SUB-DIVIDING TOWN PROPERTY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 439, 14 February 1912, Page 5

SUB-DIVIDING TOWN PROPERTY.

SURVEYOR AND COUNCIL. For some time past an application bag been before the Borough Council for the passing of the roads on a subdivision of a property of Mr J. Boddie. The application is mads by Mr R. C. Jordan, surveyor, who has done the work of sub-dividing the property and laying off the roads. The plan in the usual course was referred to the Works Committee, and the committee, after inspecting the property recommended that one of the roads which was a blind road, should be carried to the boundary of an adjoining property with a view to affording access to the Mangaorino road in case of the adjoining property being sub-divided at any future time. The recommendation was communicated to Mr Jordan, who replied that the course recommended was impracticable. Mr Jordan stated that he and the inspecting surveyor (Mr Galbraith) had been over the locality in company. The inspecting surveyor would furnish a report if required. Cr Forsyth said he regretted the matter had been hung up, but it was not the fault of the Works Committee. In co npany with Crs Lusk and Julian he had inspected the locality, and the committee's recommendation had been in accordance with the knowledge then gained. There was already one blind road on the sub-division to which no exception had been taken, but in the case under review he was sure the committee's recommendation was practicable, and in the interests of the borough. The Mayor said he had purposely abstained from taking any part in the business, which was left in the hands of the surveyor, who had to have the plan passed. It was plainly apparent, however, thai; he was suffering i'rom a conflict of expert opinion. His own surveyor was supported in his attitude by the inspecting surveyor, and he was obliged to give weight to their opinion. No other sub-division that had come before the Council had been treated in such a manner. It appeared that Crs Forsyth and Julian were setting their opinion as experts against those of the surveyors. He would like to know if the opinion of an outside engineer was obtained on the matter would the committee abide by such opinion. He wished to get finality on the matter. Cr Ju ; ian said he was sorry the Mayor had mentioned councillors' names in connection with the subject. There was no personal feeling in the matter. He was convinced of the reasonableness of the committee's recommendation, and would not accept any outside opinion. !t was the duty of councilors to attend to these matters and they should not shirk it. The delay was caused by the surveyor. Cr Forsyth said he was sure the road could be made through to the boundary, and subsequently carried on through the adjoining section. It \va3 decided on the motion of Crs Hardy and Tammadgethat Cr Julian's suggestion as to the placing uf the road be adopted, and that Cr Julian be appointed to point out the line of road to Mr Jordan.