Huntly Road Board.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 5 March 1915, Page 3

Huntly Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting of the Huntly Road Board was held on Saturday last, the members present being, Messrs. J. P. Bailey, (Chairman) L. B. Harris Jr. W. F. Parker and W. D. Thompson. A letter was received from Souter and Co., asking if the Board could see its way to fill some of the holes on the Great South Road, south of the Town Boundary and offering to try to raise money from motorists to assist the Board. The clerk was instructed to thank the writers for their kind offer, which was gratefully accepted, and to inform them that the Board was doing its utmost to put the road in a good state of repair. Mr E. L. Tucker wrote pointing out that the traction engines had smashed the planking on the Mataliuru Quarry Bridge. The Clerk was instructed to see to the matter as soon as convenient. The clerk of the Wangamarino Road Board wrote stating that a -deputation from that body would wait on the Board with regard to the formation of a new County. Owing probably to lack of knowledge of the dates of the meeting here the deputation did not materialise. Various deputations waited on the Board with requests for improvements on certain roads. Mr VV. Gill, who had taken up a large section in the Mangatea Gorge, pointed out that about 50 chains of the surveyed road to his place was through standing bush, and besides that, would require forming before he could get to his land with necessary wire and seed. It has been stated that there was a Government Grant for this work, but the clerk said that no intimation of the grant being made had reached the office. He was instructed to see the District Engineer at Auckland and if the money was available to put the work in hand at once.

A. deputation from Kimihia presented a petition praying that about four chains of road at Dunn’s Cutting be metalled and that certain water tables be cleaned up. The Board promised to see into the matter. Mr Sclennor and another waited on the Board with reference to the road across Dilworth’s Swamp, pointing out that they were quite cut off from communicating with the main road. It was pointed out that there was no money available for this work, and the Chairmaji suggested that the settlers raise a loan to form and metal the road properly. The deputation agreed that this was the best thing to do, and asked the Board to expediate the taking of steps to raise a loan.

The clerk was instructed accordingly. It was decided to get the ruts in the Big Swamp and Foot’s Swamp filled up be fore the winter comes on. Accounts amounting to £273 19s 5:1 on the General Account and £64 8; 8d on the Loan Account were passed for payment.

The stout man in the fourth row was attentively following the minister’s sermon.

“Let us, then,” said the preacher, “ break the bonds of customs and throw off the shackles of self, and acknotvledge our debt to life’s fundamental lessons. Let us deduct from the year’s balance-sheet those obligations which we are morally bound to assume.” At this point the stout man suddenly chuckled and slapped his leg with considerable force. After the sermon he was overtaken by the minister. “You seemed greatly pleased with one part of the sermon,” he said. “ Yes,” replied the stout man. “ What you said reminded me a ripping new scheme for beating the income tax.”