ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 181, 7 January 1875, Page 4

ROAD BOARDS.

AVON. M m annual meeting of the ratepayers of tins -f&ad district was held yesterday at DfobaC’at the office, Papanui road, Mr Wright, Afethe chairman, presiding. accounts for the year were read, ot the following is an abstract Wfa&teipta— Rates, £1661 13s Id ; contribu'i . 16a ; overdraft on December 31st, 1874, AX64 10s lOd; total, £4552 4s 3d. Pay5. -r jjbentet overdraft on January, 1874, £l2B 10s ; North road, £521 16s 3d ; salaries, £227105; vJtdyertising, printing, &c, £6519s 6d ; general r T /iif6onßQß and tools for immigrants, £l7oos ; / additions to office, £140; Caledonian road, • £lO5 15s 6d ; Horner’s drain, £7 18s ; East road, £56 18s 9d ; St Albans, ;>£]aQ6 2s 7Jd ; Preston’s road, £153 18s 4d ; • fapanui and Fendaltown road, £4 14s 6d : Sandhills road, £ll6 6s 6d ; > Avsm Mill road, 10s; Springfield road, £57 > 3s 10£d ; gravel reserve road, £167 18s Id ; purchase of reserve, £623; main drains, £l2l 10s 2d ; North town belt, £2O 16s Ijd ; Knightstown, £43 4s 4£d; Sawyer’s Arms road, £l4 ; East town belt, £4O ; Northcote road, £l6l 2s 3d ; Aikman’s road, £l2 15s 5d ; Styx bridge road, £l7B 8s lOd ; Duncan’s road, £9l 10s; Church road, 15s ; Toon’s road, £5 12s 6d ; Horseshoe Lake drainage, £143 12s 9d ; St Albans drain, £7B Is 9d ; Merivale road, £3 Is; Office road, £144 Is lOd ; New Brighton road, £330 0s lOd ; Winter’s road, £6; Shirley’s road,£3l 3s sd; Innis road, 7s; Daniels’ road, £1 12s ; Board of Conservators, £2l 4s lid ; Bingsland, £97 14s ; Canal reserve, £27 15s 6d ; Eiccarton drainage, £lO 6s; Duncan’s Creek, £6O 4s 3d ; Boundary roads, £B7 14s 3d ; Stanmore road, £2Ol 19s 3d ; totat, £4417 13s 4d ; interest for the year on overdrafts, £6 0s lid ; total, £4552 4s 3d ; by overdraft at U. B. A., £164 10s lOd. The balance-sheet showed the liabilities to be £525 Is Bd, and the assets as follows Christie’s contribution to his road, £3 15s; contribution towards forming and shingling road to river from Stanmore road, £l9 7s; general rates, £lB 7s; Waimakariri £3 Us 2d; Provincial Grant, £445; drain pipes in stock, £5; gravel reserve, £650; office, land, safe, and furniture, £500; forfeited deposits, £10; total, £1,654 9s 2d. The chairman said if any ratepayer wished tospeak of the accounts now was the time to do so. Mr Lain 6 spoke of the large amount which had been used by the Board during the year, and particularly of the large item for a gravel reserve, which he would like to hear explained. The Chairman said that the district was very bare of gravel, and it was, therefore, necessary to secure a gravel site. One offering, the Board had embraced the opportunity and purchased it. Mr Laine said he was perfectly satisfied with the explanation given, and did not wish it to be understood that in asking questions he was reflecting upon the Board. He then referred to the expenditure on the outlet to the Horseshoe Lake, and the large grants from the Government for the last two years, which he did not think would last. He thought that a road should be made through the swamp to open up the interior of the

district. The Chairman said that such was the intention of the Board, and with reference to the outlet of the Horseshoe Lake the fall was so inconsiderable that it required un outlet of the nature made, to permit the water to flow away more rapidly, aud he thought the drain cut would answer the purpose. Mr Laine said he was well acquainted with that locality, and thought that if the existing creek had been kept clear, it would have answered all the requirements of that part of the district. Mr Palmer said that a large portion of land in his occupation, which used to be covered with water, was since the cutting of the drain now dry; but bethought the drain should have been cut in a different place. The Chairman said he thought the fact mentioned by Mr Palmer should convince Mr Laine that the drain was doing its work, and he had no doubt it would be of great benefit to that part of the district, since the number of drains emptying themselves into the lake, and the badness of the fall, required a wide outlet to carry the water off, and it was not the intention of the Board to close up the old creek, but use both for drainage

