SANDON-CARNARVON HIGHWAYS BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, 23 August 1881, Page 2

SANDON-CARNARVON HIGHWAYS BOARD.

».„ . Saturday, August, 20, 1881. The Board met at S wison on the above date a* 1 . 11.45 a.m. Present. — Messrs Farmer (Chairman), R. M'Kenzie, Bowater, [ Wtiiteman, and Gifibrd. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and with one or two slight alteration?, confirmed. BRIDGE ON SPEEDY'S LINE. The Chairman explained, with reference to Mr M'Hardie's request to have a bridge erected on Speedy's line, and held over from last meeting, that during the month he had visited the spot, and found that a bridge of about 27 feet wide would be re quired, which would cost at least £20. The bridge in question was over the Pikatu creek. , He declined to take upon himself the responsibility of executing bo large a work, especially as there was no matai in the vicinity which could be used for stringers. Mr M'Kenzie said the County Counoil had a special fund for dealing with bridges of over a certain size. Perhaps a grant from that could be obtained. The Chairman said he thought the limit of the County Council was 30 feet. He would suggest that he (the Chairman) should have power giveu him to arrange with Mr M'Hardie to build a temporary bridge of the best material to be obtained close at hand. He thought that for about

£3 a bridge coati be erected thai; would last for several years. la reply to a question it was stated that the rates Mr M'Hardie pays to the Board amount to £1 per annum. After some farther discussion of a conversational nature, it was resolved, That the Chairman assist Mr M'Hardie to erect a temporary bridge to the extent of £2 10s. SQL" VRING ACCOUNTS WITH THE OLD BOARD. The following letter from the Manavvatu Highways Board was read : — Palmerston North, July 20, 1881. Sir, — I am instructed by the Manawatu Highways Hoard to communicate with your Board, and request that you will forward to our account in the Bank of Australasia, Pal mer9 ton X., a cheque for £300, to account on the C4overnment award. You are doubtless aware that we have been sued by the Foxton Highways Board for the money, the greater part of which you owe to us, and have had to pay the same by overdraft on the Bank, for which we are now paying interest. We are unable at present to arrange our mutual accounts with your Board, as we cannot get the necessary documents from Wellington. Hoping that you will at once comply with this reasonable request, I am, &c, G. J. Bruce, Chairman Manawatu Highways Board. Mr M'Kenzie asked, what was the amount due ? Mr Bowater said the original award was £449, but an examination of the books had reduced it to £310, independent of £47, overcharged. He believed that if they paid £300 they would be paying more than their due. Mr M'Kenzie said it was rather strange to find the Manawatu Board so anxious to get a cheque for £300 before presenting a correct aceouut, for when the members of this Board went over to Palmerston and went through the books with the Secretary, the letter embodyiug their report was left unread on the table of the Manawatu Board at its next, meeting. I The Chairman suggested £200 only should be paid p.t present. If they paid £300 the accounts would never be settled, as the Palmerston Board would leave it at that. Mr Gilford said he believed the Carnarvon Ward had not been credited with certain amounts voted by the County Council. The Council had been written to, asking for a list of grants to the Highways Board, but no answer had been received. Mr Whiteman thought a civil letter should be sent to the Manawatu Board, saying this Board would try and expedite matters, in order that the accounts could be settled. Mr . Bishop asked, why not compel the old Board to furnish a complete account before any money was paid T The Chairman said the old Board was at present paying 9 per cent, on overdraft. He agreed a conciliatory attitude should be adopted, otherwise the Manawatu Board might force them to accept the Resident Magistrate's award, and pay the full amount of it. It was then resolved, "That the sum of £200 be paid on account to the Manawatu Highways Board, and that the Secretary write to that body requesting them to get the books and render a complete account as soon as possible, in order that the matter may be speedily settled. " LEGAL ACCOUNTS. Two accounts were read from Mr John Prior, solicitor, for legal work done for the Board. One of £4 4s, for work done in connection with a transfer from Mr Wilson to the Board, was held over, in order that the Chairman might ascertain how far the negotiations had progressed. Auother account for Mr Prior for £12 103, legal expenses in connection with the transfer of the gravel; pit, was passed for payment. THE ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES. The following letter from the Hon. W. W. Johnston was read : — Wellington, August 2, 1881.