as Comity Council meets on Thursday.

A letter was real from the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging receipt of resolutions passed by the Board resrnrding the Local Bodies Powers and Finance B 11. Intimation was received from the Treasury that £ll 15s lOd had b. en placed 1o credit of d. p. blocks. A. McDonald appeared before the Board and requested that obstructions on road line through section ;10, block JL], Jiteub'ti liiycr. Hundred, be re.

moved without delay.—From the dis eimion that took place it appeared that the road in question was a surveyed road, but that it was seldom used, and had beeu fenced across by the owner of the adjoining property. McDonald said the road was a necessity for him aud the public generally. It transpired that no authority had been given to place the obstructions on the road.—The Chairman said the road was not lit for traffic even if it were opened, and that it would take a considerable sum of money to make it viable. Still, it was quite clear that it was a public road, and if people required it opened it should be done. , —On the motion of Mr Walker it was decided that the owner get notice ».o open the road, and that he be given permission to put gates on. —An amendment by Mr Hazlett that the owner be notified to appear before the Board and explain who gave him authority to fence the road was negatived. Capt. Stevens presented a petition from Messrs Drabble, Wills aud others re removal of scrub, &c, off road through sections 9 and 10, "Wild Bush. Captain Stevens explained the position of this matter, and moved that the Council be recommended to expend £lO in making culverts, remarking that on account of the shortness of funds the settlers would have to clear the scrub themselves.—Carried.

Mr Frew, Otaitsu Bush, appeared before the Board aud stated that owing to sections there having been fenced, he had been deprived or' an outlet.— On the motion of Mr Hamilton, the members for the riding were authorised to inspect the road and recommend the Council to pxpend a sum not exceeding =£2o thereon.

Mr Kennedy, who bad given novice to move that the special order vesting tho administration of tlie Board's affairs iu the Council be rescinded, with a view to the Board, proceeding to levy a full ra'e, said that seeing the Board had not yet got a copy of the Local Bodies Bill, and that in consequence they were ignorant of its exact provisions, he would be willing to withdraw bis motion provided the motion of which Me W. Walker bad given notice (affirming the desirability of the Board merging) were also withdrawn, until they knew more about the provisions of the new measure. Capt. Stevens said he was glad to hear Mr Kennedy's suggestion, and considered it was a sensible move until they saw what was going to be done. Mr Hamilton moved that Mr Kennedy be allowed to withdraw bis motion. Mr Officer seconded.

Mr "Walker said they were in the same dilemma as they were six months ago. He looked at the question in this way, that by levying a one-farth-ing rate they lost £7OO subsidy. Still, he would not object to the withdrawal of the motion, although it was bard to determine the wisest course to pursue. The Chairman said if the motion were withdrawn the question would still be hanging fire. The >ea»on had now arrived when new works should be undertaken, and if there was much further delay, they could not proceed with works this year. He thought they should decide the question one way or another.

The motion was then put aud carried. MrW. Walker's motion that the Board merge in the County lapsed, in tho absence of tho mover. On the motion of Mr J. Walker, an additional sum of £ls was voted for surfacing on road to Drummond ; to be charged to d.p. account. The Board then adiournetl.