purposes. Mr Laine also drew attention to the large items down for keeping the North road in repair, and thought that of the large items in the balance-sheet some explanation should be given. The Chairman said it would be impossible to give the explanations required, in consequence of the great number; but if Mr Laine wished all the items making up any of the accounts as shown on the balance-sheet could be read over to the meeting. Mr Lain 6 said he did not require that, as he had no doubt that the Board had seen that the money was properly expended. With regard to the balance-sheet, he said he saw an amount down there for £SOO as an asset, being the valuation of the Boad Board office, land, &c, which was likely to mislead the ratepayers as to the actual available balance.

The Chairman replied that he thought it was a fair valuation, and that no ratepayers would be misled by it. It was placed there so that the actual position of the Board might be seen, were the district wound up to-morrow. Mr Kruse asked how the delay occurred in finishing the North road, as he considered it in a very dangerous state. The Chairman explained that the contractor was to blame for not getting on with his contract, for had he carried out his work in a proper manner, the road would have been nearly completed by this time. The best time of the year had been selected for doing the work, and it was left with the contractor to do the work to the best advantage. Mr Kruse said he thought the road ought to have been done five chains at a time. Mr Lain& said that a large sum of money had been expended on the New Brighton road, more than he considered was necessary, but would move —“ That the statement of accounts as read be adopted.” This was seconded by Mr Hinton and carried unanimously. The Chairman said the next business was the nomination of three gentlemen to fill in the place of the three who had retired. The following were duly proposed;— Messrs W. Munro, R. Duncan, Lain 6, P. Pickinion, E, Jobblin, aad W. Norman,

A poll was demanded by Messrs Brice and Balter on behalf of Mr E. Jobblin, which was fixed to take place on Saturday, at the following polling booths ;—Road Board office, School District schoolroom, Bingsland, and Moir’s Styx mill. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. HEATHCOTB. The annual meeting of this Board was held on the 6th of January, at noon, pursuant to public advertisement. Mr J. T. Fisher, chairman of the Board, presided. The annual accounts were placed on the table for perusal by the ratepayers. It was moved by Mr J. Ollivier, and seconded by Mr Staples—“ That the retiring members, Messrs Mardon, Ness, and Dunlop, be re-elected as members of the Board for the ensuing year,” which, on Mr W. Ness agreeing, was carried unanimously. Mr J. Ollivier proposed, Mr Staples seconded, and it was carried —“ That, in the opinion of this meeting, the Board shall take steps for filling up the Ferry road drain, and for that purpose to obtain the several amounts from the City Council and Provincial Governments forthwith.” It was moved by Mr J. Ollivier, seconded by Mr H. Garland, and carried —“ That this meeting has heard with regret the statement made by the Chairman re the Heathcote and Spreydon drainage works, and sincerely trusts that this Board will use every exertion in removing the difficulties which now stand in their way, and will take the earliest steps to complete the drainage of that district.” A vote of thanks to the members of the Board for the able and satisfactory manner they had carried out their duties during the past year was then passed, and the meeting broke up. SPREYDON. A meeting of the Spreydon Road Board was held on Tuesday, January sth. Present all the members. Letters were read— From Austin and Kirk with price list of drain pipes. From His Honor the Superintendent, requesting the Board to supply information in reference to Andrews’ soap and candle works. The clerk was directed to see Mr Buxton, and inquire into the matter. From the Government, stating that their Engineer will be authorised to make a report and estimate of the proposed drain through section 154, On consideration of the application from Mrs Hadfield for remittance of rate, the clerk was directed to see the Government Aid officer, and enquire whether she is receiving aid.

