GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1517, 10 June 1886, Page 2

GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Board’s office on Tuesday, Present-Messrs W. CJ Slack (Chairman), R. H. Postlethwaite, J. Kelland, L. Grant, and F. R. Fiat man. Mr Shiers, Clerk and Overseer to the Board, was in attendance. MINUTfIS. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and before they were confirmed Mr Kelland tooic exception to the remarks made by the Chairman at the last meeting with regard to the ranger. He objected to the Chairman calling the meeting a packed one. He did not think those remarks were called for, and he hoped the Chairman did not think that he (Mr Kelland) had brought any Of those people together. The Chairman thought that Mr Kelland had no right to dictate to him, which he was doing by finding fault with what he said. He had spoken about tbe meeting because, ns a public man, he thought tbe public should know his opinions, which be should always express in a fearless manner upon all subjects. He bad never said nor insinuated that Mr Kelland had brought any men to that meeting.

Mr Postlelhwaite said he did not think the minute could be expunged, as the minutes were simply a record of what was said.

Mr Flatman had not given the matter a thought. He supposed it was open to any member of the Board to come there and say what he liked, but he must take (he consequences. If the Chairman said anything it must be recorded on the minutes. Mr Kelland slated he did not wish the minute expunged ; he simply wished his objection to be recorded. It was decided to record on the minutes of the present meeting—“ That Mr Holland disapproves of that portion of (he minutes which refer to the ranger.”

The minutes of the previous meeting were then confirmed. overseer’s salary.

The next business was the appointment of the Board’s officers. As this affected Mr Shiers ho withdrew.

The Chairman said (he question was whether they should reduce the Overseer’s salary or not. Mr Flatman asked if the Board had any information as to what the Temaka and also the Mount Peel Road Boards work was done for. Mr Shiers was a very efficient servant, and it would probably be some time before they could find another man to do the work as he was doing it, The amounts paid by the two Boards mentioned were stated, and each of the members spoke very highly of the services rendered by Mr Shiers to the Board, but wore all ef opinion that considering the hardness of the times a slight reduction should be made in his salary, as most Government and private officials were being reduced. It was proposed by Mr Postleth waite, seconded by Mr Flatman, and carried—- “ That Mr Shiers be reappointed at a reduction of 10 per cent on his former salary, such reduction to commence on the Ist of July.” The Overseer was thou called, and the Chairman congratulated him upon the fact that the members had expressed themselves highly pleased with the manner In which he bod done his work.

Mr Shiars stated he was willing to accept the reduction in bis salary. TENDERS. The following tenders wore then opened ; Contract No. 180—Repairs to Pleasant Valley footbridge—Best and Hepworth, £22 15s ; Dean and Fiefiold, £lB 15s ; Robert Rae, £lB 10s (accepted). Contract No. 181—Shingle repairs, Boundary road Benjamin Trumpsr, £l9 18s (accepted). Contract No. 182—Bridle track, Boundary road-E. Murphy, £l7; A. Best, £l4 17* 61 ; Jonas Fiefleld, £lO (accepted). Cootract No. 183—Tussockinsr, Cameron’s and Lewis’ road—L. Coughan, £l4; D. Wilks, £9 : J. Best, £7 10s; Cameron, £7 10s (informal) ; K. Simpson, £6 10s (informal); J, McQuillan, £5 19i;, G,

oss, £5; J. Fielield, £4 19s; B. . nper, £4 19s ; K. Quaid, £4 9s 6d (accepted). CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read and considered : From Mr J, Tindall, stating that he bad applied to the Geraldine County Council for a slaughtering license for the slaughter yards lately occupied by Messrs Siegert and Fauvel. From Mr A. Fisher, on behalf of the proprietor of the South Canterbury Times, asking for a share of. the Board's advertising for the ensuing year.—lt was decided to consider the question when any special advertising was to bo done. From Mr H, N. Nicholson, asking that his name might be struck off the roll, and Mr Beatty’s inserted in its place, as he bad parted with his property to the latter eentleman.

Prom Mr Andrew Reid, asking that his name might be struck off the rate roll forthe land leased by him from Mrs Nicholson, as his lease had expired. Both these applications were ordered to be attended to by the Clerk.

From Mr A. Metcalf, asking that his name be struck off the rate roll and that of Mr A. McLean inserted. From the Clerk of the Geraldine County Council, covering a copy of the new rate roll.

