GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1163, 10 April 1884, Page 2

GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

The usutl monthly meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday last. Present —Messrs Postlethwaite (Chairman), W. Deßenzie, andhlatman. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read. Prior to their confirmation Mr Flatman protested against the large stones being thrown alongside the fences on the Rangitata road, on the ground that it was very unfair to the owners of the land who bad to cut down the gorse growing alongside such fences. The Overseer remarked that there was no other place to put them whilst forming the roads. Mr Flatman said they should have been laid in heaps, and then he could grub up the gorse ; instead of which they were scattered all along the road. If the Board would give him a guarantee that he would not be required to grub up the gorse be would say no more about it, but he knew the Board could not guarantee that. He desired his protest to be recorded on the minutes of the preient meeting.

Mr Flatman also spoke in regard to the surfacemen at the commencement of harvest being dismissed, instead of, as was done in previous years, simply allowing them to go harvesting, and taking them on again. The Overseer assured Mr Flatman that such was not the case. After considerable discussion on the matter the consideration of tenders was proceeded with. TENDERS. The following tenders for works were then opened ; Contract No. 108—Shingling, Collett’s Road, Opihi river ; A. Reid, £3B ; F. Molloy, £3l 17s 6d; J. Webb, £3O ; D. Guldan, £29. The tender of J. Webb was accepted, as Guldaa was behind time with another contract.

Contract No. 109—Shingling, McKenzie’s road, Raukapuka Bush ; J. Webb, £49 ; S, Courtney, £43 ; F. Molloy, £42 10s ; A. Reid, £4O , D. Guldan, £35. The tender of A. Reid was accepted for same reason.

Contract No. 110—Formation and Culverts, Pye’s road, Raukapuka : J. Beckley £35 ; G. Piskey, £23 ; W. Scully, £2O ; M. Lawlor, £l9 10s ; J. Webb, £l9 10$. As Webb already had a tender accepted that of M, Lawlor was accepted for this contract.

Contract No. Ill—Cutting channels and erecting stop banks, Waihi river. Prior to considering the tenders for this contract, the Chairman read a letter from Mr A. Keiman, objecting to the embankment being made, and stating that he should hold the Board responsible tor any damage accruing to his land. He enclosed Mr White’s opinion on the powers of the Board in the matter.

As prior to the specifications being made out, the promised sanction thereto had been obtained, it was decided to get their signatures to a written agreemeoi in regard to the matter, aud then to proceed with the work at once, It was also decided to accept one of the tenders, and they were opened as follows : —D. Gregan £72; F. Molloy, £64 15s ; J. Webb, £6B 10s ; A. Reid, £55.

The latter tender was recommended for the Chairman to accept, when the signatures of landowners had been obtained.

Proposed by Mr Flatman, seconded by Mr Deßenzie, and carried—‘ That in consequence of the signatures not being obtained of those residents who had promised to sanction the Wailii river work being done, the work bo left in abeyance, and the chairman be authorised to accept a tender on completion of a deed of agreement.

Contract Ho. 112—Repairs and filling north approach, Orari river : T. Markham, £BO ; A Reid, £6O ; W. flopkinson. £SB (accepted). Contract No. 113 Pile-driving and building one span at Sharp’s bridge, Kakahu river.

A letter was read from the Temuka Road Board stating that they were willing to pay half the cost.

The Overseer informed the Board that since the last flood two spans would bo required instead of one.

It was decided that fresh tenders be called.

correspondence. The following correspondence received was read : From Mr C. G. Tripp, dated sth April, 1884, asking the Board to form about 30 chains of a road between sections 23240 and 17516, near McKay’s.-—To stand over, as the Board considers it not a suitable time to do the work. From Mr J. W. Jones, Kakahu Bush, dated April 7th 1884, asking that two footbridges or planks be placed on the crossings of the Kakahu river, on the Limekiln Flat. Resolved—* That the Board is willing to give a subsidy of £lO, leaving the ap-

plicant to do the work to the satisfaction of the Board’s Overseer. ’ From the Chairman of the Timaru Herald Company, Limited, regretting that the Board had not advertised in their paper for a considerable time past, and stating that if they had forfeited the confidence of the Board through any fault on their part they would be glad to hear of it. Resolved —‘That the Board decided b resolution, for the the sake of economy, to confine its advertising to the local paper tor small contracts, and that the company had not forfeited the confidence of the Board. 1 From Mr J. C. Whittaker, dated 7th April, 1884, drawing the Board’s attention to the road lately re-formed at the back of the Waihi Bush. Resolved— ‘ That the Board, having re-formed the road, consider it desirable to see the result.’ From Dr Fish and others, asking the Board to repair the crossing by Mr Baughim’s house and make and form the footpath from said .muse to parsonage gate. —The Overseer to see the work done to Mr Gaby’s corner. From Mr J. Brake, dated 11th February, stating that he had sold his land, and asking his name to be taken off the roll.— It was decided that the alteration be made. From Mr R. Williams, dated Bth April, asking the Board to form the road from Baughim’s corner to the main road.—The Overseer to call for tenders for the work. From Messrs J. Mundell and Co. and others, asking for an improvement to be made in - the culverts on Waihi terrace, township of Geraldine. Resolved— ‘ That the Board on enquiry finds that the watercourse through Mr Mundell’s property has been changed, hence the cause of the overflow. The Board declines to alter the culvert.’ From the Under-Secretary Grown Lands, enclosing statement as to the way in way in which, the sum of £32415s had been arrived at, as payable to the Geraldine Road Board on account of sales of deferred payment sections. From the Property Tax Commissioner, re alteration in roll. From the Provincial Auditor, dated 24th March, 1884, stating he would be in Geraldine on 14th April to audit the accounts of the Board. From the Clerk of ' the Geraldine County Council, enclosing resolution passed at last meeting of that body re payment for birds’ eggs and birds. Resolved— 1 That the Geraldine County Council be furnished with the number of birds destroyed.’ From Mr J. H. Deans, and others, dated 7th April, re side channels in main road, Woodbury. Resolved—‘That the same be attended to.’

