LEVELS ROAD BOARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2150, 10 February 1880, Page 2

LEVELS ROAD BOARD.

TOWN EDITION.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held to-day. Present: Messrs W. C. Beswick (Chairman) Macintosh, Mce, Moody, and Shaw. THK VALUATION LIST. An opinion was read from Messrs 'White and Jameson, solicitors, re the valuation lists This was to the effect that although it was competent for the Board to object to the lists as a whole on the ground that the value of properties was greater than was set forth on the list, it would not be advisable to do so, as the Board might be subject to heavy expenses at the hands of rate payers whose properties were fairly assessed and subsequently increased in value. The Board was recommended to serve the requisite notices required by the Act in specific cases were properties were ommitted or undervalued. The Clerk stated that he had received a list of 213 names ommitted from this year’s list. Mr Moody said these ommisions represented a value of £3BOO- He referred to the hardship of working men losing a day in attending the Assessment Court in order to save a few shillings. Mr Mee said the case was undoubtedly a hard one. The Chairman said the Boa,rd could object to excessive valuations. Mr Moody—Yes ! But it would not look well.

Mr Macdonald, the valuator, was then called, and in reply to questions, stated that he had not referred to last year’s lists, in making his valuations, having plenty of confidence in his own ability to prepare the new ones. The following resolutions were carried—“ That the Clerk issue notice to those ratepayers assessed at £lO and upwards—included in the supplementary lists—and that their objections will be heard at the Assessment Court, the Clerk to attend to the necessary forms on the Board’s behalf.” “ That the valuer for the year be asked to compare carefully the list of supplementary entries, in order to ascertain that none of them have been assessed twice, and to substantiate the position of the Board at the Assessment Court.” THE .SEPARATION PETITION. The Chairman intimated that he had ascertained from the solicitor of the Board, that the new petition re separation from the County of Geraldine, would have to be prepared, the question having simply been deferred till next session of Parliament. DEPUTATION. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Knight, Hales, and Sims, waited on the Board in reference to the formation of a drain in Buchanan’s paddock. It was resolved that the Chairman ascertain from the solicitor to the Board whether they are empowered to make drains on private property, or whether it comes within the functions of the County Council. C 01! 1! ESI’OX PENCE. A letter was read from the Engineer to the County Council, informing the Board that the contractor is taking gravel from the low side of Parcora bridge. I Inferred to overseer. Dr Mclntyre, Health Officer to the Board, wrote calling the attention of the Board to the desirability of having certain drains at Sandietown cleared, and other sanitary matters. Beferred to overseer to have the necessary instructions carried out. Joseph Bell wrote, calling attention to rubbish on the Otipua road. An application from W. Bayncr for hire of engine at 20s per week was declined. A letter from D. T. Carter in reference to encroachment of the river Opihi, was referred to the overseer. Letters from C. IN’. Orbcll, asking repairs to be made to certain roads and crossings, and R. W. Russell, requesting surface labour for Parcora road were similarly dealt with. With reference to a suggestion of the Tcmuka Road Board, to the effect that the Levels Board should assist in the construction of the Opihi Bridge, it was resolved that the former Board be informed that this Board regrets its inability to render any assistance owing to want of funds. Several tenders for the construction of a ford on the Washdyke road were opened. Cltimately, T. Hanipson’s tender, for £39 10s, was accepted.

It was then resolved that the necessary steps be taken to have the petition for County separation placed before the next sitting of Parliament, in conformance with the Counties Act, 1870. Sundry accounts were passed for payment and the meeting adjourned.