TEMUKA ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1136, 7 February 1884, Page 2

TEMUKA ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Temuka Road Board took place on Tuesday last in the Board’s office. Present—Messrs J. Talbot (Chairman), Austin, Barker, and Quinn. MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read. A correction was suggested by Mr Barker in reference to Mr Nicholson’s cla ; m, and this was made. A discussion took place ns to whether it was usual for the Chairman’s remarks, when giving his casting vote, to be placed on the minutes. Mr Birker said he bad no objection to his remaiks, when giving his catting vote on Mr Quinn’s motion re dismissal of the Overseer, being placed on th® minutes if it was so wished. Mr Quinn said the minutes were the records of the Board, and he thought that the remarks Mr Birker made when giving his casting vote, should appear on the minutes. He (Mr Quinn) had brought a charge against the Overseer, in - his capacity as a member of the Board and aa a ratepayer, and the Overseer had flatly denied it. The Chairman and the members of the Board had then suggested that an enqniry should be held. This had been held, and the evidence given had borne out the charges. For this reason he contended that the Chairman’s remarks, when giving his casting vote, should be placed on the minutes. Mr Barker said he had no objection. "When he had given the vote he had remarked that there was no doubt that concrete had been thrown into running water. Mr Quinn said he did say that, and that the Overseer had been guilty of cowardice. Mr Barker concurred, but said if the Overseer had said that he had acted according to the best of his judgment in what he did nothing more mighthave been heard of it. It was decided to confirm the minutes, with the addition of the remarks of the Chairman pro. Urn. when giving his casting vote, as they appeared in the Temuka. Leader. accounts. After a number of accounts had been passed for payment, the accounts from the men who had given evidence came op» It vu decided to pay the eeeouate*

The total accounts passed for payment amounted to some £l3O. GORRESPON D ENCB. From Mr W. Lewis, offering to purchase the dray and harness now in possession of the Board at a reasonable price. The Board decided that they woind sell, and the Chairman and Mr Quinn were appointed to value Hie dray and harness. From Mr Wm. Robertson, Rangitata Island, informing the Board that the south stream of the Rangitata river had washed away the top part of the piece of land lately bought from Mr John Airey. People could only cross a long way below the proper ford, and were prevented from returning to the road by freeholds and fences. The Overseer was instructed to inspect at once, and the Chairman was authorised to take any steps he may deem necessary. From Mr G. Bolton, informing the Board that he had the honor to report the collection of 20,931 small birds eggs and 4798 small birds during the month, at a cost of £2l 12s 4d, and applying for a further grant of £ls for the current month. From Mr C. E. Sherratt, Clerk to the Geraldine Road Board, enclosing cheque for £29 Us Bd, being the amount due to the Temuka Board for sales of land between the Orari and Rangitata. Mr Austin asked what about the last year’s rates collected by the Geraldine Board. Had they got them 1 The Chairman said they had not. It was decided to ask for an explanation of how the amount re land sales was arrived at, and also to remind the Geraldine Board of the rates. From Mr J. Sperry, Property Tax Commissioner, re payment of rates. From Mr J. Beri, requesting the Board to place his name on the rate roll for section No. 61 in the township of Wallingford.—Granted, subject to no objections being received. From Mr John Corcoran requesting that his name should be placed on the rate roll.