MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 243, 4 October 1876, Page 4

MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

Saturday, Sept. 30. Present : Messrs MacMahon, Burrell, Dancker, and McDonald. After the confirmation of the minutes of last meeting the Secretary reported as follows:— Since last meeting tho Sandy Bay, Riwaka, and Takaka tracks have been repaired, I have beea unable to visit the latter work since its completion, owing to the state of the Motueka river on the day I had arranged to do so, but the Provincial Secretary has informed me that he had never seen the track in such eood order as it now is. The Colonial Government has (I have been informed) authorised the expenditure of £500 on the track between Riwpka and Takaka, and I believe that amount has been banded over to the Takaka Road Board to be expended on the Takaka side. The contractor has finished the first section of the new track between Orinoco and Rosedale, and I have invited tenders for about 200 chains more, and have divided it into six sections. I have also invited tenders for work on the Swamp road, Riwaka, and for making a fordway across Tidal Creek, near Mr Lodder's. The order made by the Board for alterations of roads, and also the order made by the Magistrate for closing certain roads have been confirmed by bis Honor theDeputy-Snperintendent. Thereare a few slips on the track between Sandy Bay and Marahiu, which require removing. The road from the Marahau leading to the eaw mills is in a very bad state, but as the road in use is not shown on the plan of the district the Board will not be jimi'led in expending any money on it unless it should prove to be a public road. Mr E. Thomas' proposed deviation in the track between Kaitererere and Sandy Bay, would in my opinion be a great improvement on the present track, but the traffic between the two places ib not sufficient to warrant a large expenditure. The new plan of the district (promised by the Provincial Government) has been made and forwarded, but it is not by any means what the Board expected, nor will it be of much service, being drawn on a scale of 80 chains to the inch, shewing only the boundaries of the sub-districts and a very few of the principal ronds. Letters read from the Provincial Secretary having reference to the construction of a foot-bridge over the Riwaka river, and repairs of the Riwaka-Takaka track, and copies of letters from the Secretary of the Board to the Provincial Government on the same subjects. Copy of letter read from Secretary of Board to Mr Hursthouse, M.H.U., having reference to the work to be executed between Riwaka and Takaka, and the construction of a cart bridge over the Motueka river. Letter read from Provincial Secretary stating that the Government decline to accede to the terms proposed by the Board, as the basis upon which they are williug to assume the control and managem6ut of the Motueka wharf, end withdrawing the proposal to that effect made iu the Provincial Secretary's letter of the 220d of August last. Letter read from Mr J, P. Salisbury referring to work done by him on the West bank of the Motueka river, and drawing the Board's attention to the desirability of defining the proper line of road on that side of the river. Resolved, That the Secretary reply to Mr Salisbury's letter, defiuing the proper line of road on the West bauk of the Motut-ka river. Legal opinion from Messrs Adams and Kingdoo read, having reference to the cutting aud trimming of hedges adjoining public roads, and to the liabilities of private persons draining lands into road ditches. Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized, and is now instructed to enforce the by-laws of the Board, and if necessary to prosecute any person or persons who mny neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of such By-laws or Acts of Parliament applying to public road>. Let'er read from Mr Graves asking permission to work out his rates on the road leading to his place. Resolved, That the Secretary inform Me Graves that he must at once pay what rotes may be due, after which the Board will consider any application he may muke for the improvemeut of the road referred to. Resolved, That in the opinion of the Board, the cost of advertising amounts to a very large sum, it is therefore advisable to ascertain whether this expense may be curtailed by inviting teuders for the Beard's advertisements at per inch or column for one year. Resolved, That the Secretary take the necessary steps for suppressing any nuisance that may come under his notice in the district, in accordance with tiie provisions contained in " The j-jitfbwaya' Act, 1872." Resolved, That the Secretary give MY E. Fry notice that his contract made with the late Riwuku Road Board for keepiDg certain poriioas of the road in repair has not been carried out, and that the same will be cancelled unless the work is immediately proceeded with and completed. Resolved, That as the private road running through aection 135, leading from High-street to tho beach, is in a very dangerous stite, it is advisable thac the Secretary should collect what information he can respecting the same aud report to the Board as to the desirability of such road being made a public road.

Resolved, That a few panels of fencing be put up on the side of the road near Mr Kenyon's, Dovedale, to guard a dangerous place. Resolved, That tho rate for the current year be one penny in the £ on the assessed value of rateable property in the district, and that the Secretary prepare and advertise the rate list in one of the local newspaper?, fixing the time for the payment of the rate, and making arrangements for receiving the siime. Resolvad, That tenders be invited for grubbing the gorae on the Ferry road, Riwaka, and also on the road leading from the Riwaka Cemetery to Mr A. Drummond's gate. Resolved, That the tender of Messrs J. Canton and R. Lloyd, for improving the road on the bill by Mr D. Beatson's for the sum of £10, held over from last meeting, be now accepted. Warrants were signed for the payment of £174 7s 3d. m - - ---• --- -" *