ROAD BOARDS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 56, 4 August 1874, Page 4

ROAD BOARDS.

RICCARTON.

The ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Saturday at the office, Cashel street west. Present—Messrs Durey [chairman], Nunweek, Patterson, and Hall. The minutes of the last meetiug were read and co u firmed.

A letter was read from the Spreydon Road Board, enclosing an account for .£l3O 0s 9d, being the amount due for maintenance of boundary roads to July Ist. The treasurer was authorised to pay the amount.

A letter was received from the Secretary for Public Works, advising that the sum of £lsl was allotted to the Board out of the General Government grant, and enclosing copy of regulations, and requisition to be signed by the chairman for the proper distribution of the money ; also a circular from the same source, advising that the sum of £290, being the first instalment of the Provincial grant, was now available. A letter was read from the Provincial Engineer (in reply), regretting that no earth could be spared from the Park roads for the purpose required by the Board. A letter was received from Mr C. J Bridge, enclosing copy of opinion of the AttorneyGeneral in reference to drainage matters, and stating that the committee, of which ho was chairman, would be happy to receive suggestions as to alterations desirable to be effected in the Roads Ordinance. The Board considered that amendment was necessary, and it was resolved " That each member and the surveyor bring up a report at the next meeting of the alterations, &c, desirable to be incorporated in the new Act."

A letter was received from the church steward (in reply) stating that the church property trustees declined to renew the lease of town section, No 456.

A letter was read from the Secretary for Public Works, acknowledging receipt of Board's letter of the 80th May in reference to the rajlway culvert in Washbourn's Creek,

and stating that the railway engineer's attention had been directed to the niiitter, with a view of remedying the evil complained of. A petition was received from sixteen residents in the Harewood road neighborhood, asking the Board to deepen the Papanui drain between Douglas', and the Harewood road. The surveyor was directed to have the work done as soon as possible. A letter was received from Mrs Gordon, stating that she was unable to pay her rates, and asking the Board to remit them. The collector stated that Mrs Gordon's rates had been remitted last year, and she was no better able to pay them this year, having been left a widow with a young family. Ordered to be remitted. Correspondence was read from the Secretary for Public Works, in reference to exchange of gravel reserve SSA at Fendaltown, and stating that the Government has arranged with Mr Boag to supply gravd from a pit on section No 4414, and requesting that the Board will take what gravel is required for metalling from that place, and that they will discontinue disturbing the gravel or other soil from the said reserve. The Board haying considered the correspondence, it was resolved—" That a petition praying his •Honor the Superintendent to inquire into the circumstances of the proposed exchange of reserves, be presented to the members and ratepayers of the district for signature." A letter was read from the Secretary for Public Works asking what accommodation could be made available for immigrants in the district, and what number the Board could employ. The clerk was directed to reply that there was no house accommodation in the district for immigrants, and that the Board is employing as many immigrants as they have suitable work for. Another letter was received from the same source offering to assist in any works undertaken to employ immigrant labor by paying one-third of the cost of carrying it on. The Board, having considered the matter, regretted that it could not accept the offer of the Government, as the main work of the district was carting, and had to be let by contract ; also, that much of the work in the Riccarton district was too far from the Barracks to expect immigrants to walk to their work, but in order to give employment tenders would be invited immediately for work to the full extent of the funds at the disposal of the Board. The surveyor reported that Miller and Willis had been asked to pay the difference in the contract price for forming Donald's road, but had failed to do so. It was resolved to sue for the amount without further notice.

The surveyor stated that he could not report in terms of the Public Health Act, as ordered at last meeting, pending further information as to the clauses of the Act in force in road districts. It was resolved—'• That tenders be invited for the following works, viz. :—Millrace road, gravelling thirteen chains ; Riccarton road, supplying about 700 yards gravel and making footpath and reforming from Plough Inn to Frost's road ; Fendalton road, re metalling 75 chains." It was resolved—" That the following works be tendered for under the Payment to Provinces Act, viz. :—Sawyers' Arms road, forming full width ; River road, forming abovt 50 chains ; Harewood and Fendalton Junction roads metalling 50 chains ; Twigger's road, metalling about twelve chains." The surveyor was directed to repair the sand hills on the Kaiapoi and Prebbleton Junction road, also to repair the north side of the coal track from Avonhead to the (Jhurch. After passing accounts for work done the Board adjourned until Saturday, the sth September. MANDBYILLE AMD RANGIORA. This Board met at the usual hour. Present Messrs Blackett, Boys, Bramley, Duncan, and Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the following correspondence was read ; From the Secretary for Public Works, re accommodation for immigrants, offering assistance in the erection of cottages in the district; also advising payment of £3O for purchase of land from Maoris ; also letter from the Rev J. W. Stack on the same subject. Mr Ivory waited on the Board to ask that the road from the Lion Hotel to his section may be formed. It was decided that the work be done as soon as the road is conveyed to the Superintendent. Mr Kearney attended, and asked the Board to leave the road in front of his section as at present to allow the overflow of the No. 1 drain to escape. It was resolved that two members of the Board with the surveyor should inspect the road in question on Wednesday morning. Mr Stalker asked that the road leading to his section be laid out as arranged previously. The surveyor was directed to see to it at once. It was resolved that two cottages be erected on the Fernside Gravel Reserve, and two on the Woodend Reserve, for the accommodation of immigrants, and that the buildings consist of wood erected at as small expense as possible. The clerk was instructed to write to the Secretary for Public Works, informing him of the decision of the Board. The surveyor's report was received. He reported the Drain bridge to be completed according to contract. It was resolved that tenders be invited for the supply of shingle for the approach on the northern side, and that the Eyreton Board be written to respecting the southern approach. The clerk was also instructed to apply for payment of the amount voted towards the erection of the bridge.

