DRAINAGE BOARD.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7880, 3 June 1891, Page 6

DRAINAGE BOARD.

An ordinary mcetinc of the Christchurch Drainage Board was held yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs J, W.McAlpine, H. Bonnington, H. Crooks, S. Smart, J. Bowman, aad H. P.Hill. ..-.-'_ Mr Crooks was voted to the chair in the absence of Mr Deans, for whom an apology was received. I The Secretary and Treasurer reported amount of rates received, since last meeting, jei!7 Is 7d; received from other sources, J637 4s sd; expenditure since last meeting (rate account), 5555 14s lid; amount of 1888 rates outstanding, Jfc24 2s 2d; amount of 1889 rate 3 outstanding, $75 18s 6d; amount of 1890 rates outstanding, £364 3s 3d ; amount of 1890 rates collected to date, .£15,470 14s; debit balance, £7667 Bs. Apologies were also received for the absence of Messrs Mountford and Mclntyre. Messrs Pine and Bigwood waited on the Board and asked why they had been refused plumbers' licenses when others had been granted. Both of the deputants gave reasons why they ought to be granted licences without the payment of a guinea or examination, after which they retired and the Board discussed the matter. The Board agreed to adhere to its former decision under the resolution providing for examination by a Board of Examiners. The Engineer reported that with regard to adopting a more efficient method for clearing the River Avon, and the trip recently taken by the members of the Board down the river in the Avon Company's steamer, he had ascertained from Mr Owles the means he proposed to adopt, and he (the engineer), would be glad if the Board would take into consideration the advisableness of giving the .proposal a trial, as tenders would shortly be called for clearing the river and drains. He recommended that these be referred to the Works Committee, who could report at the next meeting. The Engineer explained that the proposal was to fix a knife to the bow of the boat for the purpose of cutting the weeds. It was decided that the contracts should be so arranged that he could call for tenders, and the Works Committee was authorised to receive tenders and report at the next meeting. The Grey Valley Coal Company wrote enclosing the " strike clause," which they wished to form part of their contract for supplying coal :—" The Company shall be relieved from performance of the contract during such time as the mine from which coal is to be supplied may be prevented from working by reason of strikes of the miners or the. crews of the Company's freight contractors." The clause was accepted. The Christchurch Plumbers and Gasiitters' Union forwarded the names of Messrs L. Marsh, H. Morrison, and J. D. Colville, as being the most suitable persons to hold the position of examiners of candidates for plumbers' licenses. The Board agreed to tho appointment of Mr Morrison. The Town Clerk supplied the Board with the valuation of the city as affecting the Board—Sewage area, J8197,853 ; rural, JE1530. The letter was received. Mr A. Redpath drew attention to the dangerous state of the open drain mouth at the corner of Tnain street and the East belt, and asked that it might be covered in. The Board decided to allow Mr Redpath to cover in portion of the drain to the satisfaction of the engineer.