KAITI ROAD BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 882, 5 May 1903, Page 4

KAITI ROAD BOARD.

Tho meeting of the Kaiti ltoad Board yesterday was attended by Messrs J. A. Harding (Chairman), F. Harris, A. F. Bridges, and A. Keefer.

OWEN ROAD DRAIN. With regard to Owen road drain and Mr A. F. Bridges's letter stating that he hold the Board responsible for any dumage dono or which might bo done to his property, Mr J. W. Nolan, Board’s solicitor, wrote “I am asked for an interptetation of sub-section 90, of section No. 110, of tho Public Works Act, 1894. The section is plain, and to my mind means that a Road Board is empowered to enter upon lands and cut drains, etc., for the purpose of draining water from the roads themselves. I doubt, however, whether this section gives the power to enter lands and cut drains for the purpose of carrying off' water concentrated from a large area of land. In my opinion no liability can attach to the ' Board for diverting water from drains on the road, provided such water bo diverted into its natural watercourse. The sections of tho Laud Drainage Act pointed out to mo apply only to Drainage Boards.” Tho Chairman said the position was well known to members, and thero was no necessity to go over tho question again, OVERSEER’S REPORT.

Tho Oversoer, Mr Colbort, reported in regard to Wheatstone road that he could not make a start owing to Mr Hansen being busy with the horses. The gravel was gettmg scarce on the beach, and it was doubtful if metal could be got for the road except at an enormous price. It was decided to put another turnstile at the junction of Harris street and Rutene road. Regarding the culvort at tho junction of Harris street and Wainui road, which the overseer reported was getting dangerous owing to tho sills slipping away, and the present stringers being two feet abort, Mr Bridges pointed out that this was a rnattor for the County Council. The Chairman asked if this was within the County Council’s jurisdiction, why had the Board gone to tho expense of putting in stone culverts, such as they had done near Mrs Boylan’s. Mr Bridges said that if the Board were going to recognise their liability in regard to oho culverts, if an accident happened it would at once place tho liability on the Board,

Mr Harris said that the County Engineer had told the Council that the Kaiti and other Boards were interfering with county roads, and ho had asked that those Boards be stopped from doing anything on county roads, unless the work were done through the Council. Mr Keefer said the work was really a county matter, as it was on their road. It was decided to write the County Council, drawing their attention to the dangerous state of the culvert.

FINANCE. A debtor balance of £2OB 3s 4d was shown. Accounts totalling £49 7s were passed for payment. It was decided that all outstanding rates be sued for without furthor notice. CAPT. TUCKER'S SECTIONS.

As a legal opinion had not been received in roferonee to Captain Tucker’s application, it was decided that the Board should confer with their solicitor and send a definite reply as soon at it was possiblo. MB BBIDGE’S EETIBEMENT.

Mr Bridges stated that in withdrawing his nomination as a candidate for a seat on the Board there was no friction between him and members. Ho had received every courtesy from the previous Chairman and Mr Harding. He had to take this step in consequence of the possibility of his taking a lawsuitr against the Board. If he were compelled to do this it would be simply as a question of right. Mr Harris regretted that Mr Bridges was leaving the Board. He did not think there was a likelihood of a lawsuit. Mr Bridges would have been elected without doubt, as in the past ho had given able assistance in the administration of the road district, and especially regarding finance. The Chairman endorsed Mr Hams s remarks, As far as ho was concerned, he would not rush tho Board into litigation. Mr Keefer also expressed regret at Mr Bridge’s resignation.