Mr Bell stated , that he had seen Mr Money and Mr Bishop with reference to having the Windmill road made wider alongside of their properties, but had not received a definite reply. The surveyor was directed to write again to the Government and urge the necessity of having the footpath on the Lincoln road proclaimed.

The surveyor was directed to put pipes or culverts across the footpath on the south town belt if the Council docs not object. Mr Dunbar stated that Messrs Maliug and Brooks had complained to him about the clerk opening tenders, aud wished to know if it was so. The clerk stated that he did open Brook’s and Maling’s tender, and the reason was, that it was put into the box addressed as a letter, not having tender written upon it. The Board was of opinion that the clerk was justified in doing what he did. The surveyor was directed to report upon the old culverts in the district. Accounts to the amount of £2O 13s were passed, and the Board adjourned. TEMPLETON. A meeting of ratepayers was held at the Road Board office, Yaldhurst, on Monday, January 4th, for the purpose of receiving statements of accounts for the past year, and also for the election of three new members. The Chairman, after reviewing the business that had been done by the Board during the past year, congratulated the ratepayers upon the amount of work the Board had been enabled to get through, in consequence of their having more funds at their command, and happy to inform them that they had still a credit balance at the bank instead of an overdraft, which has not been the case for the last two or three years, and stated he would be most happy to answer any questions the ratepayers wished to ask. There being but few questions asked, he (the chairman) remarked that it was certainly satisfactory to himself and fellow members on the Board to find that their energies in carrying out the duties connected with their office had given such satisfaction. The Chairman then asked those present to be good enough to nominate candidates to fill up the three vacant seats, stating the three retiring members were eligible for reelection, when Messrs Taylor, Jones, Sinclair, and Carpenter were proposed and seconded ; but before a show of hands was called for, Mr Taylor thanked his proposer and seconder, and begged to resign from the contest, and no other person being nominated, the chairman declared the three lastnamed gentleman duly elected. A meeting of the newly-formed Board was held afterwards, when Mr S, Bailey was elected chairman for the ensuing year, when, after the ordinary routine business of the Board had been gone through, the meeting adjourned. SPRINGS, The annual meeting of ratepayers to elect three members, in the room of Messrs B. Curry, F. H. Ranger, and W. B, Andrews, who retired by rotation, but were eligible for re-election, was held in the office, Springston, on Thursday last. The annual statement of accounts was as follows :—“ The total receipts of the Board during the past year have been, including a balance of £2068 17s 2d from 1873, £7354 7s 7d ; and the expenditure, £5725 8s 2d ; leaving a balance, including the deposit of £IOOO at the Bank of New Zealand, of £1628 193 sd, The outstanding assets amount to

