PARAWAI DISTRICT BOARD.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 241, 17 July 1872, Page 3

PARAWAI DISTRICT BOARD.

The tiewly-el ctcd members of tho Pa rave ai Board held their second meeting on Saturday last, 13th inst. Present:—Mr Allom (chairman), and Messrs S. Spencer, D. Tookcy, J. Lloyd, and J. Banks. The minutes of tho annual meeting of ratepayers on the 9th inst. were read by the Secretary, and being found correct, it was resolved : —“That Major Cooper, the chairman of the meeting, lie requested to sign the minutes of the same in tho minute-hook of the Board.” The minutes of the first meeting of the Board were then r ad and confirmed. A memorial to the Board, dated 12tli instant, from about 40 ratepayers was read and considered. The memorialists call the attention of the Board to the fact that the Government contemplate the purchase of a house in their immediate neighbourhood for the purpose of converting the same into a small-pox hospital, and they consider such action prejudicial to their interests, and request the Board will urge upon the Government the necessity of selecting some more suitable site. The Chairman thought that the memorialists were unnecessarily alarmed upon this subject. That provided proper means of isolation were adopted, he considered the site proposed very suitable for the purpose, but the views of so influential a body of ratepayers, if laid before the Government, would, no doubt, receive every attention and respect, whilst tho interests of the community at large would also have to be considered.

It was ultimately resolved, “ That the Chairman he requested to forward the memorial without delay to his ■Honor the Superintendent.” A letter was read from Mr Pcrston, offering to perform the duties of collector at (be usual rates. Certain accounts were passed, and cheques ordered to he drawn in payment of the same. A report from Mr E. A. Bcero upon certain proposed ' ks in the new portion of the district was /ad and considered. The Chairman stated that, with Mr Lloyd and the Engineer, he had inspected the locality of: the proposed works, and (hat the principal object was to afford better accommodation to foot passengers during the winter, by making a few drains and footpaths where most required. The report now before the Board had been furnished by the Engineer, at the request of the Chairman. On the motion of Mr Tookey, seconded Mr Banks, resolved, “ That the said report tie referred to a committee, to consist of the Chairman, Mr Spencer, and Mr Lloyd, for the consideration of the works proposed ; such committee to he authorised to proceed with any such works, being footpaths or drains, when the ratepayers of the locality shall be willing to contribute a cerlain portion of the cost; any other works to be reported on by the committee at the next meeting of the Board, it being understood that a special meeting shall he called when necessary to consider such report.” The rules and regulations of the late Board for the transaction and order of business were then adopted, with one .or two verbal alterations. These rules provide for the holding of ordinary, special, and extraordinary meetings, and for ordinary matters of routine thereat. It was decided that the regular ordinary meetings be held on every fourth Saturday, counting from this meeting, at the hour of four p.m. It b'-iug necessary to make fresh arrangements for the performance of the duties' of Secretary and Collector, the Chairman suggested whether it would not he desirable to combine those offices with that of Inspector. Resolved, “ That the duties of Secretary, Collector, all Inspector he combined, so as to be held by one person ; that the salary of tho officer shall he £lO a year, with five per cent, on all sums collected, and provided that the salary shall be increased to £l2 10s if the amount of the gross assessment bo made £300.” It was further understood that the Chairman will make such arrangements as will relieve the Secretary from keeping the accounts, minutes, and correspondence of the Board, so as to make the duties of the Secretary almost nominal. Mr E. Lambert, the late Secretary, having expressed his willingness to perform the duties upon these terms, it was resolved that he be appointed-Secretary, Collector, and Inspector to the Board. It was pointed out to the Board that as Mr Stillwell’s year of office did not expire until September 8, there will he two Inspectors until that date. Arrangements were then made for the preparation of the Assessment List. Asa i measure of economy, the work to be performed by the Board. As a temporary basis for valuation, 20 per cent on the estimated value to sell to he taken as the probable annual value. The services of valuers, if possible, to he obtained gratuitously,and such valuation to be finally revised by the Board. The plan of the new portion of the district to be completed so as to have every property correctly marked thereon.