WHATAUPOKO ROAD BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 30 November 1901, Page 3

WHATAUPOKO ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the .Board was held last night, there being present : .Messrs A. F. Matthews (Chairman), D. M. Orr, and W. D. Lysnar. Copies of a pamphlet on scarlet fever were received from the Health Department, and from the Department of Agriculture there was a request that any appointment of slaughter-house inspectors by the Board bo cancelled. The Board had not made any appointment of the kind. The Clerk said that he had given the pamphlets to the inspector to distribute. The poundkeeper (Mr Fisher) reported that during the month ho had impounded 17 horses and collected X'2 17s fees. The Chairman staid that the clerk should write to the poundkeeper asking that any excess in fees received from horses sold be handed over to the Board. Mr Orr said that the brands of horses impounded should be advertised. It was agreed that the clerk should write informing the poundkeeper that the brands and description of horses advertised as impounded be givon. It was also moved that all fees be handed over to the Board, and his allowance therefrom handed hack to him.

The Clerk said that probably the poundkeeper considered that any excess was his perquisites. The Chairman : But we are responsible if a claimant turns up. Tho Clerk : Within twelve months. Tho Chairman said that the money ought to bo placed in tho custody of the Board, which would be responsible. It was agreed that the pound-keeper should hand over anything in excess of his fees. The Chairman said that the alterations to the pound bad been almost completed.

In regard to the railway reserve, the Chairman said that ho had asked the solicitor for an opinion as to whether or not the Board could deal with the ateu reserved. In regard to Dolcman’s contract for formation in Sheehan and Whitaker streets, it was resolved that he be written to, drawing his attention to tho fact that tho work had not been commenced, and that delay after the specified time would make him liable to the penalty being enforced.

As to the question of rates oil the same lines as Captain Tucker had won the appeal, the Cleric stated that the solicitors had stated that in the face of the appeal it would bo useless proceeding. It was agreed chat the Chairman and Mr Lysnar should be a committee to look into the question of these rates, and ascer-

tain the Board’s position. Tho Chairman said that Mr Campbell Thomson had informed him that the briars on the road must bo out, but the occupiers bad to keep such things as briars clear up to the middle line of the rond. Mr Lysnar: Weil, we must cuil on them to do it.

Mr Orr : Supposing they refuse ?

The Chairman: Then Mr Thompson will suo them.

Mr Orr: In that case why did he come io tho Board '!

The Chairman : Ho spoke to me, thinking till I referred him to the Act, that it was tho Board’s duty to havo tho roads cleared.

Mr Orr said that it would only cost the Board about £3 to clear the lot; the ratepayors should have something in return for their rates.

Mr Lysnar considered that it was no hardship on anyone to have to keep down tho weeds. The money was required for tho roads.

Tho Chairman said he did not think the Board could spend money on such work as cutting briars on the road. Mr Orr : Tho County Council clear tho road.

The Chairman : This Act has only come in lately. Mr Lysnar moved that notice bo given to the property owners. Tho Clerk suggested that a man be sent round with notices to peoplo affected, so that the work could bo done straight away. Mr Orr: We had better go round and see what it amounts to.

Tho Chairman : I agreo with Mr Lysnar. Tho Clerk quoted from tho Act to show that the Board had power to deal with tho matter.