£770 16s 2d, and the outstanding liabilities £3045 9s 3d. This will leave, after all assets are in, and all liabilities discharged, a deficit balance of £645 13s lOd. Last year there was a credit balance of £758 18s Id. The difference is mainly caused by the large appropriation for new main bridges, which has been exclusive of the special grant being £740. The amount of works carried out during the past year have exceeded that of the previous year, as will be shown by the two balance sheets placed before you. The works executed during the past year have been—Forming roads, 2821 chains 64 links, or a little over thirty-five miles : the length formed last year was 286 chains, or rather over one-tenth part of what has been done this year ; drains cleared, 1155 chains 23 links ; roads shingled, 298 chains; the length in 1873 was 58 chains. Works in hand—Forming roads, 450 chains ; roads being shingled, 414 chains. The main roads in the district have been thoroughly repaired by day labor during the past year. Three large new main bridges have been erected ; one an iron girder bridge, with stone abutments, and wing walls, at Lincoln, which has been built by Mr J. Anderson, of Christcnurch, at a cost of £972 10s, under the superintendence of the Provincial Government, they having given aspecialgrantof £620 towards the work, and two wooden ones, one on the Springs road over the LI river, and one by Silvester’s over the No 2. were erected by Mr John Wilson, of Saltwater Creek, at a cost of £360. The Provincial Government have erected five immigrants’ cottages upon the reserves in the district, which will be completed shortly, and will then be under the management of the Board. A large number of pipe and wooden culverts have been put In throughout the district, and a quantity of stone has been ordered for culverts and small bridges, to take the place of wooden culverts now in use, which in many cases are becoming unsafe for traffic. The contract for clearing and maintaining the LI and No 2 Rivers expired in August last, and tenders have been invited for maintaining the same for the year 1875. The assessment of the district has been made by Messrs Hill and Archer, which has been, as far as the information in the roll is concerned, a great improvement upon the old roll. The district maps which were sent to Melbourne to be lithographed came to hand early in February. To secure material for repairing the roads in the Green Park district, which are of a very sandy nature, the Board purchased a piece of clay land on the bed of the Lake, at a cost of £2l 4s, the title of which will be vested in the chairman of the Board for the time being. The Board has obtained authority from the Provincial Government to form the Tramway Reserve road, this being the most direct road to the new bridge. The Board was very desirous of getting the work done, but thought it advisable to leave the matter to the new Board, so that the ratepayers may have an opportunity of expressing their opinion on the subject. The ford through the River Selwyn, at the end of Gourlay’s road, which has been open some time back through the courtesy of Mr W. Miles, has been closed by that gentleman fencing off this land, “ The Board are now in a position to carry out such works as will re-open the road for traffic, but it being on the eve of the annual election, the Board deemed it advisable to postpone the matter for the new Board to commence and carry out, as it would have been impossible for this Board to complete the works during the term of their office. “ The salaries and office expenses including the valuation of district, plans, drawings for bridges, and superintendence of same, have been £3OB 12s 7d or 52s 3d per cent upon the total expenditure, less the £250 paid on account of cottages, which were under the supervision of the Provincial Government.”

The statement of accounts showed the receipts to be *7354 7s 7d, and the expenditure £5725 8s 2d; liabilities £8045 9s 3d, leaving a debit balance of £645 13s lOd. The nomination of candidates for the three vacant seats was then proceeded with, the chairman announcing that he did not intend to stand, as he was about to proceed to England, and thanking the ratepayers for the confidence placed by them in him, Messrs W. Miles, R, Watson, W. B. Andrews, Chas, Malthus, and J. Hurst, wero proposed, and a show of hands was taken with the following

result Mr Wm, Miles -- 20 Mr Robert Watson 18 Mr W. B. Andrews 17 Mr Chas. Malthus ... ... 11 Mr John Hurst 3 Mr Ranger demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Malthus, which the returning officer stated would take place at once and close at 4 p.m. At a few minutes to 3 o’clock the returning officer declared the result of the poll to be as follows : W. B. Andrews 67 Robert Watson 61 Charles Malthus 61 Wm Miles 60 John Hurst 27

And he had to declare Messrs Andrews, Watson, and Malthas, duly elected. A meeting of the new Board was then held. Present all the members. The Rev A, P. O’Callaghan was unanimously elected chairman for the ensuing year. ELLESMERE. A meeting of the new Board was held at Leeston on the afternoon of the 4th instant. Present—o. J. Bridge, Esq, Messrs J. Rennie, R, Lockhead, Gr. B. Woodman, and T. Acland. It was proposed by Mr Rennie, and seconded by Mr Woodman —“ That Mr 0, J. Bridge be chairman for the ensuing year.” Carried. Mr J. Rennie was re-elected Treasurer, Mr Nixon appeared to ask the Board to deepen and widen the ditch on the lower side of Smyth’s road (about thirty chains), offering at the same time to pay one-third of the cost of the work. The Board agreed to let Mr Nixon the work at 4s per chain, to be carried out under the inspection and to the satisfaction of the overseer.

Mr Nixon also applied to have 25 chains of drain cut on the same road in continuation of drain already done on Smyth’s road, and on the same terms. Granted. Tenders to he called for after harvest.

The overseer was instructed to call for tenders for the construction of two bridges—one over Stony Gully, by Mr P. Campbell’s, and one over Overflow Gully, by Mr Thompson’s,

The Board decided to call for fresh tenders for filling gullies on Fincham’s road after harvest, Mr T. Acland guaranteeing onethird of the cost.

Paysheet, amounting to £llß 3s 9d, was examined and passed for payment.

