MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 235, 4 October 1877, Page 4

MOTUEKA HIGHWAY BOARD.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. All. the members present. After the confirmation of tbe minutes of last meeting, the Secretary made the following report, viz.:— ■ In compaoy with the members of the Board appointed last meeting,, viz., Messrs.. Barrel!,. Carter, and Grooby, I have inspected the route for a new road along the base of the hills in Foagatotara Valley, on the east side, in order to estimate the yaluj of the private" property that would be required for such road, but the members of the Board were not unanimous as to the amount of compensation they considered the owners of land entitled to, but agreed that the demands made by such -*- owners were in most cases very exorbitant, taking into consideration tbat their lands without a road ara inaccessible. A letter haviug been received from an owner of land on the west or opposite side of the river, urging on the Board the great desirability of constructing the road on that side in preference to the east side, and pointing out that the amount of compensation tbat might be required would probably be far leßß on the west than on the east side, added to which there was a considerable quantity of land thata road would open up and render fit for occupation on the west side, which would not be the cobo on the east side, |ha aforesaid members of the Board considered that it would be advisable to devote a day to the west side of the Valley in order to ascertain whether the arguments adduced in favor of a road on that 6ide could be borne out by facts. The result of our investigation is that we are able to corroborate the statements made in the letter referred to in every particular, but unless an additional amount is received from the Government, the construction ofa permanent road on either side is quite out of the question. I have laid off a road through Mr Cauton's property at Ngatimoti, and he has signifiel his Willingness to sign tlie necessary documents for the conveyance. of such road when called upon to do so. I have also laid out the work required to complete the road leading to the Baton, and forwarded a specification to the pevsons interested. The members of the Board for the sub-district of Riwaka acd myself waited (as requested by the Board) upon the owners of land at the lower end of Riwaka Valley, through which the new road is required to be taken, but have made no arrangements wiih them. The amount of compensation required is £45, besides fencing. I have inspected the Dove Valley, where a considerable amount of work is required to reinstate the road, and am of opinion tbat the greater portion of it might now be advantageously undertaken. In some places I think it would be desirable to postpone the work for a time, where considerable heaps of timber hgve accumulated, which • •will, I think, when sufficiently . dry, burn away, and thereby save the great cost of removing. The bridge opposite Harford's, on the Ngatimoti road has given way. The stringers, which are birch saplings, have become quite rotten. I have employed some men to construct a new bridge at once, as the whole of the upcountry traffic in that direction was in danger of being stopped. I have invited tenders for work on the south side of the Orinoco river, through Mr. Marshall's land for improving the road round O'Brien's Bluff, and for filling » hole in the road near Douglas's road, Motueka. The bridle track between Orinoco and Roaedale, and the cart road between Orinoco and Thorpe, are both completed and open for traffic. Some of the crossings of the creeks on the bridle track ure rather sof', and require a little improvement. There are some bad holes in the road near the Church of England Cemetery, Motueka, which require attention. A letter was read from an owner of land on the west side of the Pangatotara Valley, setting forth very fully the advantages to bo obtained by making a road on that sidp. Resolved—* That the* report of tho -members of the Board appointed to inspect the proposed lines of road in Pangatotara Vulley should be fully taken into consideration, and as there are not (ot present) sufficient funds for constructing a road, it ia advisable to postpone the diat-msioii of such report until next meeting. Resolved— That tbe Secretary sot out tha work, auJ invite tenders for such pans in Dovedale as he considers desirabi*, by next ma--ting. Resolved — That, Mr O'Brien's offer to fill up the large hole in the road in through his land, be accepted, and tha). the Secretary inform Mr O'Brien that Steps shall bo taken to confine ihe water running across, tho road to one stream. A memorial was real from certain settlers at Ngatimoti, asking that a cart bridge should be constructed across the Orinoco, near the mouth. Resolved— (l) that a " test pile "be - driven at tho propoeod site of the bridge, in order to ascertain whether it is practicable to construct a bridge that would be likely to stand. (2) That in the event ot the " teat pile** driving satisfactorily, a cart bridge be built, provided the porsous interested contribute one fourth ibe cost of the same, the Board having funds sufficient only for building a foot bridge. ' | fSesolved — That the crossings of the creeks on the Orinoco- Ro36dale Bridle Track, Ue improved, and a rough foot bridge put across the first creek on the Orinoco side for the convenience of pedestrians.

Resolved — That tenders be invited for necessary work on the road near the Church of England Cemetery. Resoived — That the Riwaka foot bridge be tarred, and portions of ladder's and Brooklyn roads be improved. Resolved — That Mr Flett be requested to (ill in the portion of hia old tail race where it crosses the road, Lower Moutere. Resolved-— That tenders be invited for improving the road on two short steep hille, on the road near G. Stanton's, Orinoco. Resolved — That in order to fall in with the Colonial Government arrangements, it is desirable that the Board's financial year should expire on the 31st of March io each year. Resolved— That a rate of 9 J in the £ be levied on the assessed value of rateable property in the district, for a period of nine months, expiring on the 31at March, 1878, ond that the Secretary give due notica of tbe same as required by the Rating Act, 1876. The following tenders were accepted, viz. : — For making new road on south side of Orinoco river — D±vid Hall, £12. Filling large hole near Douglas's cross road— J. M'Glashan and W. Boyce, £4. Gravelling road leading to Herrick's — John Allcott, 28a 6 1 per chain. Resolved— -That fresh tenders be invitod for improving the road round O'Brien's Bluff, as there appears to be a misunderstanding as to the mode of tendering. Warrants were signad for the payment of £222 lis 51. Notice of motion. — That the apportionment of the County fund be reconsidered next meeting.