GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2330, 15 March 1892, Page 4

GERALDINE ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of this board was held yesterday. Present—Messrs F. R. Flatmau (chairman), Kelland, Metcalf, and Deßenzy. I TENDERS. I Tenders were received as follows : | No. 349—Shingling boundary road;—T. Corkery, £42 10s; D. Gregan, £37 10s; T. Sugrne, £37; M. Lawlor, £36 (accepted). CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read and dealt With «8 follows : From Mr H. N. Nalder, Lyttelton, re exchange Reserve 1375, asking why it was not completed, and what other privileges the board had given to Mr W. U. Slack, besides the land consisted of; also, whether the road leading from the main road to the reserve is included in the exchange. He also wanted information as to when it was decided to close the road, when the board caused the land to be valued and offered to Mr Slack, and when the purchase money was paid.—The clerk to reply that the abolished road and exchange for gravel reserve 1375 were both effected by Mr Slack’s special request. Why the exchange was riot then completed is-bpstknown to the solicitors; the board has used its best endeavors to get the matter settled long ago. Prom the Geraldine County Council, asking for estimate of the amount to . bo distributed as charitable aid in the Geraldine district for the year ending March 31st.—Board has not received any information from the Charitable Aid Board as to who is receiving charitable aid, and cannot furnish the information required. From thirteen Gapes’s Valley ratepayers, petitioning that the metalling of the Gapes’s Valley road be completed without delay, viz., the portion between Mr Clephane’s and Mr Kimbell’s farms. —Tenders to be called by next meeting. From Mr P. H. McShane, Geraldine Flat, calling attention to the necessity of having the drain on the Swamp road cleaned, as it is overflowing its banksWork to be done. From Mr C. G. Tripp, Orari Gorge, enclosing letter from the Crown Lands Department, respecting the boundary line between the Geraldine and Mount Peel Road districts. The Geraldine Road Board are satisfied with the boundary marked on their maps as per Government maps at Timaru office, and are willing to refund rates collected if the Mount Peel Board will refund costs expended on the road from the present boundary to Mrs Barker’s gate. From Temuka Road Board, enclosing cheque and Board’s account with Geraldine Board.—Cheque to be drawn. From Mr O, G. Bradley, Hilton, stating that it is his intention to apply for a slaughtering license for Keeling’s section, Kakahu. —No objection offered, INTERVIEW. Messrs D. Guthrie and Murphy waited on the board concerning the Valley road near their property, where water was breaking through.—lt was resolved to have the road repaired; the work requested to be done. overseer’s report. The overseer reported as follows; — Contracts: No. 346, building bridges, Beautiful Valley Gorge, and 347, formation near Four Peaks Station, have been completed since last meeting of the board. Tenders have been invited for shingle repairs to the boundary road; this work was sanctioned some time ago; but delayed on account of the dry weather.—Floods : The heavy rains in the middle of February scoured out and upset the whole of the river crossings and fords, necessitating the employment of extra labor, as the men were away harvesting. Some slight delay occurred in fixing the fords. All are now in fair order, but will be very soft for sometime, owing to loose shingle. The terrace at the Hae-hae-te-Moana near Smith’s was cut away to a depth of about 5 feet and was for a time impassable; a temporarary fence has been erected and side cutting made to accommodate light traffic. I would ask authority to make a direct cutting, so as to be available for the grain traffic. The rains in the Kakahu appear to have been heavier than in other parts of the district. The creek near the sawmill overflowed the banks, and has scoured the road considerably at two places. To prevent an occurrance of this I would advise that the roadway and creek bank be raised, as'continued overflows will in time render the road dangerous.—Valley Footbridge : During the freshes this bridge got blocked with floating gorse bushes, and other rubbish, and two of the piles were forced out of line by the pressure. Two new ones will require to be driven. —Belfield Reserve; A small portion of the terrace and a few willows have been washed out at Reserve 2127 at the end of the road leading up the Flat. To prevent further damage 1 would suggest that two iron rails and a few willow stakes should be pat in at once.—No serious damage has been done to any of the roads or permanent works by the late floods.—Fords on roads: Owing to the natural watercourses and races being blocked and overgrown with grass and weeds, the water is dammed back on the roads in many places in the district, rendering it very difficult to get sheep across without a lot of trouble. As the obstruction is inside the fences, on private property, I should like to know who is responsible, as I have issued notices without effect.—Works required: The Geraldine Main Road will require shingle repairs before winter sets in, and two of the sioct bridges over ihff Hae-hae-te-moana require to be tarred as 4 painted. General rate : I have succeeded h collecting the whole of the current year’s rate, with the exception of £1 5s lid, which is distributed over nine ratepayers, mostly absentees, I have also obtained a portion of the outstanding rates for the previous year, leaving a balance .of 6s 3d, which will have to be written off at the end of the present financial year.— i I have, etc-, “ W. Shiers, “ Overseer.” The report was considered satisfactory, and it was agreed to make the cutting near Smith’s, Hae-te-Moana, and work to be done at Kakahu, where the rain had damaged the road near the sawmill. Tenders to be invited for repairs to Valley footbridge, and work to be done at Belfield reserve 2127. Notices to be given to owners to clear water courses. Geraldine piain road work to be done. Members expressed their satisfaction at the ener-

