UPPER MOTUEKA ROAD BOARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 272, 16 November 1877, Page 4

UPPER MOTUEKA ROAD BOARD.

The Board met on Saturday last. All the members were present. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr M. Davis appeared on behalf of contractors for No. 2, Hope Road, and acknowledged that some of the ditches were oat of place, and seem to, have been dug so as to get clear of stamps. Resolved— That the specifications in respect of Contract No, 2. Hope road, as defined in the Overseer's letter of November 9, be strictly adhered to, and that the three first pieces of crooked ditching be passed. At the request of Mr T. A. Bromell, the following resolution was passed. Resolved — :That the Board recommend that a license be granted by the Licensing Bench to Mr Bromell, on condition that he take charge of the Ferry, and undertake to keep it properly. Resolved — That Mr Phillips be authorised to get the damage done to the Wangapekft track by the flood repaired. In reply to a letter from Mr R. Smart, it was resolved — That he be informed that the Board had no right to surrender the original right of road through Section 99, and therefore in their opinion Mr Rplet has no authority to shut up the same. A letter was read from the Clerk to the Waimea County Council, stating that a bridge near the Roundell.was impassable, that it appeared to be within an Outlying Distriot of the County, that Mr J, Kerr stated that the bridge coujd be repaired for £15, requesting this Board to undertake the work, and that the County will pay the cost (not exceeding £15), of restoring the bridge. The Secretary stated that he started at once for the Roundel! on receipt of the above letter, and that Mr D. Kerr had undertaken to see that a substantial ford was constructed instead of a bridge, and as many of the rotten culverts repaired as can be done with the sum available. A letter from Mr H. A. Tarrant was read stating that {the request of this Board, that he inspect two lines of road set oat on Pigeon Valley Hill, was laid before the Motueka Highway Board, when it was resolved—That his time being so fully occupied, the Board regret that it will not be possible for him to comply with the above request. The Secretary's report on the above lines oi road, shewed that the old line begins with a gradient of 1 in 12, and that three chains are at 1 in 10 ; on that account be considered that 25 chains at 1 in 12 would not be objected to. That although all the new line was made (which it could be) 1 in 14, it would still be about 30 chains shorter than the old line ; that the reason why the new line is so much shorter, is because the old line is 65£ chains in length between the point at which it reaches the top sad the junction of the two lines, whereas the new line reaches the top at a point only 18£ chains from the junction ; that the length of the new line is 83£ chains, and will cost £2 per chain, 'lotal cost, £167 ; and that the old line being 12? chains in length will have to be made at £1 7s 7d per chain to be equal in cost with the new. A letter from Mr T. Griffith (who laid out the old line) was read. He stated that some time ago he signed a petition protesting against the line that (he Secretary had laid oat. Since then he had been over the line objected to, and carefully examined it, and wished to remark thereon; that he had measured the two Hues, and found the new one to be between 30 and 40 chains shorter from where they separate to where they meet agaiu, but did not think it was »nj shorter from where they separate, to the top of the hill, that here great attention is needed, aa the gradients along the top of the bill are comparatively level, that from what he ooald see the new line would get a fair share of sun in places, that the cutting on the new line is a little deeper, and the turns sharper than on the old, that the new line along the top was an improvement on the old, and that he did not think the new line would be a saving in construction of £80. A letter from Mr E. Orr was read offering his services to the Board, as Mr Tarrant was precluded from examining the two lines, and also stating that as he knew and was interested in the locality he would naturally advocate the best routa, and that, although be signed the petition be did not intend to Bide with either party. Resolved That tenders be called for the old line as laid out by Mr T. Griffith, that the Secretary do request Mr Griffith to assist him in pegging out the SBtne, and that the next meeting of the Board be held on the 24th. inst. to receive the tenders. Besolved — That tenders bj invited for rounding up the road on the . Terrace by Flowers', and for widening and gravelling parts of tha new road to Spooner's Range. The Secretary's report on tha Baton cart road was read; it stated that the road in several places on the cuttings was dangerously narrow, that about 20 chaias required to be drained and metalled, and that a sum of £10, at least, was required to make it safe and passable. Resolved — That ths above report be forwarded by the Chairman to E. Baigent, Esq., M.H.R., requesting him to bring the matter before the Government. Resolved— That Mr D. Lindsay be appointed Valuator, under Section 4 of the " Rating Act, 1876." Warrants were passed amountiag to £5771758d 9