—The Overseer was instructed to make enquiries. From the Ternuka Park Board requesting the Board to cause (he creek running into the Park, nowfilled with weeds, to be cleaned out. From Mr J. H. Baker, Commissioner Crown Lands, asking information re Sections 44, 45 and 46, Reserves in the township of Wallingford, an application having been made to rent them,—The Overseer bad replied to this that the Board had no information in the office, and his action was endorsed. Business circular from Mr Hardy Jehnston, Civil Engineer, etc. From Messrs Maslin and Sherratt, requesting a crossing from Vine street to their section, adjoining Mr Col (man’s, Temuka. —The request was granted. DEPUTATION. Messrs W. Wills and O’Halloran waited on the Board as a deputation from the Vestry of the English Church in reference to kerbing the footpath from the corner of the Church to Vine street. Mr Wills said if the members recollected they had been to the Board twice before in to the kerbing of the street from the corner of the English Church to Vine street. The first time they were told the work could not be done owing to the frost, and the next time they were told that as a borough was likely to be formed the Board did not see their way to carry out works on the streets. Mr O’Halloran and himself now waited on the Board to see whether the Board would take any action in the matter. The Chairman : How much kerbing would be required ? The Overseer : Four or five chains. Mr Wi.ls said it was a very awkward place in wet weather. People had to cross the footpath to put their horses in the yard, and it was very slippery. If the Board continued the kerbing, they could put down a wooden crossing. Mr O’Halloran might remind the Board that the work was promised to the first deputation, and only deferred on account of the frost. The second time the Board did not refuse, but said they could not go on with the work because of the borough. Mr Quinn said the only objection was, had they any special claim 1 The Wesleyans on the other side of the road might next apply. Mr Wills said that it was simply a continuance of work previously done. They only asked for the same courtesy that bad been accorded to the Scotch Chnrch. Mr Barker reminded the deputation thil the Presbyterian Church was nearer the town. After a few further remarks, the Chairman said they would be informed of the decision arrived at, and, after thanking the Board, the deputation withdrew. The resolution passed by the old Board on the subject was then read. It was as follows ; —‘ That the footpath be formed, but that the kerbing stand over till the weather gets better, and for the new Board to consider.’ A long discussion took place as tr. whether the application should be granted, and ultimately it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Barker (who said he would far sooner move that the application be granted) ‘ That the application he granted subject to the usual conditions, viz., the applicants to pay half the cost.’ mr Nicholson’s claim. During the day a claim from Mr Nicholson, for compensation for injuries he had sustained and expenses he had been put to through being thrown out of his hap while driving on a public road in the Temuka Road Board district, was read. The claim was considered in Committee, and therefore we are unable to give a report of the discussion. After careful consideration it was decided not to enter tain the claim, and Mr Nicho’son (who was waiting outside) was called in and advised of the Board’s decision. overseer’s report. “ The Chairman Temuka Road Board. “Sir, — I have the honor to report for the month ending February sth, 1884. “ The contracts on hand have been retarded owing to the weather, but should be finished during the month. “The dram asked to be cleared out on Hawke’s Road requires to he done, hut if done after harvest it would suit the road. “ Penny’s road requires a pipe culvert, and I have asked that the gorse he taken out of that part which has been done. “ Ormsby street, Arowhenua, requires to have the Maori holes filed up, which done in the forming.