ASHBURTON. A meeting of the Ashburton Road Board took place on Tuesday, at the Road Board office, Ashburton. All the members present except Mr John Gregg. The surveyor’s report was read. Resolved —“ That Hole and Stevenson be paid £l2 9s, provided that this amount covers all claims of Hole and Stevenson against said two cuttings on Beach road ; that the surveyor be instructed not to prepare any further work on Great South road, south of Ashburton, at present, until further considered by the Board.” The surveyor’s annual report was read and received.

Resolved—“ That in future all tenderers be required to deposit £5, same to be returned when the tender is accepted, and legally signed. Unaccepted tenderers’ deposits to be returned on application.” He Miller’s application for half-cost alongside gravel reserves, it was resolved that it be reported on at next meeting. Accounts amounting to £623 8s Ojd were passed for payment.

The annual meeting of ratepayers was held at the Road Board office at noon, for the hearing a statement of the action of the Board during the past year, and to elect two members in the place of Messrs John Grigg and R. Miller, who retire by ballot. _ The returning officer, Mr John Grigg, presided, and having read the advertisement caliing the meeting, called upon the clerk to read the following report of the engineer:— “ I have the honor to lay before you a general resume of the various works which have been completed since I took office in May last, together with a statement of the works in hand. The works completed are as follows: —Rakaia and Mount Hutt road, 12 miles 35 chains 49 links; Rakaia and Alford Forest road, 5 miles 38 chains 50 links; Jackson’s road, section No 2, 1 mile 30 chains; Longbeaob i-oaA, 9 -rules 25 chains 13 links; North Paddock road, 75 chains; Dawson’s road, 44 chains 50 links; road off Ashburton road south, 30 chains. Ashburton township —Burnett street, 34 chains 50 links ; Tancred street, 26 chains 50 links; Dobson street, 11 chains; road by cemetery, 11 chains. Footpaths—East street, 19 chains; Tancred street, 3 chains; South street, 5 chains. Seven 46 feet 18-inch culverts have been put in, and 3 chains of 12-inch stoneware pipe drain, and 10 chain of open drain have been made, There have also been three cuttings made on the north and east town belts, and ten sumps provided to yards. The above gives a total of 30 miles and 38.62 chains of roads, and 1 mile 8 chains of streets completed since May last. “ The following are a list of the bridges and culverts completed since the above date : Great South road, Rakaia township, two culverts ; Rakaia and Alford Forest road, one culvert; Black’s road, six bridges and one culvert; McLean’s road, five bridges and one culvert ; Jackson’s road, nine bridges and one culvert; Longbeach road, one bridge, four culverts, and six culverts lengthened ; North Paddock road, one bridge and two culverts ; Dawson’s road, one bridge and four culverts ; Coldstream Swamp road, two culverts; Great South road, one concrete bridge and five timber culverts ; Alford Forest road, one culvert ; Elgin road, one 50ft, 2ft culvert; Lowclifl; and Beach road, one bridge over creek, and cuttings throughout road made passable for dray traffic ; Longbeach Swamp road, one bridge ; road by sections 17,743 and 17,744, bridge built and another in course of construction ; road off Ashburton road South, bridge built over creek. Wakanui road, one bridge and one culvert; Boundary road, two culverts; Wilson’s load, three culverts; Beach road, seven culverts; old Wakanui road and road off same, making twelve cuttings and putting in two culverts. One new culvert at the Rangitata, and one at the Hinds. The above list, including the culverts built in the township, gives a total of thirty-one bridges and fifty-five culverts constructed. There have also been 2 miles 49 10 chains of drainage done, and three immigrants’ cottages built; there are also thirty cottages in course of erection throughout the district. The works in course of construction are—Great South road, Rakaia township, 2 miles 26 chains 82 links; Black’s road, 2 miles 24 chains; Jackson’s road, section No 1, 1 mile 70 chains 67 links; McLean’s road, 8 miles 29 chains 90 links; Coldstream Swamp road, 1 mile 19 chains 13 links; Great South road, 1 mile 30 chains. Alford Forest road, 1 mile 44 chains; Dawson’s road, 64 chains 12 links; Elgin road, 1 mile 65 chains; giving a total of 21 miles and 53 - 64 chains of roads in hand at the present time, which, added to the total mileage of works completed, gives a grand total of 51 miles 62 26 chains of road making, finished or put in course of execution since May last. “ J. Stanley Bruce, “ District Engineer." The following annual balance sheet was then submitted to the meeting : To total receipts £25,766 17 7 By total expenditure ... £19,747 7 3 Balance at bank 6019 10 4 £25,766 17 7 Outstanding liabilities ... £6017 3 5 Balance at bank £6019 10 4 Assets, plant, property, timber, &c 2267 0 0 Total assets £8286 10 4 After considerable discussion on matters connected with the Board had been evoked, the business of the election of two members was proceed with. Mr Brown proposed, Mr Digby seconded, the nomination of Mr John Grigg. Mr Friedlander proposed, Mr Graham seconded, the nomination of Mr R. Miller. No other candidate being proposed, the returning officer declared the above named gentlemen duly elected. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the old Board, the meeting closed.