It was resolved to call for tenders for shingling the Main North road from McQuillan's corner to Waikuku school, with fifteen yards of metal to the chain. The pay sheet was handed in, and the various items passed and paid, aud the Board adjourned. CODRTENAY. Thte Board met at the office, White's Accommodation House, on Tuesday, July 28th. Present —Messrs Coutts, Gough, Mathias, and White. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, and the surveyor having read his report, the following letters were then read:—

From the Secretary of Public Works, stating that the tender of James Voice for the erection of six four-roomed immigiants' cottages for the sum of £BSO, recommended by the Board, had been accepted by the Government.

Also, asking whether the Board could find any accommodation for housing immigrants in the district. The surveyor was directed to write stating there were no unoccupied houses in the district, but that the Board would suggest the erection of twelve tworoomed cottages in different parts of the district, anticipating the occupants would find no difficulty in getting work. Also, a letter asking the Board to suggest crossings over the Malvern and White Cliffs railway. The surveyor was directed to write informing the Government that the Board would suggest crossings being left on all roads. Also to write asking to have certain roads leading to the various stations laid off at once.

A letter was also received from the chairman of a meeting of Road Board chairmen in Christchurch, asking the Board to juggest any alterations they would wish to have made in the Roads Ordinance.

The surveyor was directed to write and reply that the Board would suggest doing away with the present boundary of districts, viz, crown of roads, and in lieu thereof, in the case of a road lying between two districts, let the maintenance of the same be divided between the two Boards. Also, that provision should be made in the Ordinance for the assessment of runs, and the mode of rating such should be clearly defined. Complaints having been made to the Board that people when fencing were in the habit of cutting sods all over the road, it was resolved that any person cutting sods beyond six feet from his bank or wall should be prosecuted. The surveyor was directed to apply for a reserve at Greendale for the purpose of erecting a pound. Also to provide plans and purchase the requisite materials for the erection of a pound eight panels by six, and fencing in a paddock suitable for impounding sheep. The surveyor was directed to invite tenders for the following road formations : Eighty chains West Coast road from end of metalling by McClelland's beyond George Hay's ; thirty chains Telegraph road, from end of metalling at Malvern boundary by Racecourse hill ; 140 chains Homebush road, from River Hawkins to railway ; sixty-five chains same road, k from Anson's corner to five chains beyond terrace at Allison's ; 240 chains, road near Gillander's crossing on the Hawkins ; eighty chains Sandy Knolls road, from Halkett road going towards Bealey road. ELLESMBRB. The monthly meeting of the above Board was held at the Road Board office, Leeston, on Saturday, Ist August. Present: C. J. Bridge (chairman), J. Rennie, R. Lockhead, H. Knyvett, and G. B. Woodman. A tender for filling up the approaches to the new Irwell bridge on the Lake road was accepted. Letters were read— From Mr Body, stating that he had completed Lis portion of the drain in the Killinchy swamp, and requesting the Board to do 20 chains more, according to agreement. The overseer was instructed to examine the work already done, and, if satisfactory, to call for tenders for the remainder. From Mr S. Forsyth, applying for two culverts on the Tamutu and Southbridge road, between rural sections 12,703 and 11,118. Granted, on condition that the parties interested put them in. Mr A. Allan had an interview with the Board, asking for information as regards to Thomas McGee's contract on the Killinchy drain ; at the same time he complained that the contractor had not properly performed his contract. Messrs Rennie and Lockhead undertook to inspect the work with the overseer. Mr E. J. Lee appeared on behalf of Mr E. Jollie and others, asking for the formation and metalling of the road between Mr Wilson's mill and that part already formed by Mr Cryer. The overseer was instructed to call for tenders for the formation of the same.

From Mr T. Acland, calling the attention of the Board to the bad state of the Tamutu road, passing his land to Fincham's. The overseer was directed to fill in gullies, &c, the parties interested to pay one-third of the cost.

From Mr C. W. Minchiner, stating that as Mr Robert Marshall had fenced in section 5878, alljtraffic on the Lake road was stopped, in consequence of which, a bridge across Birdling's brook was most necessary. Granted, on condition that the parties interested cart the necessary timber. From Mr H. Parker, and four others, asking for certain repairs on the lower Hanmer's road. The overseer was directed to report next Board day. From Mr W. Smith, who complained that great inconvenience was felt by him, in consequence of Jgates having been placed by Mr Nixon across a road leading to his property. The overseer was directed to inquire into the matter.

Prom Mr Cunningham, asking for information as to a division of the road between sections 4519 and P.R, No 10. The overseer was directed to write to the Waste Lands Board to the effect that the Board had no correspondence bearing on the matter. From Ellen Falloon, applying for a remission of her rates, as she was unable to pay them. The overseer was directed to make enquiries as to her position.

A circular was read from the Provincial Secretary's office, forwarding cheque for £(>s4 on account of grant under Payment to Provinces Act, 1872. From the Secretary for Public Works, accepting the tender of Messrs Petrie and J. Becmet for six immigrants' cottages as recommended by the Board.

The overseer was directed in accordance with the request of the Government, to survey and forward a tracing to the Government of one acre of land on Mr G. B. Woodman's farm, set apart as the site for a school.

A circular received from the Secretary for Public Works in reference to house accommodation for immigrants was read and considered.

Mr Kennie moved, and Mr Woodman seconded —" That the overseer be directed to write to the Secretary for Public Works, stating that in the opinion of the Board, Leeston is the most convenient situation for the ereoliou of immigration barrackß, and recommending Reserve 304 as a good site," Agreed to.