ROAD BOARDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6511, 9 January 1882, Page 5

ROAD BOARDS.

HEATHOOm The above Board met on Friday last, at 10 a.m.; present, —Messrs F. Jones, J. 8. Monck, W Attwood, E. J, T. Ford, and B. Brown.—Mr F. Jones was unanimously elected Chairman for the ensuing year.—The Clerk reported that his accounts had been audited by the District Provincial Auditor, and they were open for inspection. The receipts were reported to be £ll4 Ss Id. —Mr J. T. Fisher waited on the Board with reference to the road to his land, B.S. 21. It was resolved to go and inspect it on Monday next —Mr Stanley Edwards also interviewed the Board for a certificate as to the stopping of road in 8.8. 138. The Chairman was authorised to sign it. —The Clerk reported that he had purchased a lamp for Stamnore road from Messrs Anderson. Approved of. —A letter was read from the Chief Surveyor re removal of datum stone on Ensor’e road. The Clerk to reply.—lb was resolved to give notice that no person would be allowed to cut flax on the banks of the river.—The Clerk was instructed to make application to the Selwyn County Council for Reserve 107. After passing accounts for £26114s 2d, the Board adjourned. TEMPLETON. The usual monthly meeting of (his Board took place at 10.30 a.m. at the Boad Board Office, Yaldhurst, on Thursday, Jan. 6; present —Messrs Bailey (Chairman), Carpenter, Dawson, Franks, and Hepworth.— The Surveyor’s report was received and adopted, and the following correspondence read:—From the Controller and AuditorGeneral, Wellington, re the commission to be charged for the collection of the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators’ rates. The Secretary was instructed to reply.—From Messrs Branuey, Jasson, and others, asking the Board to take into its consideration the necessity of forming a short piece of road, about eighteen chains, running along the eastern boundary of section 2209. The Board decided to deal with the matter at their next meeting.—From the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators, enclosing copy of a letter addressed to them by Mr James Wilson, of Yaldhurst, complaining about the Boad Board removing gravel out of his reserve for the repairs of the roade in that neighbourhood, and asking for an explanation. The Secretary was instructed to reply.—A fixed deposit of £6OO, which falls due on Jan. 10, was ordered to be re-deposited for a period of twelve months. —A somewhat; animated discussion then took place about the costofmaintenanceof footpaths, which forms a serious item of expenditure during the year. —The monthly pay-sheet, amounting to £lO3 16s Bd, was (hen adopted and passed, and (he meeting adjourned for the annual meeting of ratepayers.

The annual meeting of ratepayers of this district took place at the Hoad Board office, Yaldhurst, at noon on Thursday, Jan. 5. Mr Samuel Bailey, Chairman of the Board, occupied the chair. He stated ho was sorry to see such a falling off m the attendance of ratepayers, as compared with the last few years. It either showed that the ratepayers were perfectly satisfied with the action of the Board during the past year, or that they were perfectly indifferent to, their own interests. Ho then spoke at some length on the probability of Bead Boards before long, being thrown on their own resources, as it would be seen by the report balancesheet which would be presently laid before the meeting, that the Government subsidies were gradually falling away. Will, with the present sources of income and judicious working, the district will not be orippledfor the next fewyears. Hethen referred to some of the more important works that bad been earned out during the year» some of which he said were of such a permanent character that, slight repairs would suffice to maintain them in a proper state of efficiency for some time to come. He then called upon the Clerk to read the annual report which detailed the vaious works that the Board have earned out during the past year, and which stated that the Board had found from experience that the more the land on the plains got fenced in, so much more did the storm-water find its way into the side-channels of the roads; hence the pipes that were layod down some years ago, and which were quite ample at that time for the purposes for which they were intended, are now in many instances perfectly useless i therefore during the past winter the Board had given considerable attention to this matter, and anticipated having much more of this kind of work to attend to next winter. The balance-sheet

