‘Drain’ remark disputed

Press, 17 August 1983, Page 5

‘Drain’ remark disputed

“Is an unsightly open drain an accurate description of the Heathcote River?” Mr J. G. Freeman asked his fellow Christchurch Drainage Board members last evening.

He said he felt a recent newspaper editorial had reflected badly on the board’s good name by implying it had neglected its responsibility in beautifying the Heathcote River banks. The river’s banks were

not the responsibility of the board and it had made a “handout” of $15,000 towards the beautifying of the banks. “We did not have to but did it willingly. It’s not on to associate the board’s name with statements such as ‘the work should have been done years, ago’,” said Mr Freeman. The Heathcote County Council and the Christchurch Citv Council had

come up with a solution, working with the Drainage Board and that was good, said Mr Newton Dodge. The beautification project would provide work for P.E.P. workers. The public should be aware it was not a Drainage Board matter, said Mr Freeman. Other board members said they did not feel the editorial reflected badly on the board.