ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 4, 4 June 1874, Page 3

ROAD BOARDS.

RICCARTON. The ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday, at the office in Cashel street west. All the members present, Mr G, A. Dury in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Tenders were received for forming roads at Fcndaltown, and that of T. Claridgc was accepted. A letter was received from Mr Wright, asking the Board to gravel about ten chains of Twigger’s road. The surveyor was directed to examine and report on the necessity of the work. Mr Boath waited on the Board and presented a petition from residents at Riccarton, pointing out the damage accruing to the nroperty from the railway culvert in Washbourne’s creek being too high ; and asking the Board to take such steps as it may consider necessary for lowering the water to its original level. The Board considered that much damage was done to public and private property in consequence of the culvert referred to not being sufficiently deep, and it was resolved to communicate with the Government on the subject aud enclose the petition above referred to for the perusal of the Government. A letter was received from the Secretary for Public Works (in reply) declining at present to erect immigrants cottages on the reserves of the district, being too close to the depot in Christchurch. It was resolved to ask the Government to re-consider their decision, as labourers were much needed in the district. A letter was received from the Secretary for Public Works, informing the Board that £125 will bo paid to the Board on account of repairs of Lincoln road arising out of quarry traffic. The clerk was directed to apply for the amount. A letter was received from the chairman of the Board of Conservators, advising that a general and special rate of Id in the £ had been levied on the assessment of the district for the current year. The treasurer was directed to pay the amount demanded. A letter was received from Mr Ward, clerk of works, stating that he had been directed by the provincial engineer to inspect and report upon the gravel reserve at Fcudalltowu, aud asking for the necessary authority for so doing. It was resolved to refer the provincial engineer to the Board’s letter of the 7th May in reply to the Secretary for Public Works. A letter was received from Mr Bong, withdrawing all proposals made by him in reference to disputed roads at Fcndaltown.

Correspondence was read from the Ellesmere Road Board, requesting the co-operation of the Board in some united action, for the purpose of obtaining special legislation in tin General Assembly as to the powers of Hoad Boards in reference to drainage and other matters. The Board coincided in the opinions expressed by the Ellesmere Road Board, and considered that special legislation in drainage was absolutely necessary and that it would communicate with the member for the district on the subject. The surveyor reported that Miller and Willis, contractors for forming Donald’s road, had not yet commenced work, although the time adowed for completion expired on the 30th ult. The Board directed the surveyor to withdraw the contract unless it was commenced on Saturday next. The surveyor reported that the road from Buckley’s corner to Schmick’s terrace was now open for traffic. It was resolved to convey the thanks of the Board to Messrs Buckley and Schmick for their voluntary contributions (in cartage) towards the bridge over the Styx. The collector reported that nearly all the notices to pay rates had been served, and that the amount of rates collected during the mouth is £132 Ms 9d. The monthly report was read and approved, and after passing accounts, the Board adjourned until Wednesday, the Ist of July.