SCOTT'S DITCH AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Bruce Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 51, 28 June 1909, Page 5

SCOTT'S DITCH AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

(To the Editor,)

Sir,—lßco in issue of your paper of the 21st Juno a letter signod " Kate*payer," giving some information to ratepayers of Bruce re obstruction on Mr Scott's property. Now, Mr Editor, to satisfy myself, I visited the locality and found that the Council had cut Mr Scott's fence and banked tho ditch, and tried to force the water into Mr Scott's paddock; but lo it will not go 1 and down the ditch it still flows. I consider the hon gentlemen have done a great injustice to Mr Scott, I fail to see eithor a water courao across the road or through Mr Scott's paddock. Now Mr Editor I will take convertod ohannels, 1 find Mr Peattie has the water convorted from the west side of hia property, which drains about 500 acr .'s, and along the south sido and follows on into Mr Tough's proporty, which is just about half the sizo it should bo to carry the water in time of flood. Then there ia a bank leading from the converted channel along Messrs Poattio's and Tough's boundary leading to the road past Mr l } eaUio's, whore thoy say Mr Scott has convertod tho water; iho proper channel for the converted water is through Messrs Maley's and into County ditch. Sir, if tho hon gentlemen had just looked for themselves they would easily boo how Mr Peattio had water forced on to bis property. I will take the cleaning of ditches: I found Mr Scott's ditch clean and well kept, but what do I find on tho other side-of the road—a County ditch full of all manner of filth, and they say they have no money to clean it out.

Now, Sir, if the hon. gentlemen had just put in their time cleaning oat their own ditch in place of destroying their neighbour's property, 1 imagine the Council would soon have funds in hand, and the Jaon, gentlemen would find it much easier to retain their seats at the next election. I noticed at the last Council meeting the County solicitor had some* thing to say abcuc Mr Scott converting water, Now, Sir, the hon. gentleman should take the mote out of his own eye before ho takes it cut of his brother's. As far as converting water is concerned, take a walk along the roads through the solicitor's property, and you will find ho has got the wator converted in many places. Show me the good farmer on the plain that has not got the wator con" verted along their ditchos, Mr Editor, I hope 1 have not trespassed on your valuable spaoe, and hoping the ratepayers of Bi-uco will wake up and sao justice and fair play.—l am eio

JFair Play.