THE WAIMAKARIRI

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18922, 10 February 1927, Page 13

THE WAIMAKARIRI

NEW TRUST MEETS. PROTECTION OF CHBISTCHURCH The tirst meeting of the newly-clecteu Waimakariri River Trust was held yesterday, when there were present.— Mr J. \Vood (chairman), Sir Francis Hoys, Messrs J. A. Flesher, A. Manhire, A. \Y. rreeman, J. i^ lu; » J--11. Blackwell, K. U. Dixon, H. EEvan,, and the Hon. Mr Witty, M.L.C In welcoming the members who had been recently eiected, anil who were taking their seats lor the lust time, tlie tiiuirinun saui that he Knew that dilferent opinions were held regarding the Trust's scheme by the respective members, but he thought that the original Trust, must -jo given credit for creating a live interest in its affairs. he was glad to see so members of the Trust back. The work of the Trust in bringing betore the ratepayers the ueeessity of proceeding with some proper protective scheme had been only half accomplished. The Act under which the Trust was operating laid it down that the Trust should safeguard the Citv of Cliristchurch Jrom Hoods ns expeditiously as possible. Iho Act was quite clear, and the members of the old Trust looked upou it as their duty to bring a protective scheme before the ratepayers. He hoped that the new members would come to a decision regarding protective works as soon as possible. Whntevcr was decided, he hoped that members woiiW be as unanimous as members of the old Trust had been. There had been criticism of an outsider holding the position of chairman, hut he would state that he was always willing to retire if at any time Biich a step were desired by members of the Trust. Mr J. A. Flesher said that as a City member of the Trust he wished to express appreciation of the heartiness of the welcome given new members, all of whom were actuated by one idea—to safeguard the interests of the ratepayers. At the present juncture it was not opnprtune to express any opinion ns to the merits or demerits of flic work done in the past by the Trust. He took it that every member desired to do his best.

A motion wa« passed expressing appreciation at the work done by exmemhers of the Trust.

Committees. Mr Flesher suggested that the wholo Trust should act us a committee instead of separate sub-committees being set up. Such u system would, ho said, enable every member to keep in closer touch with the Trust's affairs. Ho noticed that there wero no standing orders, this should be remedied. Ho would blso like to see tho minutes of tho previous meetings circulated among .members before eaeli meeting, at which they could bo taken as read. It was decided to retain tho present system, and sub-committees wero elected as follows:—Finance, Mr Manhiro (chairman), Sir Francis Boys, and Messrs Flesher, Blackwell, and Evans; Reserves, Hon. Mr Witty (chairman), Sir Frnncis Boys, and Messrs Freeman, Leslie, and Dixon; Works Committee, all members of tho Trust, with Mr Leslio as chairman.

Ooutts Island. A deputation from the rutepuyers of Coutts Island waited on the Trust, and impressed on it the urgent necessity of erecting a bank to protect Coutts Island front floods. 'lhe chairman said that the work had been already authorised, but the question was one of finance. After the deputation had withdrawn, the chairman said that a bank on the south side of the Island would cost about £IOO.

The matter of erecting a bank on the south side was referred to the Works Committee. A letter was received from Mr G. Gould urging that the Trust make good without delay the Coutts Island embankments and the gap left at the creamery corner.Mr Gould stated that he was advised that a land-owner was entitled.to enjoy the natural advantages of his situation, and that if by its action the Trust impeded the overflow of the river at points at which it would naturally escape-, thereby raising it to the damage ana detriment of land which would otherwise be unaffected, an action could be brought against the Trust. There could be no doubt that the levees on the north bank accentuated the damage to Coutts Island residents in the recent flood. He was not threatening the Trust with an action, but desired to emphasise the necessity of completing or reinstating the bank on Coutts Island without dolay. The chairman said that the progress of the work was held up owing to the Trust's financial position, brought about by floods, but the work was still proceeding as per programme. It was reported that the expense of the recent election amounted <to £1403 15s 2d, the printing of rolls accounting for £(558 Is 6d-, and compilation of rolls £250.