DRAINAGE PLAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 85, 21 January 1942, Page 4

DRAINAGE PLAN.

VALUE TO TINWALD AREA. MEETING EXPRESSES APPROVAL. The advantages which would accrue to the Timvald Town district by the undertaking of certain drainage work, above the township, which could have the effect of diverting flood water from wffiich the township suffered after heavy rain, were explained by the chairman (Mr H. B. Millicliamp) at a meeting of ratepayers of the Tinwald district last evening. The meeting wa_s to consider the Ashburton-Hinds drainage scheme. There was a good attendance.

The County Clerk (Mr G. Kelly) explained the financial proposals in connection with the work. The estimated cost was now stated by the Government to be £84,000. The Government offered a subsidy of £1 for £l, leaving the ratepayers, of a. special area to be formed, to find £42,000. This sum would be raised by loan for a period of 20 years and the total cost, including interest and sinking fund, would amount to £2940. If a flat rate were struck over the whole district it would be approximately £d in the £1 on the capital'value, but the rates would be finally' struck on a classification basis and would vary in accordance with the classification.

Mr Kelly said that Mr H. G. Royds, of Christchurch, who had prepared the original scheme, had been appointed to classify the land and would bo assisted by Mr Freeman, a valuer, also of Christchurch. In addition to the interest and sinking fund charges,, ratepayers would be called on to bear the cost of maintenance which would be undertaken by the Council, as drains must be kept satisfactorily. Mr R. L. Lindsay (assistant-County Engineer) submitted a map of the district showing the proposed drains and cut-offs, which would divert the water from the Tinwald area, and he explained generally the principles of the scheme.

The County Engineer (Mr H. A. Vezey) also clarified several points and answered questions. A general discussion ensued, considerable interest being shown by r ratepayers.

The question of the draining requirements of Timvald, in addition to the drainage system now envisaged, were discussed, it being contended that draining facilities which c-ope with surface water, worn urgently required in the township. It was pointed out that by diversion of water from some points, storm water channels, and the deepening of the Lagmhor Creek, facilities would be available for diversion of surface water, with full provision for its disposal. Suggestions were made for the diversion of the Lagmhor Krtook into the river at a locality near to the township but it rvas. pointed out that the fall of the land Avas. aAvay from the river. After further discussion, . a motion that the meeting approves the drainage proposal as outlined Avas passed by Mr A. B. Simpson, and seconded by ‘Mr W. Croy. This AA'as carried unanimously. A motion that ratepayers be recommended to sign the petition for the inclusion of the TimA'ald foAvn district in the proposed Ashburton-Hinds Drainage Scheme, Avas also carried unanimously. Most ratepayers present signed the petition. Votes of thanks AA'ere accorded the chairman and officers of the Council.