FLOOD “SCARE”

Evening Star, Issue 20472, 1 May 1930, Page 15

FLOOD “SCARE”

OFFICIALS WARN RESIDENTS AFTERMATH, A CLAIM FAR REMOVAL As an aftermath of a warning issued to residents in Harbour terrace district when the Leith last threatened to flood, a ratepayer in Harbour terrace claims from the Harbour Board the sum of £5, the charge of a carrying firm for shifting her furniture on the day of the scare. To last night’s meeting of the Harbour Board Mrs Hands wrote claiming £5, the amount incurred by her consequent on the removal of her furniture on account of the board’s officials having warned residents to shift t heir furniture as the Leith looked in danger of flooding. She also forwarded a letter from the City Council, referring her claim to the Harbohr Board, whose officials had given the warning. The Engineer (Mr J. M‘G. Wilkie) reported that lie had personally warned the residents of Harbour terrace. Fortunately, the Leith did not overflow its banks, but at one stage the position looked serious. The Chairman (Mr H. E. Moiler) : You have to watch this. It you caution them you arc going to be landed. “ I am informed that they were told thev would have to got out,” said Mr J. W. Munro, M.P. Mr Wilkie: I, personally, told a number of the residents that they should be prepared to lift their furniture and carpets, tor J certainly thought the Leith would overflow its banks. _ I thought it my duty to warn the residents. Mr Moiler: It is not the amount of the claim—it is the principle we have to watch. Mr J. Loudon said the engineer, as an expert, had advised the residents. Mr D. F. H. Sharp© said the position was unfortunate, but the warning was given. Mr Moiler: If the residents take up that stand our engineer will have to bo very careful. The letter was received. The Standing Committee recommended that, with respect to the personal representations made by Messrs Ginn and Clark to a recent meeting with respect to the damage caused to their respective properties by the recent flood, they be advised that while regretting the unfortunate occurrence the board could not accept any liability in tho matter.—The recommendation was adopted.