ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 409, 4 October 1875, Page 4

ROAD BOARDS.

HEATHCOTE.

This Board met on Thursday last. Present —All the members. The clerk's receipts W ere—Waimakaririrate, £4 3s 4d ; ordinary road rate, £69 19s 7d ; rent, £5 ; sale of earth, 14s. From Government, being balance of amount allocated on finally adjusting the Road Board's account for 1870 71, under the Payment to Provinces Act, 1871, £2 12s 3d; from sale of survey instruments, balance,£ls; from Government, being second instalment of Provincial grant, £5lO. Total, £607 9s 2d. Resolved that the Government be again written to, re removal of railway gates on Garland's road. Mr Brandon waited on the Board re assessment, and was informed he could appeal if dissatisfied with the same. Mr Stace waited on the Board offering to supply and cart broken metal on to the Ferry road at 7s 6d per yard. Mr Whitelaw waited on the Board as one appointed by a public meeting held at Waltham on Sept 21st last, handing the Board the following resolutions that were then passed:—lst That the present valuation appears excessive, and the increase upon last year's roll altogether out of proportion either to the increase on value of property or increase of money expended in the locality by the Board. 2nd That the assessment appears to have been made in an irregular and arbitrary manner, and that a revision of the roll is necessary, in so far as it has reference to this locality. Mr Whitelaw then went on to explain from the rate roll the causes of complaint, and to show the irregularities which, he contended, the Waltham ratepayers had to put up with by this assessment. The Board informed Mr Whitelaw that it was quite possible that there were errors and some irregularities in the assessment of so large a district, but that it thought the great cause of complaint arose from the fact that the properties were rated up to their full valua this year, whereas other years they have been rated below it, and that each ratepayer had the remedy in his own hand by appealing, and further, to expedite and save the laboring men losinpr time, the Board would endeavour to get the revising officer to hear appeals by proxy. Letters were read from Mr E. Comer re drainage on old Stan more road ; same to be attended to. From J. C. Veel, complaining of a cutting being made across Hereford street footpath ; to be acknow ledged, and informed if the Board can find out the offender proceedings will be taken against him. From the Government re second instalment of grant, also re culvert on the Hills road, stating the same is outside of the railway works and under the control of the Board. Resolved—" That the Government be informed that the cutting was made by the Government of that day to divert the water from the old gully running into the tunnel mouth, and is necessary for the proper maintenance of the railway works, and,, although a substantial culvert was made it was washed away the winter following its erection, and the Road Board cannot undertake to maintain a work that was carried out for the specific purpose of protecting the railway works, and respectfully decline to be responsible for any accident that may occur, as the same is in a dangerous state; and that notice be put in the papers, cautioning people travelling the Hills' road of the danger existing. From Mr S. Clarksop, supply nails to the Board according to price list sent. From Mr J, H. Hopkins, re forming a concrete side channel through part of Wooleton. The Board would ascertain the cost, and consider the matter. From Mr T. M. Hassal, re River Reserve road opposite section 157. To be acknowledged, and informed that Mr Dunlop and the foreman will inspect same. Resolved—" That the chairman be authorised to confer with the Provincial Engineer re metalling the new part of Hills' road, with power to act." Letter from the Government Engineer, re Mr Leatham's contract for the Sumner road, informing the Board that his time was up for maintaining same, and forwarding voucher for final payment. Accounts to the amount of £590 were passed for payment, when the Board adjourned to Thursday evening, the 14th instant, at 6.30 p.m.