MASTERTON ROAD BOARD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1496, 29 September 1883, Page 2

MASTERTON ROAD BOARD.

The Masterton Road Board met this morning. Present—Messrs Mere-' ilitli (Chairman), Dagg, Chamberlain, Beetham, and Macquarie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, ;

CORRESPONDENCE. From R. Burrett offering to supply N. Z. Statutes, The Chairman asked if it was usual for the Board to pay for the Statutes.

The Clerk said he had been able to obtain copies of of local accs through Messrs Beetham and Buchanan.

The clerk was instructed to apply for the local Board Acts of the past session.

From Parker and Burke, regretting inability to commence the Upper Plain contract through bad weather and shortness of hands, and asking for an extension of one month. Prom David Donald re notice of fencing native leserves at Mungakuti, and offering to comply with notice, and asking for compensation for some logging up.

The Chairman said it would be as well if Mr Donald made a specific claim.

From W. Bogle, re width of township roads, stating that his Violetsville roads were laid out a chain in width,

From treasury, remittal" £1127 13s 7(1 to credit of Masterton Road Board, for payment on account of district roads, From Public Works Office, asking particulars of progress payments required during current month. From Mr Bennett, Waikaraka, re contracting for a supply of timber, aud regretting inability to supply it, ; From Henry Bunny, applying for services of Mr Bremnei, and undertaking to refund cost. The Chairman said this was a part of their district previously, and he had authorised Mr Bremner to comply with the request,

From J, Pay ton & Co., re charges for advertisements,

From James Stuckey, re a disputed track,

. From Mr Connel, stating that he could inspect works for progress payment on iho 26th insfc,

From E. Meredith, jun., stating that the term for a right of way at Waironga had expired, an i that he intended closing the right of way on the 30tli inst.

From the Castlepoint Road Board, enclosing a resolution agreeing to resolutions at late conference with certain reservations, viz,: That in consideration of the rates from Taueru settlers, the Masterton Road Board keep a certain section of the Taueru road in repair, and assist in the completion of a road to Mr Hood's proproperty. The Chairman asked when the next conference took place 1 The clerk understood that it would be the day after the next County meeting,

From J. Rutherford, stating the road line through certain sections of the Kangitninau block was not yet laid uii and graded; and that it was desirable that it should be done, as the expenditure in that district was as a molecule to a mountain, The Chairman said Mr Rutherford desired the road to be defined, so that a side cutting might be made to give an outlet,

Mr Macquarie moved—That the Engineer be instructed to lay off the line from Glendonald to Mr Rutherford's as soon as he conveniently could.

Mr Beetlmm seconded the motion. The Engineer reported that a line was laid off ten years ago. Mr Macquarrie stated that the present felled line was not the surveyed one.

_ The (liiairimm suggested that the line should be re-indicated where it had been obliterated.

Mr Macquarie agreed to this course which was adopted by the Board, Mr Bremner being instructed to report generally on what could be done towauls opuning tho road. Mr Beethain inquired whether any funds were available from No. 1 or 2 Ward, towards proceeding .with the work oil Mr Hood's line.

Mr Macquarie denied that there was any claim for No. 1 Ward to contribute. The road was no use to the ward though it had cost it much'-in the past. He did not think it desirable to reopen the past, but if it were re-opened he would have a larger claim to urge on behalf of his ward.

Mr Hood, by permission of the Board, stated that the conference expressed a desire for mutual concession on the question of adjusting rates until the boundaries of a new ward could be defined. Mr Hawkins had consented that the Cashpoint i'loard should spend his rates on the road to Glondonald. Hie Chairman thought that without rescinding a previous resolution they could not then go into the question, Mr Macquarie thought it was a pity that there should be delay in important works through waiting for conference meetings. Mr Beetham inquired if there was any amount due to No. 2 Ward.

Mr Dagg replied that the balance was on the wrong side. Mr Hood said he had been paying a year in rates for years, and now his rates were raised to £33 15s, besides having to pay a county tax, He asked if the Board could not find the £6B necessary to complete this road, he thought he had a claim on the Board.

Mr Macquirrie thought they ought to do something at their present meeting, and not delay the matter, Messrs Hood and Hawkins rates for the current year would clear off the sum, Mr Dagg pointed out that th° central road must be considered in just'ee to the other' ratepayers,

Thefchairman pointed out I hat they were hampered by the conditions laid down by the Castlepoint Road Board.

Mr Hood's case was a .hard one, but

they could not get over stubborn facts, The Ward was overdrawn than a whole years rates for the -Witrd,

Mr Hood said he had in cultivation a hundred acres of land, and the present traffic went through the cultivation, causing him serious loss. He asked the Board to take into consideration the alteration of the boundary; Had he not assented to this change, he would have had a credit balance for his district. >-. ■

Mr Dagg said' the action of theBoard must depend on the conference, and recommended that the conference should take place at as early a ditef 68 possible..!

Mv T. /E. Chamberlain suggested that when the conference met jhe Board could hold a special meeting in order to decide the matter as soon as possible. THE QLAIRLOOIE ROAD.

The Chairman stated that the traffic was suspended on the Blairlogie road, and asked for the Engineer to report upon it,

The Engineer reported the amount necessary for culverts and clearing of the slips. He suggested putting on one or two day men to clear the slips, and holding over the culverts, till money was available. The Chairman hoped one man only would be put on, so that his services might be retained permanently.,

Mr Macquarie thought* v bcrmiinent men on roads were a mistake^ The Chairman said that suffered much from water taiifeS getting choked up, and one'of the resident settlers would undertake to look after the work, He moved that a road man be placed there under Mr Morrison's instructions. Mr Beetham seconded the resolution which was carrried,

THE CONFERENCE. Mr Hood pointed out that the conference might not take place at the time appointed; and his interests would bo neglected. The Chairman and Mr Macquarie assured Mr Hood that the Board would arrange that representatives from it would be at the conference.. Mr Hood thanked the Board and retired, [Left Sitting,]