LITTLE RIVER ROAD BOARD.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 574, 13 January 1882, Page 3

LITTLE RIVER ROAD BOARD.

Annual Meeting,

The annual meeting, of ratepayers was held at the office of the above Board on Friday, the 6th inst., when a large number attended, Mr R. A. Forbes being chairman. Having road the notice convening the meeting, the Chairman observed that his next duty would be to lay before them the report and balance-sheet for the past twelve months, and he had very little doubt that the result would be satisfactory, as every gentleman present had been aware of the difficulties the Board had had to contend with. The balance-sheet was then read. The following is a summary :— Receipts—Balance in Bank January Ist, 1881, £1193 lCs 9d ; rates, £406 lis Gd ; County Council allocation, £148 10s 9d ; Government subsidy on rates, £206 lis 6d ; other sources. £76 7s 9d ; total receipts, £-2031 12s 3d. Total expenditure, £137G Is 9d. Balance in Bank, £655 10s Gd. Assets to December, 1881. £391 7s. Liabilities to December.. 1881, £'101 10s 3d,

Balance to credit, £189 16s 9d. Total balance. £845 7s 3d.

Mr Gilmour suggested some improvement in the construction of the*bridges, with a view to prevent, s our in times of flood, but several rntepnvers olrserved that they thought the Board had done the best they could, considering the peculiar formation of the country.

Mr Leithnm suggested that it would be well to let some of the roads to contractors for one or six years.

The Chairman reminded him that this had been tried, but proved totally ineffective.

Some ratepayers observed that a great obstruction to the flow of the river Halswell was caused by persons being allowed to erect fences and plant willows too close to its banks.

Mr Coop then proposed, That having regard to the general conduct of the Board during the past year, which is very satisfactory, the report and balance-sheet be accepted.

This was seconded by Mr J. Gebbie, and passed unanimously.

A discussion here followed as to tho best manner of lowering the water in the river Halswell, much dissatisfaction being expressed at the refusal of the County Council to expend the sum of £25 towards that object.

Mr Gebbie observed that as those appointed to inspect the work requisite at the time, stated that the sums voted by both the Akaroa and Selwyn County Councils would be insufficient, he did not see the sense of granting them, but promised that, if a proper scheme wore adopted to do this very desirable work, he, as a member of the County Council, would do all in his power to obtain assistance, as he thought it was a work which could not well brook delay.

Mr Gebbie here proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring members of the Board, which was seconded by Mr Coop, and passed unanimously, several ratepayers observing that the Board had done its work very creditably.

Mr Leitham proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Quealy, the Clerk, for the manner he had discharged his duties since his appointment.

Mr W. Birdling seconded this

The Chairman observed that in putting this proposition to the meeting, he was glad to bear testimony to the ability and zeal displayed by their Clerk, who came among them when the strictest economy had to be practised, and every one among them knew what an unpopular task it was to start by curtailing the expenditure of a public body, yet their Clerk pulled through, and did his work with ability, and he was glad that his efforts were apDreciated.

The resolution was passed unanimously.

The nomination of three members to serve on the Board then followed. Mr Coop proposed Mr T. 11, Parkinson, Mr Wilson seconded.

Mr Gebbie proposed Mr Judge, seconded by Air W. Birdling.

Mr Judge proposed Mr F. Birdling seconded by Mr McCartney.

Mr Gilmour proposed Mr Leitham, seconded by Mr McCartney. Mr Coop proposed Mr Olphert, seconded by Mr Leitham.

A show of hands was then taken for each candidate, which resulted in favor of the outgoing members, Messrs Parkinson, Birdling, and Judge.

Mr Leitham demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Olphert, but the latter gentleman was unwilling to create a contest, as he did not see how any persons could conduct the business of the Board better than it had been carried on. Mr Leitham, however, demanded a poll on his own account, which, as advertised, was to take place on Monday.

The meeting then dispersed