— -Dear Sir, — In reply to your letter covering a resolution passed by the Sandon and Carnarvon Highways Board, in respect of the suggested subdivision of the Manawatu electoral I beg to say that I believe that I shall be able to give effect to the desire expressed by the resolution of the Board. — Walter W. Johnston-. The members generally expressed their i satisfaction at the favorable nature of the ! reply. hickford's line. Mr C. T)ahl interviewed the Board with ; reference to the present state of the above road. He said the road was at present in a very bad state, and that a very small expenditure would improve it greatly. He \ thought from £8 to i'lo would do what was i wanted. He had arranged to have the bush in certain parts of the road felled for the owners. The road would then dry, and he wished the Board to have some sand placed on it to form it, as there was a sandhill near. The Board promised to consider the matter. The Chairman remarked the road in question was in Mr Jarvis* ward, which was overdrawn. The matter was allowed to stand over for the present, for want of funds, notwithstanding that the Board concurred in the desirableness of the work asked for being executed as soon as possible. TENDERS RECEIVED. For Speedy's Line. — No. 1 contract- — C. It 'tter, .11 12s per chain ; Mouteith & Co., 19a Id ;H. Downes, 9s 9d ;B. Duthie, 14s 2d ; W. Thompson, Hopping & Co., £1 4s 2d ; Sauson & Sainshury, 13s Gd. The tender of H. Downes was* accepted. For Speedy's Line. — No. 2 contract. — Montoith & Co., £1 0s lid per chain ; B Duthie, \os Gd ; H. Downes, 14s 9d ; Sanson & Sainsbury, 16s 9d ; C. Better, £1 10a. The tender of H. Downes wus accepted. For Lee 'B Line.— Garrett & Gray, 7s per chain; L. Ward, 7s 6d per chain (informal). The tender of Garrett and Gray was accepted. Milner's line. Letter read from Mr F. Kellow, asking permission to fell bush ou road line adjoining his land, and asking 3os per acre. — There being only 20 chains of bush, the offer was accepted. Another matter referred to in Mr Kellow's letter, the cutting of a bridle track in the same vicinity, was held over, Mr Whiteman promising to report upon it at next meeting. SANDON TO FEILDING ROAD. The following letter was read : — Sandon, August 20, 1881. Sir,— The road from Sandon to Feilding is stopped. A small bridge on the road in Swainsoa's bush has been moved by the flood. When coming from Feilding yesterday afternoon, I met Mr W. Scarrow. He informed me he had been there two hours trying to get across. Ie is a small matter, but if there is not something done to the bridge soon there wtll be an accident, and theu some unpleasant proceedings. This is the same little bridge that Mr Price threatened the Manawatu Highways B>ard about some eighteen mouths ago. — I am, &a, Duncan M'Kenzie. The Chairman said the bridge waa aoross the Mangaone. It had been washed away fiv« times. There wu plenty of good to*

tara near at hand, to do it. About £2 would do what was wanted. Mr Bishop was authorised to have the work done at once, the road being in his ward. RATES COLLECTED. The Clerk explained Mr Tomlinson had received from the Foxton Highways Board a letter regaiding Mr W. Simpson's rates, which had in error been paid to him instead of to the Foxton Board. The Board ordered the amount to be paid in full, a suggestion by Mr M'Kenzie that the cost of collection be deducted not finding favour with the members. MOUNT STEWART-HALCOMBE LINE. Mr Bishop brought before the Board the necessity of some formation being done on the above line. He thought tenders might be called for one mile. The Chairman said roadwork was being I done so cheaply now they might just as well have the two miles done at once. It was resolved to call for tenders for the formation of 80 chains of this road, the work to be let in two contracts. LAEOITR ACCOUNTS. Mr M'Kenzie said the Board had agreed to pay laborers 6a per day, but no agreement had been come to as to the price to be paid when a man, horse, and cart waß hired. During the month he had employed in his ward a man, horse and cart for several days, up to £5 2a, which was 2s over the amount