was then read over and laid before the meeting, showing the various sources of income for the year to bo £747 8s 6d, together with a balance from last year of £5 00 8s 2d, making a total of £574711s 7d t and the expenditure on the various roods of the district for the same period amounting to £1206 6s 10d, leaving a credit balance to commence next year's operations with of £4451 4» Od, with outstanding liabilities of something like £l6O. After several questions had been asked and satisfactorily answered, Mr Thomas Voice proposed, and Mr Havill seconded— ■“ That the report and balance-sheet bo adopted and passed.” The usual vote of thanks to the Board for their services during the past ycor having boon unanimously carried, this part of the mooting was brought to a close. The Boturning-Officor then took hie scat, and after a few introductory remarks said the business now devolved upon the meeting to nominate candidates to All the two vacant seats on the Board caused by the retirement by rotation of Messrs Samuel | Bailey and George Hopworth, who he said were both eligible for re-election. Mr OorS enter proposed, and Mr Loatham seconded, [r Samuel Bailey; Mr Leatham proposed, and Mr Loan seconded, Mr G. Hopworth) Mr Voice proposed, and Mr Dawson seconded, Mr James Jones. On a show of hands being taken, the result was as followsßailey, 13; Hepworth, 11; and Jones, 6, Messrs Voice and Simmons then demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Jones, which will take place on Monday, January 9, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

OXFOBD. At the meeting the Oxford Boad Board, held last Friday, Mr John Ingram was elected Chairmen pf the Board for the ensuing year. ASHLEY. The annual meeting of ratepayers of ,the above district was hold at the Bead Board office on Thursday, Jan. 6 j present—Messrs Nioholls, Dick, Hodgson and Croft (Mr Nioholls in the chair). The Chairman read the advertisement calling the meeting ; also a letter from Mr J. A. Cunningham, apologising for non-attendance through sickness," The Clerk read a report; also a statement of accounts for the past year, which shewed' the receipts to have been—From rate and dog fees, £227 10s 4d; subsidies, £582 12s 2d ; County funds, £lB 9s ; interest, £296 16s lOd ; from other sources, £42 0s lOd ; total, £1166 9s 2d, with a balance of £7572 0s 8d on Jan. 1, 1881, making a total of £8738 9s lOd. The expenditure for the year has been £6489 2s 5d (including £1943 12s lid for special works Kuku Pass road), balance at the bank, Deo. 31, fixed deposit, £2OOO ; current account, £IB4O 4s 8d ; total, £8340 4s 8d; liabilities; £1786 16s 3d. The report stated that about nine miles had been formed, besides several cuttings, two miles of roads re-formed, seven miles fifty chains shingled, and several concrete culverts and bridges built. The report on Kuku Pass road stated (hat when the contracts in hand are completed the road will be open for dray traffic for 3 miles 371 chains from the Kuku Creek bridge. The trench is also cut to 6ft wide as far as the head of Duck Creek Valley, a distance of 22 miles from the foot of the Pass; the other part of the road, as laid off, is on nearly level country, and is passible for pack-horse traffic at present on to Ashley river, a distance of 27f miles from the Kuku Creek bridge. Mr Peter Duncan asked how it was no mention of pound fees was made in the The Chairman explained. Mr E. Pbilpott complained of the manner the Singer was discharging his duties, and spoke at length on the subject. Mr Free and Mr Wells also referred to the same. Mr Armstrong would like to show how it was the Banger did not impound sheep as well as cattle and horses. The Chairman explained his duties included the impounding of sheep as well os horses and cattle. Mr George Barwell asked what the terms of agreement were between Mr Hardy and the Board-? The ' Chairman explained. Mr Armstrong and ; others suggested that a cottage be built at the pound site. He was informed that the matter had been under the consideration of the Board. Mr Armstrong asked if the poundkeeper had a copy of~the Register of Brands, as mentioned in the “Trespass of Cattle Ordinance, 1872 ? ” He was informed that no copy could be had. Mr Armstrong inquired what amount had