INANGAHUA COUNTY COUNCIL

Inangahua Times, Volume II, Issue II, 11 February 1880, Page 2

INANGAHUA COUNTY COUNCIL

— ♦ , — Esgimebe's Kepobt •' I hove the honor to report that tbe instructions given at the last meeting of the Council have been carried nut, and during my last visit to the Grey Junction. T saw Mr J. F, Johnston with reference to his letter, that complained of the road to his place bping fpneed off by Mr Coutanche. Mr Johnston considers it a hirdship to have to remove some slip panels every time he rpquires to get on to the main Grey road. Originally the road from Mr Johnston's place was up the old river bed track, but since tbe Devery's T<r<-aee road was completed, Mr Johnston makes use of an old branch road that passes by bis house, and through the centre of Ooutauehe's properly on to the n^w road. This branch road is fenced across by Mr Coutaucbe, and has been so these seven years, but slip panels are plaepd in the fence, where the road line is situated, and if the portion of the fence that is on the road Jingis removed, it will compel Mr Coutaut?he lo fense the road off through his paddock. The only party using the road at present is Mr Johns gton f J have repeiyed M? Q'JSoui&e's report

3n iLe state of the Marura track, which is laid upon the table. Gbe¥ Road— Maintenance. Since the last meeting of the Council I have inspected the different road con tracts, and on No. 1 section, the pontiactors are engaged removing what has been a very bad point on the Saddle road, they have been engaged at the work about two we^ks, and will take about two weeks more to complete. The road is in good order, but will be somewhat rouah until the second coat of gravel is placed upon it, iud which must be completed by the 22nd March, From the Saddle to Squaretown is now being metalleJ, and the road is in good order. This contractor deserves credit for the manner he is performing his work. Prom Squaretown to the Little Grey at Bttera's- Tnis portion has been somewhat neglected of late, but the contract tors have been engaged procuring timber for bridge work, and doubtless will shortly make amends for shortcomings. From Bitera's to the Big Grey, or JN T os. 4 and 5 sections. These sections are not maintained as required, and for sometime I have not seen any men upon the whole length of road. The contractor has been written to about it on Janus ry 23. Blackwater. The horse track up the Blackwater had become very bad, and in places dangerous. The late floods having brought down large timber and deposited it in places, rendering traffic very difficult, especially where the water has scoured deep holes under and about the timber. Mr Barman hns to record the loss of _another horse through the b/id state of the track. I engaged two men to repair the worst places as per resolution of hCouncil. Westpgbt Eoap Contracts. From Reefton to the Left-hand Branch, there is a decided improvement in the work now being done on this contract. From the Left-hand Branch to Larry's Creek, Since my last report there has been but little work performed on this section, and at Boatman's Creek the last flood has further encroached upon the road, leaving itj f teyond a doubt that the creek will eventually cut through a blind creek situated two chains from the pres seni creek bank, by this happening two chains of the Westport road will be des« troyed, and the creek bed will then be about 5 chains in width. From Larry's to Brandt's, the road is in fair order, and from Brandt's to Mins derraan's, the road is being "metalled as required by specifications. From Minderman's to the boundary. This section is undergoing tie process of metalling, and the last rains brought down less of the country above the road than usual, but owing to some large slips on the road in the Buller County, there has been very little traffic on the road since my last report. North Bttller Koad. The Eoad Overseer reports that the contract for forming the road from the Matira river to above the Longford is completed. Walkee's Teace, According to instructions I visited the portion of track now being formed by Mr Walker above Crushington, for the purpose of ascertaining the deference in cost of bringing the track down the west side of the rivet at Overend's farm instead of on the east side. The difference of length is as 90 chains agaiust 52. and on the west side there is a considerable quantity of rock cutting and sides lings, as against open level country on the east side. I have made an estimate of the cost, and laid it before the Public Works Committee, Contract foe Protective Works— Keefton. The contract let to Dunn nnd party for protective works to river bank is completed. Boatman's Horse Tracer There is an improvement made on these tracks, but not before it was required, but the progress payment is further withheld until I again visit the tracks to see if they are up to requirements. Tbennebts^tueet, Black's Point. The contract let for forming TrennerjStreet is progressing so fat satisfactorily. Cbttshington. Men are now engaged clearing a channel from the end of the wing dam above Cru hington to induce the water to take to the opposite side of the river. Wednesday, 4ih February, 1880.