DRAINAGE BOARD.

Press, Volume XL, Issue 5830, 21 May 1884, Page 5

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of this Board was ield at 2.30 p.m. Present—Messrs L. Harper (Chairman), W. White, jun., HosMng, Plesher, Olephane, Vincent. The report of the Engineer was read and considered on the clause with reference to the clearing of drains in the sewage area. Mr White moved—" That the various local bodies be written to, asking them whether they would take over the mainte■aanoe and clearing of the drains in their WBpective districts at their own cost, and if not able to do this upon what terms they , woaldffl> the work." The resolution was agreed to. The report of the Secretary and Trea«Jter was read, dealing with sundry routine matters. . On the motion of Mr Vincent the name «t Mr Kennett was added to the liet of "'; licensees for making connections, «fee. P , Correspondence was read as follows. " ftem. the Sydenham Borough Council, forwarding list of repairs necessary to be earned out in the streets of the borough, «Msed by the drains of the Board. From tke Heathcot" Boad Board, calling attention to the flooded state of the Avon below Cowliehaw's corner. From a number of iflmabers, &c, conveying their opinion as to the method of dealfng with requests for connection by making those 'desirous of having connections made .- *poeit specifications with the Board. . **om Mr Hewett and other ratepayers in - - oelwyn street, protesting against en- -" arming the sewer in Stark*e road. From - tte Hartley Colliery Company, asking for * copy of the report of the Engineer on tte trials of Native coal. From Mr T. S. Veston, asking for permission to place a Bridge over the drain in Tuam street *•**• A letter was received from Mr Better asking for the return of his deposit _■ held by the Board. From the Spreydon *oad Board, asking permission to erect a ' *j»«ert over the drain on Wilderness road. I?** 01 Mr Brooks, asking in what way the Board was dissatisfied with regard to his work. * - .' * correspondence was dealt with as r< .l5*Z* 8: --The letter of the Sydenham JSoreegh Council wu referred to the ***** Ccmmittee and the Engineer, to ■'■-" f» «. cecessary repairs were cevered ?-" *s*v awa *d recently made or not. & . ™ ltil reference to the letter of 3Rk v ° n Eoad Board, tke Engineer ms~ JZ*~ "**£ the overflow was caused by a ■E2£jS e .J?' wee <fc> w kich had been reof the pfcmtoJCT,*c

wae referred to the Engineer. In regard to the sewer on Stark'e road, the Engineer stated that the work was finished; to take the drainage in another direction would post some J8450. After a long discussion, it was resolved to call for tenders for the taking of the drainage in another direction. The Engineer was directed to forward a copy of the report on native coal. The ap- i plication of Mr "Western for permision to build a bridge was granted. With regard to Mr Butler's letter, the Board resolved to refer the matter to the Finance Committee with instructions to report. The request of the Spreydon Boad Board was granted subject to the approval of the Engineer. With regard to Mr Brooks* letter, Mr Vincent pointed out that the Board were dissatisfied with the way in which his official duties had been carried out, not as to his work. It was resolved that a copy of the resolution passed by the Board on the matters enquired into recently be sent to Mr Brooks. The report of the Works Committee was read as follows .— 1. With reference to the complaint of Mr C. O'Neill, of Woolston, as to his land being flooded, the Committee would recommend that the outlet pipe across Dyer's road be relaid. This was suggested by the Engineer at the last meeting. 2. The Committee are of opinion that the tjoard is aot responsible for the maintenance of rivers at a level sufficiently low to enable mills to be worked profitably. 3. The Committee would recommend that the Engineer should receive instructions to make an inspection of the Linwood streets, in company with the Linwood Town Clerk, with a view of ascertaining the exteat to which subsidences over the Board's sewers have taken place. From what tho Committee have seen of the subsidences, they have gained the impression that they are of a rather trivial description. 4. With reference to the suggested compromise in Stinson ats. Board, " That the defendant give up all claims to the amount due to him under the contract, the Board releasing him from all past and future claims in respect of works done under the contract, each party to pay its own cpsts of the action pending," the Committee would recommend the Board to accept this settlement of the matter without prejudice. 5. The Committee are of opinion that the drain in Kingsley street, which the Sydenham Borough Council intimates is collapsed, is not under the Board's jurisdiction, and would recommend that the Sydenham Council be apprised of the same. 6. The Committee would also recommend that pipe-layers' licenses be granted to T. Saggers, W. E. Parker, and B. E. Best, ard that a plumber's license be granted to B. E. Best. The clauses of the report were dealt with seriatim, and adopted as a whole. Accounts to the amount of .£432 3s 6d were passed for payment. Mr Vincent called attention to the necessity which existed for striking the rate as speedily as possible for the present year, as they could not hope, even going into it with all due speed, to get a penny of the rate in before July. Mr Flesher thought it was necessary that before going into the striking of the rate they should have a statement of what works they intended to do. Mr Vincent said they had now some £1049 17s 10d left oat of the loan, against which there were some small claims. Mr White was in favor of going into the whole question of the allocation of the loan, as he thought ib was unfairly allocated at present. The money being expended, now was the time to allocate the rates on those who had received benefits from the scheme. A lengthy discussion ensued on the matter, and ultimately Mr White moved—" That the Finance Committee take into consideration the allocation of the loan, and the adjustment of the districts, so as to see that each district is charged with a fair share of the expenditure." Mr Clephane seconded the motion. Mr Flesher gave notice of motion for next meeting as follows:—" That the Board at its next meeting take into consideration the question of the reopening of the allocation of the loan" Some further discussion took place, and Mr White altered his motion as follows :—" That the Finance Committee take into consideration the question of the allocation of the loan, and the alteration of the boundaries of the districts, so that those only receiving benefit should be rated." The motion was then put and carried, and the Board adjourned till Tuesday, May 27th, at 2.30 p.m.