been received as rent for gravel reserves P Mr Armstrong was informed that the rent for some of the reserves, though due, was not yet paid. A ratepayer present called the attention of the meeting to a petition that had been sent in to the Board some time previous, requesting that the Stoney Flat Boad, from the Chapel Bead on to the main road, be formed to full width. He asked the Chairman if he would be kind enough to allow him to see the petition, as he was informed that his name was signed to it. The request was granted, and on seeing the petition he most emphatically denied the signature being his, nor had he given authority to any one to put his name to it. Another ratepayeralso remarked thatalthough his name was signed to the petition it was done without his permission. Mr C. Cunningham referred to dog registration, and thought that more money might be got if some person was appointed specially for the purpose. It was explained to Mr Cunningham how matters stood when that office was filled, and that the duties of Dog Begiatrar at the present time was included in the duties of Clerk and Surveyor. Mr William Free proposed, and Mr John Armstrong seconded —“That the report and balance-sheet as read be adopted,” Carried unanimously. It was resolved that a vote of (hanks be accorded to the retiring members and the Chairman for the manner they had discharged their duties during the year. Mr Croft and Mr Dick replied. The Chairman then balled on -the ratepayers to nominate three members in the place of Messrs J. A. Cunning-, ham, F. Croft, and David Dick, who retired by rotation, but were eligible for reelection. Mr William Free proposed, and MrB. Philpott seconded, Mr J. Cunningham ;. Mr George Graham proposed, and Mr E. Wohelty seconded, Mr F. Croft; Mr P.• Duncan proposed, and Mr B. H. Brownseconded, Mr David Dick ; Mr Armstrong proposed, and Mr W. Wells seconded, Mr B. H. Brown j Mr 1. Wohelty proposed, and Mr George Fisher seconded, Mr William Free. The Beturning-Gfficer then called for; a show of hands, which resulted in favour of the first three gentlemen. A poll not being demanded, the Beturning-Officer declared Messrs J. A. Cunningham, F. Cross, and D, Dick duly elected members of the Ashley Boad Board. Mr Croft and Mr Dick thanked the ratepayers for the honour conferred upon them, and hoped to serve the district in the future as they had done in the past. A vote of thanks being passed to the Chairman, the meeting terminated. A meeting wae held immediately afterwards ; present— Messrs Nicholls, Hodgson, Croft, and Dick, when Mr Nicholls was voted to the chair. It was resolved (hat contractors be allowed six weeks' extra time for harvest. Mr O. Cunningham asked that Bound Hill road, from junction with Barker's road on to Hodgson’s road, be improved. The Clerk was instructed to report. Mr Nioholl’s applied to have a (rook made from road lead from Wilson’s road towards Okuku, to join White Book road. Clerk to report. The Clerk was instructed to report on cutting east side of Grey, and to get some minor works done. Accounts amounting to £368 8s lOd were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned. LONGBEAOH. The elections for (he vacancies on the Longbeaoh Bead Board resulted as follows No. I Ward, Mr F. Lewis; No. 2, Mr B. S. Chapman; No. 3, Mr John Grigg; No. 4, Mr B. H. Rhodes ; No. 6, Mr B. 1. Dobson. For Upper Ashburton Mr D. M'Loan (Chairman), and Messrs 0. J. Harper, D, Williamson, M, Stitt, and J. Sergeant. MOUNT SOMEBS. The annual meeting of the ratepayers of the above district was held at the Boad Board office, Mount Somers, on Jan. 5. About 20 ratepayers were present. Mr Peache, the Chairman of the Board, presided, and Mr Cameron was also present. The Chairman, .in laying the annual report, balance-sheet, and return showing works done during the

