MOA ROAD BOARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 72, 21 April 1909, Page 4

MOA ROAD BOARD

Tlie regular meeting of the aljov" Board was lieltl on Saturday last, when there were present: .Messrs Trimble (eiuiinuim), Capper, (.'haniney, Chant, Curkill, Jloby, La«Tauce, Sutherland, and Young. Correspondence was rend—Outwards ■us authorised; inwards from 1!. 0. (.'lark, forwarding eusts of second quality pipes; Lands and Survey Oll'ice, acknowledging receipt of proposals for expenditure of thirds; from foreman Ward, giving particulars of pipes required on uie UrMlol and Kimuiautake Koads; from ('. Msiuihy, covering lender for supplying road metal; from Foreman Hoskin re contract on ilursthojsc-road; from Treasury, slating that the tlUl) for Surrey-road would be paid tu the Hoard's credit in a few days; from iame re additional It) per ee:it. ,on the Lincoln ami other roaus' loan.

. With reference to outstanding rates, the Chairman said that rates were struck in August and in February the 10 per cent, was added, and he thought that when a man had 10 per cent, added to his rates he was, to some extent, entitled to some consideration, and he thought might be aiiowed until, say. May, and then not wait any longer for anyone.

Mr. Corkill thought it was time they had some, set rules with regard to the rates. They should not leave the rates of a few ratepayers standing out indefinitely while others were paying up their rates within a reasonable time. ■Mr. Young said he thought the Chairman was too liberal. Everyone knew the rates had to be paid, and should be in in less than nine months. He thought if one extra month was given it would be quite sufficient. Mr. C'hamney thought that some held back until a' sale was completed, or some other excuse, and then tnc Board got left.' Mr. Corkill said the worst feature of late ratepayers wad that formation work was driven too late in the season; when formation worn was done in November the road became Arm and good before the wet season and did not cut up, but when done in February it never got firm, and half the money it cost was wasted.

The Chairman said all unpaid rates would he placed in the hands of their solicitor after that meeting was over.

The question of medium quality pipes; was brought up, and the Chairman said he had ordered one lot of the medium pipes so that the Board could see whether it was advisable lo continue having them or not. On further inquiry it was found that the only difference in jiilce between best and medium was 10 per cent. Mr. Ilohy said he thought application should be made to the (loyernnu'iit for a subsidy on the £3OOO loan, and after some discussion a resolution making the application was carried. The usual monthly balance-sheet, as laid on the table by the clerk, was read and adopted. The Council then adjourned for lunch, and on resuming, the foremen's reports were taken, and the following works arising thereout were authorised!— York and Lincoln roads, rake in meial and clear water tables; Windsor-road, rake in metal: Egmont South road, water tables and patching: Jlurstliouse road, clear water tables and rake oil' ,loo„e stones: Egmont Xoiin road,dear water tables; York road, see to metal and ■broken culvert: Lincoln road, clear loose earth from Yickcr's berberry fence; Lepper South road, settlers to spread ami distribute meial as required: Hursthoiise road, foreman to see to breaking boulders. It was resolved to call for tenders for III) yards of metal for Bristol road, to be in by next meeting of the Hoard. The Board's engineer was present and his monthly report read.—We have the honor to report on the works under our supervision as follows:

The Motnkawa-road tunnel.—flood progress is being made and should be completed in a fortnight's time. Maua-road bridge.—We have made all arrangements for building Ibis bridge.

and a start is to lie made on Monday week. 'l'hi' contractor fur (<irliiiir out the shingle started work auout ti'n days ago. MnvU-road formation.—This work is now nearly completed.

Mr. C'orkill asked if it were correct that the men in the tunnel at Molu-kawa-road were, using powder for bringing down the earth. .Mr. Orbell said the men used powder, but the' face was well chambered before the blasts were put in, and no hiivni was done to the tunnel in any way. The work was going on very satisfactorily, and there was only about 20ft to go and then take out the'door.

Mr. Young asked alioul (he 'liana bridge work mid said thai the settlers out there did lint want th;> rnad In he. closed till the middle of .liim-. llr Orbcll said lie could have Hip piers for the bridge lmilt without interfering willi Ilic lirid}.'!'. and if tlic.v had to stand for n short lime before tin- bridge was put on it would lie all the belter. Tho t'lmirnian reported that lie had let a eontracl for carting 30 yards of metal at 8s per yard.—The action was confirmed. 'i'lie clerk was instructed to write to the Stratford County Council re upper end of Surrey-road. The clerk was instructed (|r> write Xeilson re hi* KaimaVn contract. The special orders re loans, were confirmed, and it was decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday 2-Wi insl., at 2 o'clock, for the purpose of confirmin" the special order re Motukavva loan. Air. Sutherland tendered Ids resignation as a memlier of the Hoard, having ceased to be a ratepayer in lUe_ district. Accounts amounting to £137 Ms 3d "eneral and £124 13s (id loan accounts were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.—Record.