they had agreed each warden should be allowed to spend every month, but he had in the account allowed for only 9s per day for the man, horse, and cart. He thought they should in futurcallow 10a. Mr Gifford said 3s a day was not enough to paj for the oats the horse would eat. He thought 103 a day little enough. The Chairman said he had employed two men, two horses, and one cart gravelling, and they asked only £1 per day. Mr Bishop asked, would it not be better for the work Mr M 'Kenzie had had done to be let by contract. The understanding was that when cases of urgency arose the wardens should be allowed to spend £5 per month, but not as a regular thing. Five pounds per month would make £60 by the end of the year, and that was a large sum to .be.left (in the hands of a warden. Mr M'Kenzie explained that it would be impossible to let this work by contract. It consisted for the most part of removing sand from high places and filling in low spots with it. He thought that day labour was the best for that. He was not likely to outrun his funds by spending £5 per month. It was agreed that in future the Board pay 10a per day when a man, horse, and cart are employed for the Board. m'cutchky's line. Mr M'Kenzie said he was having bush felled on road to M'Cutchey's, and was paying £1 14s 6J per acre. There were about two acres on the road line, and he would ask the Board to sanction the expenditure of the money necessary to pay for the falling of the bush.— The request was acceded to. Mr M'Kenzie said this was an important road, as it led to one of the few gravel pits in the district. He thought it desirable the bush should be felled along it. (The road in question runs into the bush immediately opposite the road leading to Howe's mill.) He then moved, " That tenders be called for falling bush and clearing 60 chains of the same road as above referred to." Air Bowater seconded the motion, which was carried. banks' line. Letter read from the County Council, covering the following resolution : — "That the request of the Sandon aud Carnarvon Highways Board re the Engineer laying off Banks' Hue of road, and superintending the same, be complied with, provided the whole of the road from Jones' line to the Taipo district be made. If said Board fail to complete the work within a reasonable time the cost of preparing plans and specifications be paid by said Highways Board." The Chairman— l think that is pretty strong language— rather tight I Mr M'Kenzie thought the condition imposed was only a fair one. The Chairman asked, would it not be as well to hand over the whole work to the Council, money and all, and let them do it. Mr Bishop doubted if the Council would undertake it. The Chairman said Mr Sanson had said he thought they would. It would save disputes. Mr Bowater said if it cost more, would the Council share the extra expense ? The Chairman said it might be a serious thing if the Board were let iv for the cost of preparing the plans and specifications. Engineers were like lawyers ; they could make their charges come up to any amount. The old Board was once called upou to pay £21 for laying off three-quarters of a mile of road near Feilding. He thought it would be time enough to hand over the money when the work was done. Mr Bishop said the work might cost more than they had to pay. The two wards interested in the road had agreed 10 pay £80 between them ; there was £40 subscribed by the settlers ; and £30 from the Council. Mr M'Kenzie proposed that it should be an instruction to the Engineer to make the work come within the amount voted for it. The Chairman thought that uight be too dictatorial. Mr Bishop pointed out that the settlers subscribed the money on condition that the J whole road should be made. Mr M'Kenzie considered they were bound to make the entire road, the settlers haviDg subscribed on that condition. Mr Bowater assented to this. j Mr Whiteman remarked Mr Myer had told the Board there were 110 chains to be j done, and that £150 would do it. Several members expressed the opinion that the money in hand aud voted would do the work. Mr Bowater remarked that Mr Hayns did not care to work for the Boards, as they had thrown him over, but was quite willing to do work for them if it were passed through the Council. He did not want to have more than one master to serve. The Chairman said they must adopt a conciliatory attitude towards the County Council, so that the dignity of that body would be respected. He had seen frequent references in the reports lately, that "such-and-such