“i would also recommend that part of Denmark street for about 25 chains be formed at the same time, as the two streets can be worked together in making;. “ The bridge at the Stumps, Upper Swamp Hoad, is unfit for heavy traffic, and requires a new bridge culvert. “There are a good many thistles growing on some roads, and these might be cut down during the present month before they seed, as they are impeding the road traffic. “ The roads let for maintenance require metal on some parts to keep them in order. This could be let either privately or by tender as soon as possible.

“There is still about £420 of rates outstanding. “Annexed is my report on Mr Nicholson’s accident on the Waitohiroad ; also, on the Temuka bridge re-decking. “ I heard yesterday that the road near Badhara’s is burning where the peat is. “ There are a lot cf large stones on the Rangitata road near Mr W. Taylor’s that require breaking and putting in heaps as the people all complain of them. “During the month [ went to Christ church and saw the Chief Surveyor and Lithographer and arranged with them for putting in some additional roads and other matter in connection with the new map of the district. —I have, etc., “P. Sinclair.” The following resolutions were carried : Road drains at Hawke’t Road. Surveyor to get work done. Re Penny’s Road.—Agreed to. Re Denmark and Ormsby streets, —Deferred till after harvest. Re the bridge at the Stumps.—Mr Barker said a small river came down there. Could they not put in concrete walls and wooden deck instead of a culvert. The Chairman said the report suggested a culvert. Would a culvert be sufficient] The Overseer said they could put in concrete sides with wooden decking. A discussion then took place re the merits of wood and concrete for the work, and ultimutely it was decided that the Overseer call for tenders for the work in concrete. Re shingle for road maintenance —Surveyor to make arrangements for having some carted. Re Rates.—To be sued for without further notice. Re stones on Rangitata road.—To be picked off. Re thistles on roads,—Overseer to call for tenders for cutting down thistles on all roads not included in maintenance contracts. Tenders to be in by Saturday next. It was slated that Mr Austin tiad extinguished the fire on the road near Badham’s. THE TEMUKA BRIDGE. The Overseer gave in an estimate for the redecking of the Opihi bridge, and it was briefly discussed. In the course of the discussion it was asked whether traction engines were compelled to use their chain to draw their load when crossing the bridge. The Chairman said ‘No,’ he but believed there was a bye-law having some such effect in force in the Geraldine Road District. It was decided to write to that Board, and get a copy of the bye-law. MISCELLANEOUS, It was resolved to grant any contractors, not having important works on hand, an extension of time on account of the harvest. The Overseer stated that on the previous day the Opihi bridge had caught fire towards the south end of the old bridge. A man had informed him (the Overseer), and enab’ed him to have the fire put out. This had very likely saved the Board great expense, and he wanted to know whether the Board would reward the man. Some discussion followed as to insuring bridges, Mr Austin remarking that a bridge might very easily catch fire, owing to the accumulation of dirt at the sides. Mr Wareing had told him that the bridge had caught fire last year, but he had put it out. No decision was arrived at, Mr Austin said it bad been pointed out to him that there were a number of bad places in Macdonald’s road, and it must be repaired before any carting could be done. After consideration, the Overseer was instructed to report at next meeting. The footbridge at Rangitata was rather lengthily discussed, but, owing to no information having been received from the Geraldine Road Board, no decision was arrived at, the matter being deferred till next meeting, more information to be obtained in the meanwhile. A discussion, as to the utility of fillin'? up the approaches to the Opihi bridge, took place, but it was decided to let them remain as at present. The Chairman informed the Board that as several omissions of road had been made on the new map of the district now being lithoenphed, he had thought it advisable to s-md the Overseer to Christchurch, who had the omission rectified. Ho had thought it advisable to have the maps as complete up to date as possible. This action was approved. It was agreed to present the Chief Surveyor, Mr John Biker, with several copies of the map (he having applied for some) in consideration of the trouble he had taken (without charging) in connection therewith. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES’ REPORT. “ The Chairman Temuka Road Board “ Sir, —I have the honor to report that during the past month great improvement has been made in Temuka on the premises of many by the removing of the nuisances, pointed out to them upon my last inspection. Some, however, have not yet complied. To these 1 have given a written notice, and I trust to give a favorable report next month. I made mention in my last report about a drain running from the Crown Hotel into the paddock adjoining Mr Story’s stables. I have sp >ken to Mr J. Hayhurst, and also written to him, but up to the present time he has taken no steps to remove the nuisance complained of. I would ask the Board for instructions as to whether I houVl have the necessary work done at she cost of the parties responsible. “ Winchester. —By arrangement made last month with the nightman of th's pbice he has con'inued carrying out his work, and the township is now in a very cleanly condition with the exception of a dr.-dn from the Winchester Hotel, which, after crossing the road, is left open for about five yards in length from tlie stream it shou'd empty itself into. This has heen allowed to get into bad order and the contents remain in pools, whore it

stagnates. I have pointed out this nuisance to Mrs Swinton, the landlady, requesting her to have the same removed and the drain put into proper repair.— I am, etc., “J. J. P OPPLEWELL. “ Inspector of Nuisances.” The Inspector had a long interview with the Board re the difficuly he had in carrying out his duties. He informed the Board that not more than one half of the householders otTemuku employed the scavenger, and where the rest deposited their refuse could only be conjectured. He was advised to take legal proceedings against anyone causing a nuisance in any way, and re the nuisance in the paddock opposite the Board’s office to serve a notice on the occupier. It appeared that it would cost very little to connect the drain from which the nuisance flowed with the main drain, and the Inspector explained that Mr Kirk, of the Crown Hotel, had told him that if ho was liable he would willingly pay the cost of connection, but he (Mr Kirk) did not think he was. After a few more subjects had been briefly discussed the meeting terminated. MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. At 12 o’clock tne Board adjourned for the purpose of holding a public meeting to discuss the closing of a road on section 6384, on the Arowhenua estate. Only the members of the Board were present and the whole of the preliminaries necessary having been complied with, a resolution was carried unanimously declaring the road closed.