Road Board.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 129, 6 May 1885, Page 2

Road Board.

THIS DAY.

Present : — W arc^ ens Snelson (chair), Sly and Mathieson. Minutes of the last meeting, general and special, were read and continued. . The Chairman congratulated the Board on the position of the finance. The overdraft had not been so small for several years past. It had usually been , i-1000 to .£I2OO, but was now only something over i'4oo. CORRESPONDENCE. From Minister of Public Works, copy ot letter sent to the Manchester Road Board, re Manawatu Gorge Bridge ; suggesting that as the Railway Bridge connected with the Woodville-Palmerston Line, would shortly be erected, the money that the Road Board arc entitled to for a bridge be spent on other works. From the Railway Department, Wanganui, re clearing flood gates at Ngawhakarau, declining to pay more than had been already agreed upon. From Minister of Public "Works re expenditure of portion of £262 ; • granted under Roads and Bridges Construction Act, asking for further particulars. From the Treasurer, advising the Board that the sum of i'5G2, being first and final payments on the reconstructions of the Awahuri Bridge had been paid to the credit of the Board. From Manchester Road Board, re Gorge Bridge, diversion of money as suggested by Minister of Public Works, viz., to make a road through Cotter's property, down to Fitzherbert Bridare, on the south side of the river. The letter stated the Manchester Board would not for a moment entertain the idea, and the Kiwitea Road Board also objected to the proposal. From Public Works Department re grant of £4,000, asking for a reduction of the grant by £400, cost of metalling Millericks Line, and granting the application. From Wanganni hospital, stating that the next meeting of delegates would take place on Wednesday the 13th instant.

From the Borough Council asking the Board to assist m the repairs of tho drain on Boundary Road, to which the Board had not yet contributed anything. From W. Coombs, Powell and Sorby Bros., re road from Mille rick's corner to foot of hill leading past applicant's land; asking the Board to take the necessary steps to have it brought under the provisions of the District Roads Act, so that they might yet for the amount from the Government. From Mr J. C. Nathan, requesting the Board to pay all monies accruing on account of his Middle Aorangi coo tract to Mr Anthony Nathan. Letter from Public Works to Manchester Board, re Gorge Bridge, read by the chairman. The Chairman thought the matter did not particular^ affect this Board and that it might remain without their taking any action. i Warden Sly asked that the matter be held over for discussion till the Wardens for that part of the district referred to were present. Ho (Mr Sly) believed that the making of the road referred to would materially affect the prosperity of the district, and that it would be better to have a general discussion before coming to any decision. Application from the Borough Council for assistance towards defraying cost of repairs to drain on Boundary Road. A discussion took place m which Mr Sly said he did not think the Borough was m any way liable, according to thfe reading of tho Act, and that tho Board should be careful before a precedent was made giving tho Borough uu opportunity to act m tho same way on future occasions. Mr Mathieson thought the matter should he held over for a larger meeting to discuss it. Decided to leave over till the place Lad been visited by Wardens Snelson and Sly. lie Coombes and, other application the Board decided to agree to their request. i?e Nathan's order to pay his brother Anthony Nathan contract monies. Decided to have order returned and a properly stampedjone made out, also to have inserted transfer of responsibility m connection with the carrying out of the work. Report of Slaughterhouse Inspector read. Report read re culvert between Mr Boeknick and Capt. Mowlem's land to. the effect that the same remain as before No alteration could be made without affeting Captain Mowlem's property. Warden Sly proposed rt pausing of accounts that they be taken after reading the minutes or hearing deputations. Warden Sly thought the accounts were hurriedly gone into at the last moment, and that they would be better inspected earlier m the meeting. Heilso would like a committee appointed to consider the reducing of the expenditure of the Board. Decided on motion of chairman to adjouru discussion to next meeting. Deputation asking for expenditure on Newbury line. Messni Pascal, W. &T. Nnight (2), and Boy os, waited on tho Boad and discussed the matter of getting roard under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act by making it a district road. As the deputation wished the work to be at once proceeded with, it was suggested that as the applications to Government for grants under this Act would not be finally dealt with till 30th June, and the money not be available till the spring had set m, therefoie it would be beneficial, and the best means they could adopt, viz., to advance the amount required and that the Board would garantee reinbursement on receipt of the amount from Government. The deputation having retired to consider this proposal decided to make the advance by their joint and several promissory notes, same to be completed during the afternoon and arranged with the Board. Mr Baker waited on tije Board, re diversion of water on his property. Deckled to visit (the place and report on same. Mr Hamilton waited on the Board m reference to carrying out work on his line, and was informed that the contract was let.