a thins? would be undignified for the Council to do. " (Laughter. ) The following motion was then proposed j by Mr Bowater, seconded by Mr Whiteman, and carried, "That the County Council be kindly requested to lay off Banks' line of road, and call for tenders for same ; and that this Board will hand over the money promised, when required, viz., £120." THE BOARD AND ITS SOLICITOR. Mr Tomlinson, the collector of the old rates, wailed on the Board, and explained that some six weeks before he had tol.l Mr W. N. Ward, solicitor, that his services would not be required any more. He had also written telling several persons that unless they satisfied judgements obtained against them they would be levied upon by distress for the amounts. He found that Mr D. E. Amesbury and others had paid Mr Ward, t>nt the moneys had not been handed to him, or he must have collected them, as he (the speaker) wrote to|the Clerk of the Court at Bulls, and wm told the

- J! * moneys had aot been paid into Coait. 2b * believed Mr Ward had in hand the follc-M^gi* ing moneys : — Amesbury, £SJJ* i 0, SimpjK son, £8 15s ; Giefcard, £1 aiy^AXfst^rvKt 6d ; Fraser Bros., 10s. In reply to Mr M'Kenzie, Mr Tomlinso&A said he was not aware of any cases having been decided against the Board by default. There was one case of a man named Boness, upon whom the summons was served several days after he (Mr Tomlinßon) had told the Clerk of the Court the matter had beep settled out of Court. Boness and his soli--1 citor both went to Court despite bis (Mr Tomlinsou's) assurance the case was settled, and the Magistrate allowed £2 2s expenses. That, however, would have to be borne by the Clerk of the Court, whose fault it was the case was called on. The payment was made by Boness after the summons was taken out. Mr M'Kenzie asked why Mr Tomlinson had allowed the Board to be put to the ex* pense of distress warrants in certain cases in which judgment was given against the Board ? Mr Tomlinson replied it was not his duty to pay moneys away. The solicitor should have reported those cases. Mr M'Kenzie differed from this. He -4 considered it was clearly the Collector's duty to acquaint the Board that judgment had been given against it in certain cases, * in order that arrangements might be made to satisfy the judgments. Mr Tomlinson said the previous day he received a letter from the Clerk of the Court saying that the sum of £12 19s 5d was impounded on application of Mr Maclean, but there was only about LlO in hand. He had just met Gaughran, the bailiff, and he had brought down distress warrants to be levied on the Board, amounting to Lll 19s. The amount of money Mr Ward had in hand belonging to the Board was about Lls. He had written several times to Marton and other places, but could get no answer. He had just heard he was now at Otaki, and would ask instructions from the Board what he was to do. He might explain that it was no fault of his that an error had been made in summoning Mr Symons or the other parties, as the names were down on the list of defaulters handed to him. Of the L 623 owing when he started to collect the back rates, he had got in L 576. There were some small amounts owing by Germans he could not find, and all the rest had been got in, including the amounts ia Mr Ward's hands. Several member* expressed the opinion (hat Mr W. 'N. Ward should be at once called upon to account for the moneys in his possession belonging to the Board, and it was proposed by Mr M'Kenzie, seconded by Mr Gifford, and carried, "That the Secretary be instructed to write to Mr W. N. Ward, asking for payment at once to Mr Tomlinson of moneys he holds belong* ing to the Board ; failing which, legal pro* ceedings will be taken to recover the amount; also, that his services are no longer required by the Board." ACCOUNTS PASSED. F. Fraser, 12a ; A. Thompson, £5 ss ; H. Rockell, £5 2« ; M. Kew, £2 2s ; A. Matthews, £1 14s 2d ; S. Mann. £3 7s 3d; F. Beaven, £1 6s lid ; J. L. Kirkbride, M 2s 6d ; G. Hedges, £13 10s ; J. Prior, £12 10s; Manawatu Highways -Board, £200; total £249 11s lOd. MISCELLANEOUS. The Treasurer (Mr Whiteman) informed the Board that the account that day showed a credit balance of £422 53 737 The desirability of an improvement in the repayment of deposits was mentioned by the Treasurer, and after some discussion • Messrs Bowater and Whiteman were authorised to pay all deposits on demand, cheques to be signed in *he usual way. The date of the next meeting was fixed for the 17th September. The Board adjourned at 445 p.m.