RIVER BOARD.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10062, 14 June 1898, Page 3

RIVER BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of tho South Wainiakariri River Board was held at 2 p.m. yesterday. Present—Messrs R. M. Taylor (in the chair), A. F. Money, R. Atkinson, Peryman, E. Smith, Wilson, and Carpenter.

Mr England apologised for absence. The report of the overseer was read, re« porting that a flood on May 25th had aunk some of the cement blocks at the now embankment on Mason's Flat. It would take thuty casks of cement to repair tho break at a cost of about £30. No damage had been done to the uppor or lower works, but the river was now coming against Nos. 8 and 9 emba v kment. Some slight repairs were neceasary at the largegroyneat tho Seven AlilePeg. A large slip of willows had given way at the north end of the old embankment at Mason's Flat, and it wanted fascines putting in at once to prevent tho river going through the embankment. There had not been any tloods in the river since 25th May. The work referred to as to repairing the old overflow bank at Mason's Flat had been done by direction of the chairman at a cost of £22 10s. He was of opinion that it would be advisable to put in a new wing to the old bank about thirty-five yards long, made with soil and fascines and concrete at end, at a cost of £150. With reference to the poplar trees planting, he thought tho best place would be from the present plantation to the West Melton road. It would cost £3 to do the fencing. Mr Wilson said, with reference to the foreman's recommendation to put in a new wing, he thought that it was a matter of urgency, and should be done at once. Mr Jeal, the overseer, was called in and stated that at low water there would be about 17ft of water about the place. There was not so much at where he intended te put the wing in, but the water was making inroads, and he had to deal with it.

.On the motion of Mr Peryman the action of the chairman in connection with the alteration of the groyne at Mason's Flat/afc a cost of £22 10s, was approved. Mr Atkinson moved—" That the new wing proposed by the Overseer at a coat of £150 be carried out as recommended by him."

Mr E. Smith seconded the motion, which was agreed to. . Mr Smith moved— " That the work at the embankment to cost £30 be carried out as recommended by the Overseer." Mr Carpenter seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Tenders were opened for cement, and that of Mr H. B. Kirk acoepted. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £116 0s Bd. A discussion ensued as to the annual charge of £50 made by the Selwyn County Council for supply of watec to the reserves of the Board.

Mr Money pointed out that the Board had to pay this sum of money and not tho tenants, whereas the Board could tap tho river themselves and get a, sufficient supply. ■Mr Atkinson pointed out that' some £600 had been paid to the County Counoil during the period this charge had existed. It seemed to him that the time had now arrived when the Board should consider whether they ought not to construct worke of Itheir own for irrigating their reserves. Mr Carpenter said that it would pay the Board to irrigate their reserves. Mr Wilson said they must remember that they were a Board to keep the water away from Christchuroh.

After some further discussion the matter dropped and the Board adjourned.