AWATERE ROAD BOARD.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume I, Issue 90, 30 January 1880, Page 4

AWATERE ROAD BOARD.

Wednesday, January 28,

The Board met at 11 o’clock at the Secretary’s office. Present—Messrs Chaytor (in the chair), Green and Barclay.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

AWATERE POUND. A letter was read from Mr H. J. Stace, of Starborough, calling attention to the fact that there is at present no poundkeeper for the Awatere pound, as no one had been appointed since Mr Templeton’s decease.

Mr Barclay it appeared had been appointed by the late Provincial Government and tire question arose if that appointment survived unless it was re-gazetted. It was resolved that the Secretary be instructed to ascertain if Mr Barclay is still pound-keeper, and if he is not, that steps be taken to secure his appointment to that office, and that he be furnished with the necessary books. FERRY BOAT AT THE AWATERE. A letter was read from Mr W. F. Trolove, of Woodbank, dated January 15th, calling attention to the present state of the Awatere boat. Mr W. F. Trolove said ; “ Others and myself were detained some days at the river during the recent Hood in the Awatere whilst within a few yards of Mr Barclay’s house. The Board had provided a very useful looking boat for the purpose of crossing the river when in flood. I trust the Board will carry out their intention of having the boat placed on the river without delay. The main road South should certainly have such a river as the Awatere fit to cross in any flood, so that travellers should not be compelled to run any risk of losing their lives or even having to swim, or to wet their legs contrary to their wishes. Seeing that the boat is there, and only requires placing in its proper element and rightful position as a ferry-boat, the Board would be doing a most needful and natural piece of work by completing the undertaking.” The Chairman suggested that a signal staff should also be put up for the convenience of travellers wishing to cross in the boat. The Board concurred, and it was resolved that a signal staff'should be erected on the bank of the Awatere river opposite Mr Barclay’s house, and that the ferry-boat be fixed for traffic as soon as possible. It was also agreed that the following scale of charges should be paid to the ferryman—sheep 3d per head, passengers 6d. inspector's report, &c. Mr E. Maddocks, Inspector of Works, reported to the Board as follows In accordance with instructions received from the Boai’d at its last meeting, I have engaged a party of eight men to repair the Grey Road, and open it up from the mouth of the Grey River to Upcot. All the roads throughout the district suffered by the late heavy rain, and the repairs were delayed for some considerable time through scarcity of hands. The new road from Kekerangu to the boundary creek suffered considerably during the bad weather which necessitated much extra work, which is now finished, and itonly requires traffic and a few improvements to make this a good road. The Inspector was instructed to put in an estimate of the cost of repairing the Taylor Pass Road, from the foot of the saddle to the Nina Creek at the next meeting ; also, to procure new tents in the place of those accidentally burn recently, and to repair the road at the Hog Swamp crossing. It was resolved that McMasters’ road party be instructed to repair the road northward of Kekerangu. The Board sanctioned the action of the Secretary in selling the old ;safe damaged by fire for L2 10s. It was resolved that the overseer of each Toad party be instructed to send with their monthly accounts of time, etc., a detailed account of work done. The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Blair, C.E., asking when he intends visiting the district, and also asking him to give information to the Board in reference to the construction of wire tramways across rivers. It was stated that nothing could be done at the Awatere Shearing Reserve until after Mr Blair’s visit. Leave of absence was granted for a fortnight to the Inspector of Works. FINANCE. The Secretary reported that there -was a balance at the Bank to the credit of the Board of LI 104 7s 6d. The following accounts w re passed for payment:—J. Grainger LI, J. R. Martin LIS, A. Dobson 11s, E. Maddock LIS 13s 4d, Fuhrman and Willis, Christchurch, balance on contract Saxton’s Pass Road, L4O ; W. Nosworthy LI 2s 6d, valuer L 7 10s, Robinson Bros. L - 8s 6d.

The valuation of the Awatere District was laid before the Board in detail, and summarised as follows: Flaxbourne LI 1,676, Lower Awatere Lll ,034, Upper Awatere L 5.188, total L 27.898. The Board then adjourned. The next meeting will be held on the 3rd March, and aftewards the Board will meet on the first Wednesday in every month at half-past 10 o’clock.