From Mr Smith, on behalf of Mr Shaw, forwarding plans of abolished road in the Raukapuka district, and stating that duplicate plana would be deposited at the Land Office, Christchurch. Prom Mr L. Walker, asking that the Board do something to the road between his section and Rhubarb Fiat, as the crown of the road was too low and the ditch at the side not deep enough to carry off the storm water. —It was decided that the Overseer should report on the work necessary to be done. From the Property Tax Commissioner, asking the Board to make the following alteration of Mr Alexander Reiman's entry in the valuation roll T5/152, substituting lot 13 for lot 4 of Reserve 349 making an area of 720 a. lr. 31p., and reducing the valuation to £2974. Also to insert a fresh assessment as under T5/152a, A Kelman. jun., owner and occupier of lot 4 of reserve 349, Block 11., Orari S.D., 78a. 3r. 7p., valuation £l5B. —The Clerk stated he had received this notice from Mr Sperrey, but wished to have the Board’s authority to make the alteration bef <re doing so. —This authority was given,. From the Commissioner Crown Lands, Christchurch, stating that one-third of the price of any land disposed of under the deferred payment system should be handed over to the County Council or Road Board, of-the district. Also, that the plan of all roads it is intended to construct through such lands must have the sanction of the Board.-It was resolved .that the Chairman write to Mr Baker for the Board’s share of the money, and also for sanction to construct a road through the Orari reserve, apd that tenders be called for the work on receipt of that, sanction. PETITION. & petition was received from Mr J. Mcßeth and six others, asking the Board to take the necessary steps to have the gates removed off the roads at the corner of McLeod’s land near the old KakMiu station, which had been put there without the permission of the Board ;-they were placed at the foot of. a sleep hill, were dangerous to the public, and had been erected by Mr Wigley without the Board’s permission.—Mr Flatman asked if the Board were reponsible for any accident which occurred .through gates that the Board had given permission lo erect.—The Chairman could not say, but thought a legal opinion should be obtained on the much-vexed question of gates upon roads.—Mr Grant asked if the disputed gates were properly hung. It was stated they were not, and it,was moved byMrFlatman, seconded by Mr Grant, and carried —“That all gates erected upon roads which are not properly hung, and not having the notice'board ' public road ’ fixed thereon, should be removed after due notice given is by the Board.”

REPAIRS, ETC.

It was decided to call for tenders for easing the grade of the approach to the Orari Bridge which is too steep. Mr Tripp again applied to have th; footbridge over the creek near Donkin’s removed to the upper aide of the ford, as he considered it very unsafe whore it was. He stated his willingness to bear the cost of the removal.—The Board were still of opinion that the bridge was safe on the lower side, but instructed the Overseer to report as to the possible cost of the removal.

Mr Kelland applied, on behalf of Mr Toomey, for a plank over the creek near his place, which was granted. . DEPUTATIONS. Messrs Lysaght and W. Earl waited upon the Board and asked that the cutting on the Pleasant Valley rood should be widened. —The Board promised that the Overseer should see to the matter, and the.deputation withdrew. The Hon. T. Wigley and Mr T. Mcßeth, next waited upon the Board with regard to the disputed gates. Mr Wigley stated (hat the matter was a most important one, which affected the whole district.—The Chairman read to the deputation the petition which had been received by the Board.—Mr Mcßeth slated that the gates had been erected at the foot of a steep, bill, and h id almost caused an accident there already. Mr Wigley had offered a reward for the pur pose of finding out who had taken out the gates. They were an obstruction to him (Mr Mcßeth) when driving sheep or cattle. He could not see why the rOad should be shut up so Tong ns the ratepayers wanted it for use.—Mr Wigley, hoped the Board would look upon this as a public question, and not a personal matter, as Mr Mcßeth sesraed inclined to make it. He explained to the Board that the rpad was never used, —Mr Mcßeth denied this.--Mr Postlethwaite read the section,of the Act under which the Board had the powdr to grant the erection of gates.—The ‘Chairman said the Board had the power not only to grant the gates but also to remove them.— Mr Wigley said if it coujd be proved that the gates were an obstruction he would be quite willing to remove them, but he did not think there had been any traffic along that road for the past two year*. He would assure the Board there was not a man went along the road once in six months. He (himself), never though! of using the road for taking a load of any--thing along it.—Mr Mcßeth averred that there vu a good deal of traffic along the,

