Road Board Meeting 1892
West Australian
2 September 1892
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Roads Board took place on the 20th August, when all members were present. Some very useful work was transacted, and on the reports of the various committees the main and minor roods were named throughout the district.
Two applications to close roads were discussed, one from Messrs. F. and C. Piesse, agents for Mr. A. Forrest, regarding a road through block E 31, and the other from G. Carlson, regarding a road through block F 6. In the latter case the applicant was allowed to put up gates for the time being, while the former application was postponed for future consideration, an objection signed by a number of farmers to the closing of the road being tabled.
The question of a public water supply was again discussed, but the immediate necessity for sinking a well was only supported by Messrs. Bell and Taylor, who were the original promoters of the idea. The meeting was, however, unanimous in the opinion that a water supply was eventually necessary, and in support of this view a committee was appointed to select a suitable site for a well, in accordance with a letter from Mr. C. R. Fenwick, who bad promised to consider the Application of the Board for the grant of a block.
The reports of the sub-committees to inspect the various impassable places by the roads were also received, with the result that the chairman and secretary were instructed, to draw out plans and specifications of the work to be done, and tenders be called for and advertised. The secretary reported that eight wheel licenses had been issued since last meeting to the total value of £5.
This concluded the business. Owing to delay in preparing plans and specifications for the necessary works the special meeting appointed to consider the tenders, has been postponed from September 3rd till September 10th, when tenders will be received up to 12 o’clock noon.
Tom Garstone resigned
George McLeod Jnr elected
“During the year Mr. T. Garstone’s resignation was received, the Board regretting to lose the services of one who has for many years served the district as a member of the Board. Mr. G. McLeod was elected to fill the vacancy.
“A proposal has been submitted to the Board for the closing of portion of Dore Street, between the Public School and the block required by the school for the extension of play ground. This involves a considerable alteration in the locality, and the opening of a new road along the railway fence from Bokarup Street to the back of the Land’s Office. Approval has been given, and it now remains for the Department for the work to be carried out.
“There has been a number of extensions of the Water Service Mains and connections to properties, the Board giving favourable consideration to all applications as far as practicable, taking into consideration the cost, anticipated revenue, and water available.
Vermin Board: The Supervisor was appointed inspector and has carried out the duties in service of notice to farmers where rabbits are found to exist, and in having a poison cart working in necessary localities.
“Since the foregoing was drafted, I understand a communication has been received from the Works’ Department by the Member for the District in regard to the Broomehill Road Ford, which perhaps Mr. Thomson would like to lay before this meeting.
“As the outcome of a deputation from this Board to the Commissioner for Railways yesterday, the latter has definitely promised to transfer to the Board portion of the Railway Reserve used as a camping ground and agree to the resumption of the necessary land to provide a new road from the school to Clive Street, and another from the Goods Shed to Daping Street, on certain conditions.
The Commissioner also promised that the asphalting of the railway station platform, so long desired, would be carried out before the winter.
“In conclusion I trust that the reports placed before you will furnish you with much of the information you seek, and if there is anything further you wish to know or any explanation desired, I shall be only too pleased to do what I can to assist you.”
A letter received by Mr A. Thomson, M.L.A. (who was present), from the P.W.D., was then read, intimating that the matter of a bridge over Connor’s creek on the Broomehill Road would have cost £600. A ford, which was favoured by the road board, would cost much less, and the department was prepared to go 50-50 up to £75.
The auditor’s report followed, and comprised the usual trivial criticisms, as well as pointing out several rather important matters requiring some alteration, which the chairman said the board were now observing. After mentioning this the chairman dealt further with matters mentioned in his report, and assured ratepayers that everything was going along nicely. He then formally moved the adoption of the balance-sheet and reports. This was seconded by Mr Bird, and there being no adverse criticism, the motion was carried without dissent.
The Water Board balance-sheet and report were similarly dealt with.
General Business
Mr A. Thomson referred to the question of the sale yards, and thought the price mentioned by the railways was absurd. He believed some simple scheme at a cost of a few hundreds could be provided. Eventually Mr Watts moved that the board continue its efforts to bring about a feasible scheme for public sale yards. Mr Thomson seconded and the motion was declared carried, the voting being about 4 to 3, the remainder of the 50 or more present apparently having no concern in the matter.
Mr W. B. Reid asked as to the position regarding the wood mains in the water system. The chairman replied that there had been a leak or two, but that an engineer who had been sent down considered the fault not serious. Leaks could he stopped, or new lengths let in, and there was a reserve fund on hand to meet such exigencies.
As the result of a question by Mr A. F. Watts, a recommendation was made to the board to reconsider the proposal of the research branch of the University to test road making materials in the district, with a view to securing a more lasting class of road. He was assisted in his efforts by Mr A. Thomson.
Mr H. Smith suggested that the method of refilling the petrol tank in front of Richardson and Co’s. was a dangerous one. The chairman promised that the board would make inquiries.
Mr Reid asked what the intentions of the board regarding the water scheme were and the chairman replied that up-to-date the huge cost of any scheme had been the barrier. As yet only a casual view of the proposed new catchments had been made.
Finally, Mr Richardson moved that the board be recommended to continue its efforts to procure for Katanning a pure and adequate water supply. Mr Reid seconded, and the motion was carried.
Messrs Richardson and N. Saggers desired to see something done to put the Broomehill road in navigable order. Messrs McLeod and Prosser (west ward members) were not opposed to the road being made; but pointed out that the ward, could not stand the expense. It was left to the board to find ways and means.
The meeting unanimously carried a motion by Messrs A. Thomson and A. F. Watts, for the placing on the books of a minute of appreciation for the work of the chairman, his colleagues, and the officials during the past term. The chairman, Mr A. Prosser, and Mr Buckley responded.
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