MANGERE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 277, 22 May 1917, Page 1

MANGERE

MANGERE ROAD BOARD. YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED. At tho annual meeting of rate payers of the Mangere Road District held on the 4th inst, Mr M. B. Kirkbride (chairman of the Road Board) reported on the operations of the Board as follows : "The past year has proved a very busy one for the Board, inasmuch that the Mangere Bridge has been completed and the details of settlement have caused a great deal of the time of the members to be taken up with matters appertaining thereto. I regret to report that a settlement has not been reached with tho Onehunga Borough Council in regard to the promised contribution of £360, the payment of which has been unfortunately withheld owing to legal difficulties, but the Board entertain no doubt that once the legal position is cleared the money will bo forthcoming. The total cost of the new bridge to date has been £26,848 13s 4d and there is still owing to the contractor a sum of £343 0s od, being part of his deposit, which will be retained by the Board until tho matter is fully completed to the Board's satisfaction. The contractor, Mr Niccol, has agreed to carry out necessary works which require attention, at the earliest favourable opportunity The Engineer has been fully paid, except for claims for extras, which the Boaid have disputed and accept no liability in regard thereto.

"In so far as the roads of the district are concerned, these have been maintained in good order under the supervision of ;he foreman, Mr Marshal], and kept to the standard of efficiency as in past years, despite the abnormal damage done by storm-water during last winter, at a cost in round figures of £6BO, which includes £212 paid to the County Council for the road improvement works carried out in the beginning of 1916. I desire to draw your attention to the fact that although we have received no advance of Government subsidy on the rate 9 collected during last j'ear, the debit in the General Account has been reduced slightly over £2OO. '• I can safely state that by practising a policy of economy during the current year, the present rate of three-farthings in the pound will suflice to meet the requirements of the district. " The subdivision of the Ascot property has received the attention of the Board, and representations have been made to the Prime Minister with the view of obtaining closer settlement of this property. A reply has been received from the Government to the effect that the matter is receiving careful consideration and negotiations have been opened with a view of meeting the Board's wishes. " Tlio Board have had under consideration an offer made by the Mangere Domain Board to hand over the water service pipe and fittings free of charge, the Board to govern the supply as they think fit, with a provifo that the Domain be supplied with water free. Your Board have not arrived at a decision regarding the business, but in order to place before the ratepayers a more comprehensive scheme, Mr Metcalfe, C.E, was engaged to advise as to the cost of providing fir an undertaking to embrace a 1 irger area and thus include the whole of the most populous part of the district, in this vicinity of the bridge. Representations have been maile for a supply of water to be installed at the crossing end of the district and this is at present receiving the attention of the Board. " Enquiries were made in respect to the severing of the district from the Munukau County Council and the members were advised that the Government would not look upon the proposal with favour. " In regard to tne Favona Special Rate, your Board consulted the Audit Department with reference to this matter and a reply was given that the original proposals must be adhered to until the loan is fully paid cff. " In conclusion, I have pleasure in static tr that the books and accounts of the Board have been kept in lirst-c'abS order and to the full satisfaction of the Government Audit Inspector and I must compliment the members on the harmony that has existed during the past year in dealing with the many matters that havo come before them, which have received that unfailing attention that I am sure will greatly assist in promoting the general welfare and prosperity of the district." General satisfaction was expressed witli the report, which was unanimously adopted.