road, and quoted instances in support of his assertion.:—Mr Kellaod asked if Mr

Mcßeth would object to the gates if they were properly huog ; he gathered from MrMoßcth’a remarks that it.was only the hanging of the gates he objected to.—*M* - Mcßeth said he would object to the gates . ; altogether after the row that; had-- taken place.—Mi* Postleth waite said that. after hearing Mr Mcßeth speak like that he - could quite. believe it was. a personal, quarrel, as Mr Wigley had said.—Mr Wigley stated that the roadjwas not u**d by most of the people signing the petition. They were men who had no interest in , the district.—This Mr . Mcßeth flatly

contradicted, and stated that tbey aU used : . it. —The Chairman asked Mr, Wigley who would be responsible for the gates in the event of their being destroyed after the Board had giyen permission for their, erection.—Wr Wigley stated he would be quite willing to take the responsibility of . the gates.—Mr Grant thought if the rate? payers wanted gates removed they were quite right in getting it done.-r:Mr Flat* man asked who would he responsible in the event of an accident, Thia.the Boaid could not answer, and Mr Mcßeth stated the Board wore. He bad hadthe best legal opinion on the subject,— Mr Wigley. would like the opinion of the Board upon ■■ the subject before he withdrew*—-The ... Chairman stated that so far the • opinion

of the Board was in his favor, but they could not in the face of, Mr Mcßeth's statement give him leave to erect, the . gates without a legal opinion ,00 the matter.—Mr Flatman could not agree to- ~ the Board obtaining a legal opinion upon ! the subject. He thought if. .person® wanted to put gates across the roegl they , should be quite willing to glve-the-llosid .. the satisfaction of the legal fpiMOB.. ,6f some good lawyer on the question.—-The Chairman asked Mr Mcßeth It be would be willing to leave the gates alone till the next meeting of the Board when, the , whole matter would be settled.-;—Mr Mcßeth stated he would not puli them down, but he would leave then open every time he had occasion to go. through... them.—Mr Post le l h waite wan ted to know,, in the event of the Board, giving permission to erect the gates and they were, pulled down, who would be responsible, - He thought if the gates were properly h ung, and had the notice boarda attacbed, any person pulling them down. was liable to be prosecuted. —A long and very lively discussion took place over the. whole matter, Mr Wigley being assured, . that the whole thing turned upon the answer given him at the last meeting of the Board, namely ; “ That his applica* tion could net be granted unless be could prove lhat the Board would not be re, sponsible for accidents or damages.” A,., * the Act at present stands it does not shoff who is responsible, and Mf Wigley stated that if the Board would give him their, answer in writing he wou|d, . when he , f .. went to Wellington, which would be very _, shortly, endea'vor to get .the Act made ... more explicit on the subject.—The dd* .. putation then withdrew.

THE RANGER. . Mr Gapes and three other ratepayers," ' representing the Gapes’ Talley and Ka» " kahu districts, waited upon theßoard to 1 know if they intended to take any steps to have stray cattle removed from the roads. Mr Gapes asked if there had not been a resolution passed by the old Boardto the effect that a ranger be appointed.

The Chairman stated the old Board had -Jj decided to invite applications tortile post... f of ranger. , . ... 'i- ‘

Upon looking up the minute it was seen that the Board recognised the neces* aity of appointing someone to abate the nuisance complained of, and resolved to : . invite applications for the. position . ,ol ranger. -

Mr Gapes said he wanted a ranger, or the pound keeper to act as such. , Mr Flatman said the poundkeener did act in that capacity.

Mr Gapes urged that a ranger should bo appointed, and private individuals ■ rt* lieved of the work, as it led toiquarrelling, and it was the duty of every public body, to try and prevent disorder. The Chairman said he thought they had made a mistake in leaving it to a public meeting to decide, but, having done so, he did not think they could back out of the arrangement now. Mr Kelland asked if Mr Gapes thought the roads would be kept clear of stock if a ranger were appointed. He thought a ranger would prove more trouble.to the ratepayers than they thought of. For his own part, he would rather put «p with a small wrong himself than inflict an injury upon the majority of the people. . Mr Grant said he did not approve of, a ranger. He would be in favor of erect?, ing a pound in the town and allowing the poundkeeper to act as ranger ; then, if the people of any particular district .did not want him to go into that district they should not be disturbed.

