WAIMEA ROAD BOARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 296, 15 December 1874, Page 4

WAIMEA ROAD BOARD.

Tuesday, December 8. The usual monthly meeting was held at the Bridge Hotel. All the members were present. Tbe minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the Overseer reported, " That 0. Davies has completed his contract, No. 8 Pigeon Valley, £U4 15s; also Mr J. Bicketts, forming in Quail Valley, Nos. 1 and 2,. £90, with extras for gravelling £7j also Mr J. Norris, clearin Trass' Valley, £26. The quantity of gravel taken from Mr Bout's paddock at Stoke was 210 yards. On the Mcutere Hills the new road has been opened; I have spent a sum of £12 ■ here in addition to the services of tbe day labor men, to remove slips, &c. I should recommend that tbe balance of vote set apart for this road under the payment to Provinces be expended during the summer months. A sum of £13 has been expended op Pigeon Valley in making approaches into the Wai-iti river, and filling up some dangerous holes near the turn-off to Dovedale road. Great inconvenience is felt by tbe Board in not having power under the Highways Act to enter on lahijs to clear and open up water courses, in some instances the road is destroyed by permission being denied to clear out the channel; steps should he taken to remedy this want. I have examined work done on the road near Mrs Verry's by Mr Joseph Andrews, and estimate the same at 15s. I also wish /Jo bring before your notice the desirability of enforcing the 420 d clause of the Highways Act, which in most cases wiil meet the gorse nuisance, - which is closing op several of our roads. Resolved, "That tbe Government be requested to introduce a Bill into the Proviooial Council at its next session, giving Road Boards power similar to that formerly entrusted to them under the 12th clause of the Country Roads j Act, 1856, (now repealed) for clearing exulting water courses passing through private lands." Resolved, "That the Secretary give notice to parties having gorse fences, in cases where non< trimming of such fences has caused tbe roads to be obstructed. In the event of non-com-pliance the matter to be placed in the Solicitor's hands." Resolved, " That Mr J. Andrews be paid the value, as reported, of the work done on Verry's road." Resolved, "I'bat the acceptance of the tenders received this day for gravelling on Stanley Brook road, be deferred, the present and late heavy calls on the Board's funds not warranting them in incurring such present expenditure." The Overseer was directed to allow any of the day-men who wished it, to absent themselves during the harvest. A letter was received from the Provincial Secretary enclosiog form in duplicate, to be filled up for transmission to the General Government, showing the Board's receipts and expenditure during the year ending June last. Mr Hodgkins attended and applied for assistance in miking a road to land recently leased from tbe Government, and towards which the Government 'has agreed to contribute. This application was declined as the Board has not funds at their disposal, and moreover it doeg not appear that tbe road in question is one to which the rule as to assistance applies. < Mr Chalmers applied for assistance in erecting a bridge near bis property. The Board agreed to find planks for the top, Mr Chalmers to do the rest. Mr Chalmers complained of a deep ditch on the roadside cut by Mr Jeffries, to which Mr Jeffries' attention was directed to be called. A complaint was received from Mr J. Win as to Mr G. Eden's ebeep damaging the road in Dovedale. The Secretary was directed to call Mr Win's attention to the Protection of Roads' Act. Warrants were signed for £365 11s.