GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2161, 10 February 1891, Page 3

GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

Ihe usual monthly meeting of this board was held yesterday. Present— Messrs P E Platman (chairman), W Deßenzy, K Brophy, and J Keiland. COEEBBPONDENCE. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows : Prom Mr JE Pusoell, Crown Lands Ranger, stating that he had been instructed by the Government to report on the small birds nuisance, and asking the board to inform, him as to the present extent of the nuisance in the Geraldine district and the means taken by the board to mitigate the evil, specifying those which experience had proved to be most efficient.—A conversational discussion took place on the question, members being agreed that the nuisance was assuming alarming proportions. Mr Kelland thought a committee of the members of the various local bodies would be able to draw up a bill dealing with the matter that would be workable. They knew as well as anybody what the requirements of the farmers were. It was finally decided “ That this board considers the buying of eggs and beads, and poisoning during the winter months, has kept the nuisance in check, but the board would recommend that an Act should be passed compelling all local bodies to purchase eggs and heads from, say, October 1 to February 28 in each year, and that every occupier of 100 acres or Jess should spend Is per year in poisoned grain, and 6d for every 100 acres over and above the first 100 acres, such poisoned grain to be obtained from the local body.” Prom Mr T Sugrue, asking the board to transfer his contract at Kakahu to Mr M Lawlor. —Prom Mr Lawlor, agreeing to take over the same. —The transfer was agreed to, three weeks being allowed to complete the work.

Prom the Temuka Road Board, enclosing account for work done on boundary road. The clerk said that he had received a cheque from the Geraldine County Council for repairs to the Orari bridge. From the Bank New Zealand, advising the board of having re-deposited the fnnds as instructed.

UNPAID BATES. A list of unpaid rates was read over. It showed that the whole of the rates, with the exception of £4’ had been collected or judgment ob" tained for them in the court. The board complimented the clerk, Mr Shiers, for the admirable way in which he bad collected the rates. The clerk explained that a section of land near Cooper’s Creek had □ever paid rates, and it was decided to apply to the public trustee to take action in the matter, The Bank of New South Wales had agreed to pay the rates due on Mr B< Bayley’s property, GATE UPON EOAD. Mr A. Kelland asked to be allowed to erect a gate on the road between his laud and Mr Wigley’s. The application was granted subject to the usual conditions re notice and banging, etc. OTBESEEB'a EEPOET. The overseer’s report was read and dealt with as follows

“ I have the honor to report for the month as under, This being the harvest mouth, I have endeavored to have as little work in band as possible. Contract No 325, shingling road near Opuha station, has been completed since last meeting of the board, and passed for final payment. No 328: Yery little progress has been made on this contract, and the contractor, (Mr T. Sugrue), now wishes to have it transferred to Mr M. Lawlor, who is now carrying oat the worn. The time for completion expired on the 2nd inst. The day men have been employed in fixing new side rails, and repairing, tarring, and painting bridges, also in replacing old timber culverts with pipes, and lengthening others, etc. Orari Bridge—As the season for heavy traffic over this bridge will soon be here I would again draw the attention of the board to the delapitated state of the decking and side rails of both bridges, through which a serious accident may occur at any , time. If such were the case, would the board or County Council be responsible for the damages? Small birds—A large quantity of eggs have been brought in and purchased during the past four weeks. I haye expended the sum of £9 14s 2d, General rate —-A b instructed I have sued for a few of the largest amounts outstanding. 1 There remains unpaid £l6 Os 6d, out of which judgment has been obtained for £ll 14s, leaving a balance of £4 6a 6d, a portion of which is owing by absentees and persons who cannot be proceeded against.—l am, etc., “W. Shiees, “ Overseer.”

The clerk stated that the decking and handrails of the Orari bridge wore now in such a delapitated condition that it was really dangerous, and an accident might happen at any moment. It wanted redecking from end to end.—lt was decided to write to the County Council calling atten-

tion to the state of the bridge, and disclaiming all responsibility in the event of an accident.

ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £lO4 13s 9d were passed for payment.