UNWATERING THE THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 62, 14 March 1900, Page 5

UNWATERING THE THAMES.

THAMES-HAURAKI COMPANY'S OFFER ACCEPTED. The dispute between the ThamesHauraki Company and the Drainage Board regarding the unwatering ,of the Thames was considered at a meeting of the Board held.to-day in Mr D. G. MaeDonncll's office, at which there were present Messrs 11. A. Gordon (chairman), J. V. Clarke, T. A. Dunlop, 11. Greenslade, J. Park, .1. Gray, G. S. Kissling, M. Clark, and S. Hesketh. The Chairman said since last meeting they had taken tho opinion of the Board's solicitor (Mr Earl) with re« gard to the Board's power to make an increased rate, seeing that the assessment had already been made and appeals heard. Mr- Karl's reply wan then read. It was to the effect that in special circumstances the Board had power to make special rates. A letter was also read from the Thames-Hau-raki Company stating that A'TOOO had been spent on pumping,,and that un-. less. some arrangement was made ro drainage contributions it was proposed to stop pumping on the 24th. Mr Earl's- opinion was also read; in which he.pointed out that- the agreement with the Government provided that the Thames-Hauraki Company was "at all times to carry on pumping in consideration of benefits received and to be received." A I'urtheu letber was read from (the ThamesHauraki Company submitting the following proposals: —1. Board to contract with the company to unWater the field for £5800 for;this year. ~. Company's books to be open to tho Board. ' 3. That any disputable charges to be rebated or left to arbitration. I.'Board to hand over the Bio- Pump to- the company, who will work it to the best advantage, but take no responsibility whatever. 5. Company to accept £1100 from the Hoard in terms of Mr Gadman's award for last year as payment on account of the Government, but not to look to the Board for another sum Tor last year. This company to advance tho , Board what money'they require free of interest until assessments come in. (Signed) J- Brigham. The Chairman said the only letters to be dealt with were those from the Thames-Hauraki, and that from Mr Park, withdrawing the £301. deposit, it, was necessary to settle the drainage question: 'When the assessment was made they had not the offer from the Thames-Hauraki to unwater- the whole field for a fixed sum. That was undoubtedly a special circumstance. 'As the whoie thing had to come before the Warden on Monday, if he would assess each contributor the Board could then make an extra assessment (if required) in the same proportion. Mr Hesketh said they could, if they wished, hold a/special meeting in the afternoon and deal with special business, provided notice Of motion was given to the 'secretary at the close of the ordinary meeting". • The Chairman said they would require to give notice of making a special rate. Notice would be required to be given of any special motion. Mr Kissling said business arising out of the correspondence could be dealt with at once. It was absolutely necessary that a supplementary assessment must be made, and it was no use delaying' it. ;M)^F: ~ ' :•;> The Chairman said making a spffiial rate was a special thing, requiring special notice. Mr Hesketh said it was a matter of the utmost importance to settle, the matter. The: Thames-Hauraki had no desire to stop pumping. Mr Park questioned whether it was wise to do anything until the appeals had been dealt with by the Warden. Of course, a supplementary rate'would be required, but as it was a new feature they 'must go cautiously. If would be better to have a special meeting immediately after the. Warden's decision was made known. The Chairman said.he wanted the resolution brought on at this meeting, and.with that object he. went to the solicitor to see if it could be done legally. The opinion of the solicitor vyas that notice would be required. 'Mr Dunlop thought Mr Harris' offer should be dealt with at the present meeting. Mr Kissling said he was prepared ' -to move that the offer be accepted. He therefore moved: "That the Board accept the offer by which the ThamesHauraki Company undertake the whole unwatering of the drainage area for a sum not exceeding £5800 for the current year; that the Company take . over the working of the old Big Pump, 'which is to be kept running at the cost of the Company, to such an extent as is necessary to keep the water down as at present; that the books of the company shall at all reasonable ' times be open to inspection by the . Board's representative, it being part of the intended arrangement that, the Company is only entitled to the a'etual

cost of carrying- on the pumping operations.'•' .Mr Kissling- said lie : thought tlic offer made -was a reasonable one, as the Board' was only to pay actual 'costs'.of pumping. The Company took the responsibility of working the Big Pump. Sir .1. F. Clarke seconded the motion. Mr Grey said he understood the Company would take all responsibility regarding the Big Pump.Mr Hesketh said they would keep it in ordinary wear and tear, but not be responsible for a serious 'breakage. Mr Kissling said the pump was an old one, and they could not expect the Thames-Hauraki to take that responsibility. ' .Mr Clarice said under the agreement —whether the pump broke "down or not—the Thames-Hauraki undertook to unwater the field. ; Mr Hesketh said it' the pump broke down the Thames-Hauraki...took ho responsibility. They would'run it as carefully as possible, but.could not do more. r ) The moiioii was adopted,'and, on the ; motion of Mr Hesketh, it was resolved ■to hold a special meeting at 3. o'clock Ito consider the question of striking a special assessment, rhe solicitors opinion to be taken as to the power of the Board in the matter.