TEMUKA ROAD BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2391, 4 August 1892, Page 2

TEMUKA ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above was held on Tuesday. Present—Messrs J. Talbot (chairman), C. Bissett, and W. Snell. COIIHESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows From Mr Fred. Morris, calling attention to the condition of Wheelband’s road. The same was very wet owing to the shade caused by a big macrocarpa fence. —The overseer to report and take any necessary steps. Prom Mr D. McLeod, drawing attention to the position of the culvert recently placed across the road near the applicants farm at Riverslea. If it were shifted a few feet he could obtain drainage for his paddock.—The board would offer no objection to the culvert being shifted »t Mr McLeod’s expense if the work is done to the overseer's satisfaction. From Mr F. W. Marchani, Chief Surveyor, relative 1o plans of road deviation near Mr Rollcston’s.—Attended to. From Mr Crombie, of Land and Income Tax Department, requesting the clerk to make certain alterations upon the roll, details of same being specified. From the Land and Income Tax Department notifying payment of first instalment of subsidy under L.P. and F. Act. From the Geraldine County Council, stating that a proposal had been made that the Council should undertake the destruction of small birds. As a diversity of opinion existed it was thought desirable that the opinions of all Road Boards should bo obtained. Mr Snell thought the only way to cope with the matter was by stringent Government regulation, For instance, in some districts only a few farmers took poisoned wheat, where, if it was made compulsory that all owning over a certain area should distribute, more could be done.

Some little discussion ensued upon the subject, and ultimately it was resolved—- “ That the board approve of the Council undertaking the work, at least for a trial.” From Messrs Measou A Marchant, covering plans of road diversion iind costs. The price quoted originally was reduced, as the work had not proved so extensive as anticipated. From the New Zealand Railway Commissioners, stating that application for crossing at Rangitata would receive consideration. From the Winchester School Committee objecting to the sum nf 5s as hire for school room for polling booth. The committee understood that 20s had been allowed by the Geraldine Board.—letter to be. acknowledged.

From Mr J. (J, Helm ore, relative to proposed road to Mr Naughton’s. If the road went through Messrs Young’s property a good deal of expense might be caused by payment of compensation, as they had a seven years’ lease. Nothing could he done for the, present. From Mr J. F. Higgins, applying for the opening of a road leading to a section upon late Mr R. A. Barker's property, between, Messrs Stew; r: and Bissetts as this was the only access to same.—The work to he done. The road to be opened in the meanwhile, ponding overseer’s report. From tfie Agricultural Department relative to the holding of Arbor Day.— The same was received'too late for any action to be taken.

From the Auditor General, certifying to the correctness of balance-sheet. OVERSEER’S REPORT.

The overseer’s report was read and dealt with as follows : “ To the Chairman, ( * Sir, —I have the honor to report for the past month as follows : —No further progress has been made with Contract No. 48 : Reforming part of Orari and Milford road. Contract No. 54: Forming road from Canal road, Orari, towards the Orari River will soon be completed. The contractor for forming road, Rangitata Island, is proceeding with this work. The contractor for carting shingle for repairs has been employed repairing the Rangitata Island road during the greater part of the mouth. The stock bridge over the Waihi Creek, on road leading to the mill, has been taken down, but it is not yet erected over the Ohapi, owing to the delay in getting timber for girders that required to be renewed. The North Orari road has been greatly cut up by heavy traffic during the month. As the Valuation Roll was not received until the 25th July, I could not arrange for the rate being struck at this meeting. The balance-sheet for the past year has been certified and returned. —I have, etc., “F. Archer,”

The overseer was authorised to employ labor for repairs at the present rate paid to the contractor, provided the latter cannot keep up with the work. | Mr Bissett made application for and was granted permission, to put pipes across the road near his farm. THE POUND. Mr Lawson waited upon the board and made application for the reduction of the rent of the pound. He found it impossible to make the pound pay now, as the fences, etc., were now good, and very few stock strayed about-—After discussion the rent was reduced by £5 per annum. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £ll7 3s 5d were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.