A meeting of the new Board then took place. ’

On the motion of Mr Miller, seconded by Mr Harrison, Mr John Grigg was voted unanimously to the position of chairman for the ensuing year.

Applications for the office of working overseer were then considered, when from a numerous list of applications Mr James Gardiner was selected.

Eesolved, that a married man be obtained to take charge of .the horses, cottage, forage, and yards, to work himself with a team, at a yearly salary of £llO per annum, to live in the Hoad Board’s cottage; a month's notice on either side to cancel the agreement;

Application for a bridge over creek on section 14,480 was referred to the surveyor to report upon. Mr McLaren applied for Beach road to be formed on to end of section 17,274; also, road to Wakanui to end of section 14,866. Referred to the surveyor to report upon at next meeting. Re application for road past section 16,056 and 15,745, surveyor instructed to examine same, and report to next meeting. With reference to the contract for the erection of guide posts, the clerk was ordered to write to the contractor, and inform him that as he has exceeded his contract time the Board consider the contract null and void. The clerk was directed to write to Messrs Woods Bros, giving them notice to fill in the approaches to bridge within three days, and to complete their contract on South road in three weeks from present date. The Board adjourned to first Tuesday in February. OXFORD. A meeting of the ratepayers of the East and West Oxford districts, was called to elect three members, in lieu of Messrs Sladden, Sedcole, and Gamman, retiring on Jan, sth. The candidates for the ensuing year were Messrs Paul, Parish, R. Morris, D. Fisher, J, Pearson, junr., H. Sedcole, S. Gamman, and H. Terry. A show of hands, not being satisfactory to the majority of voters a poll was demanded. At 4 p.m the poll was closed. The number of votes recorded were as follows : Mr John Pearson 86 Mr Sedcole ... 69 Mr J. Paul 43 Mr S. Gamman 42 Mr R, Morris 33 Mr D. Fisher 27 Mr H. Terry 20 Mr R. Parish 16 The returning officer, Captain Foster, then declared Messrs Pearson, Sedcole, and Paul, to be the the duly elected members of the Oxford Road Board for the ensuing year. A subsequent meeting of the members to elect a chairman resulted in favor of Mr J. Paul. V_ LITTLE RIVER. The annual general meeting of this Board was held at the office, Kaituna, on the sth inst, for the purpose of electing three members to serve on the Board in place of Messrs Gerkeo, Parkinson, and Coop. The result was that Mr Coop was re-elected, and Mr Buchanan and Mr John Gebbiein lieu of the other two. A meeting of the Board was held after the election, when Mr Buchanan was elected chairman and Mr Gebbie treasurer. A letter was read from the Secretary for Public Works enclosing copy of Mr Widdowson’s report upon the immigrants’ cottages built in the district. The Board then adjourned until the Ist February.

A show of hands was taken, which re suited as follows :— Duncan • •• ... 13 Laine ... ... 13 Dickinson • •• ... 13 Norman ... ... 13 Munro • •• ... 8 Jobblin • •• ... 8