From the Clerk of the Geraldine County Council, dated 26th March 1884, asking for the use of the Board’s Office on April 4th on the occasion of taking a poll of the ratepayers in the County for or against the striking of a special rate re the Opihi Bridge extension. —The Chairman stated that permission had been granted. From MrU. Gregan, dated Bth April, agreeing to sell to the Geraldine Road Board tbe land near the schoolhouse, Pleasant Valley, at the rate of £lO per acre. From Mr L. McCormack, dated 24th March, stating that he was willing to purchase an abolished road the amount to be deducted from the other road account, —The same was approved. From Mr W. Bay ley, in reply to a notice sent him re taking part of bis land for road purposes. From the same, asking for the Board to reconsider its decision re Taylor’s road, Tbe Chairman to reply. From Mssrs Bowie, stating that they had a large quantity ot forest trees on sale. Fiom Mt T. H. Taylor, stating he had been compelled to cut the thistles from his farm to Burke’s, a distance of miles, as he could not get along with his machine. He asked the Board to allow him £1 for the same.—The Overseer to attend to the claim next meeting. From Mr D. Cofley and others, asking that the road on Stragglers’ Flat bo formed and side drains cut before winter. Resolved—* That the same stand over.’ From Mr T. H. Taylor and others, residing at Belfield Town, asking that a small rate be struck to abate the small bird nuisance, the Board to b uy a quantity of strychnine to distribute to different persons around the district. From Messrs Studholme, Banks and Wigley, asking that the crossing on Jones’ road be lowered, as it banked the water on to their land. Resolved - ‘That the back water complained of is caused by the drain in the adjoining land not being cleared out, and the Board cannot attend to the work till this is done.’ From Mr O. G, Bradley, asking for a drain to be made down the road near Mr Keeling’s section at Hilton and fill in a drain made by the Baard through the paddock.—Permission given Mr Bradley to fill in the drain. From Mr W. Lawson, stating that he had applied for a transfer of his slaughtering license to Mr John Bean. From Messrs White and Smithson, solicitors, Timaru, stating that Mr Collett had signed the transfer of R.S. 31050 to tbe Board. From the Overseer to tbe Board, stating he had valued the abolished road line adjoining sections 19737 and 19738, the property of Mr Allan Macdonald, of Waihi ; also, the abolished road line running through sections 19745 and 19008 the property of Mr L. McCormick, of VYaitohi Flat. He in each case valued the land at £lO per acre. From Messrs While and Smithson, Timaru, enclosing conveyance from Mr Allan Macdonald to the ±soard for the former’s signature. From the Secretary to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, asking the attendance of the Chairman of the Board at a public meeting in Christchurch re the recent increase in the railway rates re grain, etc. From Mr R. H. Pearpoint, asking the substitution of Mr Alfred Jones’name on the rate roll, for section 8904, instead of bis own, as he had disposed of the same. The request was granted. From Messrs Mundell and Co., asking that a surface water pipe be put down opposite the entrance gate to their new stockyards on Waihi Terrace, ihe work to be done by the Board, the pipes to be found by the applicants. From tbe same, enclosing cheque for £2 11s 4d for drain pipes.—The Board granted the pipes on condition that Messrs

Mundell and Go., paid for them and the Board paid for cost of laying them down. DEPUTATIONS. After the usual adjournment, the following persons had interviews with the Board : Mr K. Brophy, to ask the Board to alter the acreage of his and Mr P. Brophy’s lands on the roll. He explained how the matter stood, and the Board made the alterations accordingly. Mr C. Boutcher, asking for the road to his section to be shingled for a distance of about ten chains. —The request was granted. Mr Boutcher also spoke as to the necessity of pitching the crossing at Russell’s Creek. —The Overseer to report on cost of same by next Board day. Mr C. Lewis interviewed the Board re the Waihi River encroaching on his land.— The Chairman stated that the matter had already been before the Board that morning, and the agreement for the landowners to sign was read} 7 . Would he do so I —Mr Lewis acquiesced, a.u. signed the document.

