WAIMAKARIRI RIVER BOARD.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11097, 16 October 1901, Page 4

WAIMAKARIRI RIVER BOARD.

The Soutk Waimakariri River Board mc on Monday. Present—Messrs B. W. Eng land (chairman), R. M. 3£ylor t W. H Peryman, G. P. Carpenter, W. E. Samuels O. Burgess, 3. Glawville. ■«■•«■-■ Mr Westenra (chairman, of the Selwyi County Council) and Mr Jameson; count; clerk, waited on the Board with reference t the new intake proposed by the. Board. Mr Westenra said that they had waited o. the Board with reference to the new offtake Mr Davis toad reported as to the poesibilit of keeping the wnter in at two places, an the Council desired to take the water froi one or other of the sites. What the Oounc wanted to know was whether the Boar would give the Council permission totals the race through their reserves, and, if .^c, whether the Board would see its way clear to pay a portion of the cost. Mr Davis had taken the levels over the line as proposed from Halkett, and suggested that a.gopd site for the offtake would be near the willows. - The amount of the cost was estimated at £410, and from tbe point where the Board •proposed to take their water £610. Mr Taylor pointed, out that they had had an estimate from Mr Jeal for the bringing in of sufficient water for their reserves—which was all they wanted—and it was not within a hundred pounds or more of this estimate. Mr Westenra explained that the County Council looked upon, it that the present system would soon have to be swept away, and replaced by more elaborate and substantial works. He now asked the Board to allow them to put their race through the reserves, and, if so, what sum in aid of the cost they would provide. Mr Taylor said he understood the matter from a general water supply view as far,, as tife county was concerned, but what he wanted to know was, what benefit the Board would get from the scheme. They were idformed by Mr Jeal that they could get the water they wanted to water their reserves for & comparatively small sum. Why, then, should they go in for expending a large sum of money without getting any benefit. Some discussion ensued as to the powers of the Council with regard to the disposal of the water. Mr Westenra said the Act gave the Council power to make, maintain, and enlarge races, etc The Chairman said what, the Board wanted to know was what water they would get. Mr Westenra said that the Boarcf wocld get the same amount of water as now, at no extra charge. . Mr Peryman thought before the Board came to a* conclusion on the questions submitted to it by the Council, they should knew the route of the races through their reserves. ■" "'." ■;■ ~■ .■. The deputation then retired. The report of the overseer was brought up aad - received. It did not contain anything of interest, b.-rond the record of a small flood having occurred ia tlie river. The Department cf Laude tod Surrey

wrote stating that with "regard to an application for certain land cni the banks of. the Rivet Woimakariti, the Department wished to be informed whether the land was required lor endowment or a reserve for improving the river banks. If the first, it could not J>e granted, except by an Act; if the latter, it could be granted. It was resolved to reply that the Board required the land for the improvement and conservation of the river banks, the same as their other reserves.

xae Board then proceeded to deal with, the quest-ion raised ,by the deputation from the Selwyn County Council. The Chairman said that Mr Jeal bad suggested that the County Council intake should be put in at Xo. 14, so as to get the water into the upper races. The Board was now taking equal to 100 inches of water, according to Mr 'Jeal's estimate. This would not, in Mr Jeal's opinion, be enough for the irrigation of the reserves. Mr Taylor said the first question to be considered' was whether the Board would allow the Council to go through their reserve. The Chairman pointed; out that Mr Westenra had not asked the permission of the Board to break the banks of the Waimakariri. , Mr Taylor said the Board should not offer.any obstruction to the general supply scheme/but the Board must protect itself by getting enough water for its objects. It was pointed, out by several members that the Council must ask the permission of the Board before taking any water out of the river. Mr Taylor moved, "That the matter stand over till Thursday, October 24th, and that a special meeting be held on.-that day to consider the matter. ,, Mr Samuels seconded) the motion, which was agreed to. Accounts to the amount of £654 3s 7d were passed for payment. , ; '