The deputation stated that every per* son in the district was in the habit of grazing cattle on the roads. - Messrs Kelland and Grant objected to this. They were both residents in 4 that part of the district, and had sever grazed a single head of cattle on the roads. The deputation then withdrew. •' A discussion followed upon this matter, and Mr Flatmart proposed—“ That this Board ask the Member for the District to . . endeavor to get the Road Board' Act BO amended as to make it legal for the Road ■ • ; Board to have the stockyards at (hose ... ■ hotels holding public accommodation “ licenses declared public pounds,' to be under the supeivision of the Road Boards.” ' Mr Kelland seconded this. 'He didnot til ink - , however, that this would satisfy those people who wanted a ranger, Mr Flatman said he did not think it . would either, but he thought it would bo - 1 ' a great advantage to those people whodid not wish to drive caitle a great dia* 'Ctance in order to pound them. : '''’Hr Mr Postlethwaite could hot support Mr Flatman’a motion. He had thought o?er j it since he had first heard of it at thU’ public meeting, and he could not support m.; - it.. His objection was that if a man wished to pound ah an<mal, and also to release it, he had to go to the public* house; and that wouli most probably lead to dunking and perhaps a breach ot the . peace. He thought it whs the : duty of » public body not to induce people to po to the publichoiises, but this proposition■*.would compel them to frequent them, v * This he thought was a very strong objec* tion, otherwise he would be only too happy to support it, but under the cir? cumatances he Could not. * - The Chairmatfi'fhrtOght (bat in a gMk many cases it would lead to fighting* j

Mr Flatroan did not think the Board should undertake to be responsible for imbeciles who could not keep from drinking. The motion upon being put was lost. public pouicd. Mr Postlethwaite proposed, Mr Grant seconded, end it was carried -“That a public pound and house for caretaker be ercated on the reserve next to the Geraldine Dairy Factory, the Overseer to obtain plana and submit them to the Board at its next meeting.” In proposing this Mr Postlethwaite did not depart from his conviction that a ranger should be appointed. MISOELLAITBOUI. Mr Kelland and Mr Flatman brought several small matters before the Board, which the Overseer wae instructed to attend to. An application fram Mr Longley to lease tba Board’s Reserve No. 1055, cantaining 3 acres, was granted up on the appli. cant paying £1 per year.. kVvT-L BEBD«' NUISANCE. The Ci- k was instructed to obtain •tryebnine for poisoning purposes, farmers to ind their own wheat. BATE. Mr Postlethwaite proposed, and Mr Kelland seconded—“ That it is the intention of the Board at its next meeting to •trike a rate of half-penny in the £ on all the rateable ptopirty in the district for the current year, such rale to be payable at the Board’s office before the 31st August, 1886 ” overseer’s report.

The following is the Overseer’s report and the decisions come to thereron “ To the Chair mao. “Si*. -I have the honor to report for the information ef the Board that the heavy rains which have fallen during the past month have interfered considerably with the progress of the works in band, and in one or two instances will necessitate an prtensios of time being granted to the contractors.—The contract for spreading' metal on the Gapes’ Valley Road has not bee* completed ; the contractor for this work will require an extension of time, as it was not possible to put on the shingle without damaging the road. (Extension granted).—l have seen Mt Patrick, and arranged for taking stone for the crossing near his farm, should the Board decide to pitch the ford. (It was decided to do the work).Geraldifie Footbridge; This bridge is getting very dilapidated. The top work is white pine, and is very rotten. I have bad it temporarily repaired to prevent accident. (It was decided to write to the Geraldine Town Board, asking them to bear half the cost).-The roof of the office aad dwelling-house have leaked very badly during the late heavy rains. The iron on the roof is almost off in some places, and requires a general overhaul. New spouting is also required in some places, 1 should also advise that a 400 gallon tank be obtained to catch the rain water, which after a heavy rain overflows and runs under the building, causing the floor to decay much sooner than it ought to do. (It was decided to gel the work done by a competent mao from Timam).—Some steps ought to be taken to have the top of the large gum trees opposite cut off, as thev cause the chimneys to smoke, and keep the preiists in the abadefor thegreater part of the day at this time of the year. (It was decided to write to Mr Howland’s re the gums).-—The drain appliad for by Messra Cochrane and Skinner, and sanctioned by the Chairman, has been completed, sod given great satisfaction to the applicants. (Considered satisfactory).—l am, etc., “ Wm. Shibrs.” ACCOUNTS. Accounts tp the amount of £lB3 la 9d were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned. .