getic manner in which the overseer had collected the rates. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £ll7 5s 3d were passed for payment. The meeting then terminated. WINCHESTER NOTES. Our township is still progressing, and more improvements are noticeable. Mr Robert Smith has built a handsome cottage next the Mechanics’ Institute and opposite Mr Carston’s Blacksmith and Wheelwright Shop. Mr Smith himself has superintended the building of the place, as well as taking an active part in the erection of it. Those best able to judge consider it the most substantial building in the township. It certainly adds much to the beauty of Winchester, and its neatness and durability reflect credit on the builder and proprietor. The Library, which it will be remembered was reopened some time back, is a favorite resort for gentlemen of all ages. We are agreeably surprised with the progress made. There are now nearly 30 members. A fresh supply of-books has been obtained, consisting of books of travel and other entertaining reading. The committee have also purchased two forms, a table and a Rochester lamp, and have besides a small credit balance. The advantages of this institute will be especially felt during the winter evenings, as it is the committee’s object to spare no pains in providing for the comfort of its members in the shape of firing, etc. Various games, as draughts, cards, etc., are indulged in. The committee deserve hearty support in their endeavors to promote a cause which in many ways is proving a blessing to the place. THE WINDSOR MURDER, Perth, March 11. Williams, the alleged Windsor murderer, has been arrested at Southern Cross, 270 miles from here. He was working as an engineer in a mine. No details are to hand. March 12. Williams, the supposed murderer, took great precautions to cover his track, but committed an act of folly in communicating the loss of a bag on the steamer to the police at Adelaide. This proved a valuable clue. London, March 11. It has been ascertained that Williams, who is in custody in Australia on a charge of murdering his wife at Windsor, arrived at Rainhill, a village in Lancashire in July last. He pretended that he wanted to rent a house in the township for his sister, who, however, was never seen. Williams, who appeared to have no occupation, declared himself an inspector of army stores, and said that his father was a Colonel in the army, and was killed in the Crimean war. He also gave out that an uncle of his was a man, of very considerable means, but this must have been a myth, as he has never been seen. On September 24th last Williams was marxied to Emily Lydia Mather. The eeremony took place during his stay at Rainhill. The villagers are said to be greatly impressed with him, but some of them had their doubts about the man because it was known that prior to his marriage to Miss Mather he was visited by a woman who was reputed to be his lawful wife. After the wedding Williams entertained the villagers at a banquet in honour of the event, but none of his friends Were present at the festivities, a fact which caused some comment. Miss Mather’s father keeps a small shop in Rainhill, and is highly respected by all classes of the community. The family wore unaware of the terrible fate which had befallen Emily, until one of the agents of the Australian and New Zealand cable service called on them with reference to the subject. On hearing the awful news the mother fainted. It was ascertained from members of the family that Williams left England in company with his wife (rtee Miss Mather) on pretence that he had been commissioned to take charge of army stores at Bombay. Mrs Mather stated that she had received affectionate letters from both parties, and she was surprised when she found that their destination was Melbourne and not Bombay. Mrs Williams’ last letter bore the Colombo postmark, while the husband’s last communication, which was dated Melbourne, December 29th, informed the family that he and his wife had spent a happy Christmas. He also remarked that Emily was the happiest woman ho had ever seen, and she did enjoy herself thoroughly. He announced that he had been appointed manager ©f a large tea business in Hongkong, and that he and his wife were to sail for their new home on January 4th. Nothing is known regarding Williams’ antecedents. Sydney, March 13. Williams became engaged to a Bathurst lady, who was en route to Perth to marry him when he was arrested. She handed over to the Melbourne. police a quantity of jewellery which Williams had given her, and it has been identified as belonging to the murdered woman.