Mr Lewis also asked why a road near his property was advertised to be stopped. —The Chairman explained that it would be a useless road, as the Board had formed another which would meet all the requirements of the district. The reason why the same was advertised was to have a meeting of the ratepayers interested, and if they desired it should remain open it would remain so. If Mr Lewis thought the matter over quietly, he would see that it would be better to close a useless road up. Mr D. Gregan had an interview with the Board in reference to disposal of one acre of his land for £lO for road purposes, at Pleasant Valley. The road was wanted at once. —Request granted. Mr J. H. Deans, contractor for protective works at Orari bridge, asking that the fine that he had rendered himself liable to for non-completion of contract within the specified time might not be levied. He had met with great difficulty in the matter, but would finish the whole work by Thursday or Friday next. —The Board decided to reduce the fine from £6 to £2.

Mr Alexander Macdonald complained in regard to gorse being cut on his private property near the Orari bridge, instead of its being cut out of the riverbed. He gave permission to go inside his fences to cut, but not to cut it from the fences themselves. —The Chairman stated the Board would see into the matter. Mr D. Gulden interviewed the Board in regard to the non-completion of his contract within the specified time. He had previously asked the Board by letter, but apparently it had not reached its destination. —It was poinied out to the applicant that he had already had an extension of time. He was informed that if the work were done in seven days the Board would not enforce the fine.

overseer’s report. “ I have the honor to report for the month ended April 7th, as follows : “ The works under contract have been greatly delayed by the large quantity of rain which i.a’ fallen since the last meeting of the Board. “ The extension of time granted to the contrac jrs for the road at the head of the .Beautiful Valley and the floating dam at the Orari Bridge has expired. There are also one or two minor works which are on the point of completion. “ The heavy rain which fell on Saturday last caused heavy freshes in the rivers and creeks throughout the district, and has upset many of the fords and river crossings which had been previously put in order. There are also three or four old stone culverts which have been damaged in the Kakahu district.

“ Rae’s Road —Ihe sides of this road in front of Messrs Rae and Macdonald’s sections are overgrown with gorse, and when the creek overflows (which it does always after heavy rains) this throws the water on to the formed road, causing a considerable scour, and where the surface has been broken digs out large holes. To fill in the holes would take a considerable quantity of clay, but as there is none ayailable within a reasonable distance I should advise that the holes be partly filled in with rough stones and blinded with soil and sown down with grass seed to prevent scour. The road also requires the shingle to be replaced were washed off. “ I have arranged with Mr Taylor to supply spars for protecting the north bank of the Orari. The posts for anchoring are in position. “ I am informed that the gap at Sharp’s Bridge has been widened by the late flood, consequently this bridge will require two spans instead of one,—tenders for which are due this day. “ The plaster in the kitchen of the house occupied by Mr Denoon has fallen down and requires attending to. I should advise that match-lining be substituted for plaster. “ A new barrel is required for the crab winch of the large pile engine. I would ask authority to obtain this at once. “ I have pegged out tho road line through Mr McCormick’s land. The fencing material is on the ground, and I have ari’anged to have the fence erected at once. “ The empty cottage belonging to the Board has been rented by Mr Crafer. “ I have prepared plans for bridges at Cooper’s and Guldau’s creeks. “ I have, in company with the settlers most interested, inspected the river bank at the village settlement, and think that the best plan to adopt would be to throw up stop banks, as the river is likely to do more damage by overflow than by scour. The latter would be very difficult to prevent on account of the sandy nature of the bank. I should also have liked to erect a boulder bank in the riverbed with a view of shunting the stream, but the funds allocated for the work would not be sufficient, 1 therefore recommend the ston banks as likely to be of tho most service, leaving the settlers to plant willows at their own discretion.

“ Toomey’s ford has been cut about considerably by the late floods, and require a contract to be let to render it available for heavy traffic. —1 am, etc., “W. Shiebs. “To the Chairman Geraldine Road Board.” Re Rae’* Road. —The work to be carried eut and notice ba given to remove the gorge. The Overseer’s arrangement with Mr Taylor re supply of spars was approved of. Be Sharp’s Bridge.—Fresh tenders to be called for two spine. The request for a new barrel for the crab winch was granted. The pegging out of tbe r.ad line through Mr McCormick’s land was approved of. The Overseer to call for tenders for bridge over Cooper’s creek. Re Protective Works.—Copy to be sent to Minister for Lands, asking him if Government will accept suggestion. Tenders to be called for Toomey’s ford. INSPECTOR OE NUISANCES’ REPORT.

“Sir, —1 have nonuisance to report upon at present. During the past month I have pointed out certain small matters to several

persons, who have remedied the things complained of. The recent web weather has of course mMe every place very dirty and unpleasant, bub I believe all occupiers are doing the best they can to keep their premises in aa inoffensive condition. Since my last report there have been six births registered in this district, and no deaths have taken place during the sums period—l am, etc., “ W. C. AndbkwS.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £391 4s were passed for payment. NOTICE OE MOT TON. Mr Flattnan tabled the following notice of motion to be brought on at next meeting of the Board : —‘ That that portion of the minute?, dated March 11th, 1884, re Rangitata Station Road, bo rescinded.’ ADJOUSNMBNT. Xne Board then adjourned till Tuesday, May 6th, and it was decided to hold the annual meeting on the 7th May.