year, before the ratepayers present, said he wished to draw their attention to the foot that sinoe the last linnual meeting a large portion had separated from the former Mount Somers district, thereby necessitating considerable retrenchment in the expenses. The Clerk’s salary hod been considerably reduced, Mid none but necessary works bad been undertaken. Ho was of opinion that the district was to bo congratulated upon the fair and equitable division of the funds at the dite of separation, the amount awarded to the fiangitata Board being £634 9s fid in cash. The balance-sheet was then read, and also the annual report in explanation of the different returns, and Mr J. Hood asked the Chairman why no rate had been struck during the past year, as, in consequence of this, a very small balance was loft to the credit of the Board’s account. The Chairman stated that owing to the impending separation of the district, no rate could be struck early in the year ; that the matter had been taken, up when the separation question was dooifloa, but that owing to the absence of (ho motlibcr in whose name the motion stood, the matter had fallen through. Ho certainly was of opinion that a light rate ought to have been struck during the last two years, to enable (ho Board to husband their capital and raise , sufficient by rating to carry on the general expenses of the district. Mr Cameron spoke at some length on the subject of rating, renpking that the reason no rates had been struck was that owing to the satisfactory state of thj) works in the district generally, the Board did not deem it advisable to throw a further burden of taxation on the shoulders the ratepayers. Mr Hood said that if n? rate was necessary no further works could, bo executed, and the services of the Surveyor might be dispensed with. Mr ilidson asked the opinion of the meeting as to the valuation of land in the district. The Chairman replied that he was of opinion that in sane of the oases of unimproved freehold l(nd assessed at, 2s per acre the assessment appeared too high, but the value had to be guided by the Act in the matter. Mr Hood tasked if the Board had any power to control the boundaries decided upon by the petitioners for the separation of the district The Chairman said it was hoped that the! division of (he district might be prevented] but when it was found that such was impossible it was too late to take any further action in the matter. On the motion of Mr Hood, seconded by Mr A. Harvey, it wae resolved—“ That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable (hat the ‘Local Elections Act* be brought into force for the district is now constituted." Mr Morgan proposed, and Mr Hood seconded, and it was carried —“ That the balance-sheet, report, &0., for the past year, as read, be adopted," Mr Hood proposed, and Mr Morgan seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr Peache, for “ the manner in which he had carried out the business of the Board duringthe pasty ear,” which was carried unanimously. After the close of the ratepayers’ meeting, Mr Peache stated that the next business on hand was the election of two members to serve on the Board, in the places of Messrs A. E. Peache and J. B. Taylor, who retire by ballot, but who are eligible for re-eleotioo. The following gentlemen were nominatedMr W. Edson, proposed by Mr Harvey, seconded by Mr M'Bae; Mr G. B. Cooper, proposed by Mr Borne, seconded by Mr Jolt; Mr A. B. Peache, proposed by Mr Cameron, seconded by Mr H. Taylor; Mr J. B. Taylor, proposed by Mr Cameron, seconded by Mr J. E. M'Bae. After the close of the poll, Mr Oookson, the BeturningOffioer, declared the two latter gentlemen duly elected. The proceedings then terminated. OUST. The annual meeting of ratepayers was held on Monday, January 2; Mr William Anderson in the chair. The Chairman read the report and balance-sheet, which showed receipts £2595 2s ; 9d, expenditure £lsßl 14s 3d, leaving a balance of £lOl3 8s 6d to the credit of the Board. Some questions in regard to certain items of expenditure haying been satisfactorily answered by the Chairman, Mr Howson proposed that the report and balancesheet be adopted, and that the thanks of the meeting be given to the Board for the large amount of work done during the year, with so little clerical expense. The motion was seconded by Mr Dickenson and carried. The Chairman said the next business was (he election of two members to serve on the Board in the places of Messrs Biddle and Grant. The following were nominated : Messrs T. B. Howson, G. G. Gardner, G. Biddle, and T. Tollat. The show of hands was—For Howson, 9; Gardner, 9; Biddle, 4; Tollat, 3. Mr O’Farrell demanded a poll on behalf of Mr Tollat. The following is the result of the poll :—Howson, 31.; Gardner, 28; Biddle, 28 ; Tollat, 16. The Chairman gave his oastting vote in favour of Mr Gardner, and declared Messrs Howson and Gardner duly elected. A meeting of the Board was held after the election, when Mr William Anderson was unanimously elected Chairman for the ensuing year.