ROADS AND DRAINS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18488, 16 September 1925, Page 4

ROADS AND DRAINS.

NORTHCOTE SETTLEMENT. IMPROVEMENTS IN HAND. (SPKCIAL TO "THE PKBSS.") WELLINGTON, September 15. The Hon. D. Buddo, M.P., has received a letter from the Minister of Labour enclosing a report from the Superintendent of'the State Advances Department concerning workers' dwellings on the Northcote settlement. Drainage is stated to be one of the chief obstacles to the setflement. McDowell's drain is not sufficiently effective in carrying off the water, especially in case of a big flood. Tlio Christ-church Drainage Board, howover, has m hand the deepening of the drain by bringing up the fall from about two miles below to within about half a mile of the settlement. Within eight or ten weeks the deepening of the drain will have been carried sufficiently far to tap the settlement. As soon as the completion of this work has been reached it will be possible' to proceed with the drainage within the settlement. When the work is completed no further trouble from storm water is anticipated. To further improve the position of the- low-lying sections spoil will be carted on to them. One hundred loads had already been deposited by the end of June last, the cost being only £lO. Arrangements for the control of the sewerage and water supply are in the hands of the resident engineer of the Public Works Department, and are giving satisfaction. „''•-,! The Waimairi County Council has. been informed that £IOO will be provided for additional metallintr and general surfacing of the roads, on condition that the Council takes over the roads in the settlement. The Minister adds that a great deal of careful attention has been given to the whole matter by the Department, and it. is hoped that in the near future there will be no occasion for the purchasers to complain.