MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 214, 31 August 1876, Page 4

MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

' Satukdat, August 26. Ail the memhers present but Messrs. Burrell and Grooby. After the confir.mation of the minutes of the previous meeting, the Secretary read the following report: — " In accordance with instructions received last meeting, I have prepared the assessment of rateable property within the district for the current year, I have not had time to lay off a bridle track in the Riwaka Valley, and as a portion of it will have to be taken through Messrs Thomas Brothers' property, some arrangements will have to be made with them respecting the same, I have seen Mr Godfrey Thomas on the subject, who has promised to write to his brother, not being able to arrange the matter without doing co. I have ascertained that land for a cartjroad can be obtained at the lower end of the Valley. Mr Macmahon is willing that a piece 60 links wide should be taken across the corner of section No 72, on condition that a good substantial fence is put up, and that he be paid the sum of twenty pounds, the cost of the breakwaters he has put in to protect the river bank. Mr York will give land for the road on the river bank through his property on condition tbat tbe private road can be made over to him. Mr Ryder is willing that a road should be taken along the river bank through his land, free of oost, and in addition to which he will give £10 towards making the road. The Magistrate, bave made an order for stopping up certain roads in the Upper Moutere and Ngatimoti subdistricts. Court day following so close on the last meeting of tbe Board, I had not time to summon defaulting ratepayers, but the Board may rely on my carrying out their instructions in tbis respect before next Court day. I propose visiting Sandy Bay and Marahau shortly, not having been able io do so at present. Tenders will be invited for the required work on the Swamp Road, Riwaka, and for more of the .Rosedale track by next meeting. The gorse is ooming up again very thickly on tbe sides of the roada where cut down last year, in many parts of the district. I think it should be cut before seeding; tbis would not be a costly work now, as tbe plants are young and tender." A letter from tbe Seoretary of the Waimea Road Board was read, stating that the Board had no funds available for tbe completion of the road between Orinoco and Thorpe, and it was very uncertain when they would have. A letter from the Provincial Secretary was read, offering to pay half the cost of the proposed bridge over the Riwaka river, and half tbe cost of the track over the hills, but in no case would the Government contribute more thau £50 towards the former work, and £12 10.s towards the latter. The Secretary read a copy of a letter he bad written io reply, stating thut owing to the damage done by the high flood in June last throughout the district, and tbe small amount of revenue for the current year (no subsidy being received out of the Provincial revenue) the Board have not sufficient funds for executing ordinary repairs, they therefore trust the Government will reconsider their decision, and grant the sum of £12 10s, should the half cost of repairing the track not amount to that sum, aod £65 towards the constrmti.n ot tbe bridge. The Secretary stated that no reply had been received. A letter from the Provincial Secretary was read having reference to what passed at an interview between the Secretary of the Board and himself in June last, respecting the damage done by the flood to the Lower Moutere bridge and approach, and stating tbat • tbe Secretary of tbe Board was quite mistaken in supposing that he (the Provincial Secretary) had forgotten what took place at tbe interview referred to, and that he gave no promise nor assurance whatever that tbe Government would pay for the repairs, but merely undertook, if the Board would effect the necessary repairs, to bring tbeir claim for reimbursement under the consideration of tbe Government. This he had done, and the Board bad been informed of the decision of tbe Government. The Seoretary stated that ever since the Lower Moutere bridge had been constructed the Government had always been at the coat of executing necessary repairs, and ha was quite certain that the Provincial Secretary had said at the interview alluded to, thet the Bonrd bad better get ihe work done and send the Bill into the Government. Resolved, Tbat in the opinion of the opinion of the Board, the Lower Moutere bridge is a provincial work, and tbat the Government in declining to reimburse the Board the cost of putting the bridge and approach in repair bave acted very u_justly; and also that the Board And from experience that no verbal arrangement made witb the Government can be relied od. A letter was read from tbe Provincial Secretary, inquiring if the Board was willing to take over tbe control of the Motueka wharf and keep it iv repair and workiag order, receiving by way of consideration all wharfage dues or rents accruing therefrom. Resolved, That provided the Government will put the wharf in thorough repair to the satisfaction of the Board, the Board will take it over on the conditions offered by the Government. A letter was read, from Mr Sutherland, having reference to land taken some years ago by the late Pangatotara Board, for widening tbe road in Pangatotara Valley.

Resolved, That the Secretary take an opportunity of arranging with Mr Sutherland about payment for the pieoe of land referred to. Letter read from Mr Senior, complaining of the bad state of the " Old House Road," and offering to contribute one half the co_t of repairiog the same lo the amount of £5. Resolved, That the road referred to be repaired on the conditions offered by Mr Senior. Resolved, That the Chairman of the Board obtain legal opinions on queetiooa that bave arisen respecting the jurisdiction of the Board, and their liability in certain cases. Resolved, That two men be employed to proceed along the Riwaka-Takaka track, for the purpose of clearing off fallen trees, and filling dangerous holes. Resolved, That the Board approve of the assessment of rateable property in tha district as prepared by the Secretary, that the Chairman sign the same, and the Secretary advertise it for. the inspection of the ratepayers, in accordance with the Highways Act, 1872. Resolved, That it is undesirable to undertake any extensive works on the trunk roada of the district, until such time as it is ascertained what form of local Government is adopted. A tender from Messrs Lloyd and Canton, for certain work in Orinoco Valley, was received. Resolved, Tbat it is advisable to postpone the consideration of the tender until next meeting. Warrants were signed for tha payment of £160 19s lid.