WAIOTAHI HIGHWAY DISTRICT BOARD.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 272, 22 August 1872, Page 3

WAIOTAHI HIGHWAY DISTRICT BOARD.

A meeting of the Waiotahi Highway Board was held yesterday at the Engineer’s office, Owen-street. Present—Messrs Davies (chairman,) Anthony, Gudgeon, Hazard, Simpson (Engineer,) and Dean (Secretary.) The Board and the Executive. —The Chairman said he bad had a conversation with Messrs Lusk and Hurst in reference to a piece of ground near the Karaka Bridge, Pollen-street. The former boundary was the old creek, which lias been diverted, and there was nov a sort of island which was no man’s land, and the inhabitants bad not paid rates either to the Kauaeranga or Waiotahi Boards. Mr Lusk expressed his opinion that ihe Waiotahi Creek was the boundary. At all events, it would be desirable to have the boundary defined. He had alsoeallel attention to the high rates of charges made for wharf dues at the Government wharf, Grahainstown. He thought it would be advisable for a letter to be sent from the Board. —Mr Anthony pointed out that dutiable goods landed at Shortland were brought up to the examination wharf at the foot of Burke-street, and then the stuff had to be carted back to his own place, wherever it was, thus entailing much extra trouble and expense. —The Chairman said the high rate of tariff at the Grahainstown wharf was a serious drawback to the trade and commerce of the place. If a man were sent down to look after goods, he would bo charged threepence, but if he had a wheelbarrow he would only have to pay a penny. On one occasion a captain of a vessel, who was about to briug bis vessel alongside, was not allowed to go on the wharf to reach liis boat, because ho happened not to have threepence in his pocket.—lt was decided to memorialise the Government in the matter, with a view to getting the tariff reduced. Queen of Beauty G.M.C. and Bellastreet Tramway. —The Chairman stated that the Queen of Beauty G.M.C. declined to pay £3B for extra work on the Bellasfreet trainway, demanded by the Board. —Mr W. Thomas attended on helialf of the company, and said lie was willing to pay for all he agreed to pay, but he considered he had been charged too much.— The Chairman said the work had been done—that was certaiu and lie was afraid they could not legally enforce the claim, but he thought that the Queen of Beauty ought in justice to meet the demand.—Mr Anthony reminded the Board that at the time this matter was discussed prior to the work being done, lie had expressed his opinion that a misunderstanding would arise, and that there ought to have been a proper agreement.—Mr Thomas said he would do what he could with his fellow-shareholders iu the matter, and would be glad to oblige the Board, who had acted handsomely, but he did not think the Engineer had acted altogether rightly in the matter. The Bright Smile G.M. Co. and the Bella-street Tramway. —The following communication was read: —“Karaka, Grahainstown, August 19, 1872. —To the Chairman and Members of the Waiotahi Highway Board. —Gentlemen, —I hereby make application on behalf of the Bright Smile G.M. Co. to lay a branch from the Bella-street Tramway into the said company’s claim, according to plan annexed. —I am, &c.,— Wm. Vickery.— The Chairman asked Mr Thomas what was his opinion of the application ?—Mr Thomas said he objected to the siding being put in, as it would take Vickery’s Battery out of their bands when they could find it employment. He did not object to the general use of the mill or tramway by the public.—Mr Vickery said he had been paying about £ls a week out of bis own pocket for carting, and, now that this tramway was laid down, ho saw a chance of doing better. He did not think lie was bound to be exclusively employed by the Queen of Beauty, but to go to the best customer lie could. He objected to any monopoly, and understood that the tramway was a public one.—The Board said it was the understanding that the tramway was to be a public one, otherwise it would not have been sanctioned. —It was resolved to telegraph to Mr O’Neill, M.G.A., for copy of the Tramways Bill, and that at next meeting they would consider w.iat the powers of the Board were in the matter. —The Chairman said there had been a complaint made that the trucks were being run too fast on the Bella-street Tramway and he thought it was the duty of the Board to preveut the tram being run at too great a speed, especially round the curve near the battery.—lt was resolved that instructions be forwarded by the Secretary, with a view to the trucks being run at less speed. Plan of Towns Regulation Bill. —The following letter was read : —“ House of Representatives, August 10, 1872. Sir, By direction of the Chairman of the Select Committee, to whom was referred the Plans of Town Regulation Bill, I have the honor to forward you a copy of the bill for 3'our consideration, and will be glad to receive, at your earliest convenience, any suggestions or alterations which you may think necessary for the better working of the provisions thereof.— l am, &c., James Isherwood, Clerk of Committee. To the Chairman Highway Board, GraharpstownV —The Secretary was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter.