ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 58, 6 August 1874, Page 4

ROAD BOARDS.

AVON. The usual meeting of the Board took place on Wednesday, the 29th July. There were present —The chairman (Mr E. G. Wright), and Messrs Peacock, Dickenson, Duncan, and Norman. The clerk reported the receipt of the following sums:—From general rate, £llß 10s and £ll 6s 4d Waimakairi do; total, £129 IGs 4d; and receipts from the Governments— General Government grant, £151; Provincial grant, £445; total, £596. The overdraft is £35 18s lid. With reference to the immigrant labor, the chairman explained that the Secretary of Public Works had been able to dispose of all the immigrants, but wished the terms of the circular to hold good, as there might be men which the Government would be glad for the Board to employ. A circular from the Government was read in reference to accommodation being found for housing the immigrants, and that £lO would be allowed by the Government for each habitation. A reply to be sent that there are no reserves in the Avon district, and therefore the Board could not accept the offer made to it, but undertake the erection of suitable huts to be placed upon some of the bye roads in the district, and would urge the Government to grant £l5O for this purpose. A letter was read from the City Council in reply, acknowledging the receipt of £4O towards the East belt, and saying that the work would be put in hand without unnecessary delay. Tenders were opened for assessing the district and one accepted. Mr H. B. Johnstone’s letter offering a section at back of office was considered, and the offer declined. Mr Wilson saw the Board in reference to the road leading to his house and a drain that required clearing. His offer to clear the drain was accepted, The Board decided to form the road when men were supplied under the Government circular. Mr Horner saw the Board about the drainage at Papanui and certain culverts required. He was informed that he must find the culverts himself. Mr Green saw the Board, to complain of a ditch having been filled in. The surveyor was directed to see to the matter. Messrs Munro and Prescot saw the Board, in reference to a watercourse running through their land. The Board said that before anything was done, the surveyor would take some levels, that it might have some data to work upon. Mr Holt asked the Board to be allowed to take earth from W. Philpott’s road. Request granted to the extent of 100 loads. Mr Ellen saw the Board with regard to drainage. The Board decided that a drain be cut on Park road. Mr Dow saw the Board in reference to clearing No 2 drain. The surveyor was directed to report. Messrs Sycamore and Philpott saw the Board in reference to their contract on New Brighton road. They were informed that they were indebted to the Board, as the expense of completing the work and what had been drawn on the contract, was in excess of the contract price. Mr Sycamore complained that he had been made to cart off large stones from the road, which was not included in his tender, The Board allowed that it was so, and therefore he would be paid for the carting. Mr Philpott asked the Board if the deposit was to be forfeited on their contract. The Board said that the deposit was forfeited; The surveyor’s report was read and considered. With regard to the tools bought and the gangers employed for the purpose of putting the immigrants on works decided to be carried out, it was resolved that application be made to the Government to pay the amount the Board had been put to in consequence of its circular re the employment of immigrants. The Chairman read the petition deferred last meeting, from inhabitants of St Albans, regarding the bad drainage. After the matter was considered the Board resolved that the drains on the eastern side of the road be deepened at the outfall a depth of 12 to 18 inches, and 9in pipes put in as far as was requisite. The clerk was directed to advertise that all outstanding rates not paid by the end of August would be sued for without further notice. The letters from Mr Hopkins, deferred last meeting, were read and considered. The Board thought that it would do the road good if sowed down with suitable grasses, and Messrs Norman and Duncari were requested to select the best kinds lor the purpose. The Board decided that applications for the office of surveyor to the Board be invited by advertisement on the same terms as before.

Accounts to the amount of £235 10s 2d were passed and ordered to be paid, and the Board adjourned.