The Waikanae Dam.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 68, 17 November 1887, Page 2

The Waikanae Dam.

THOSE •• SMALL BOYS." At the Borough Council meeting bfl Tuesday evening, Mr Drummond sub; mitted a lengthy report on the Waikanae dam. He proposed to place floors opposite to each opening, composed ot round logs from eight to twelve inches in diameter, closely packed and bedded, forming a eordtte roy to receive the discharge ; also face the whole of the breast work on the seaward with logs of the same deeoription, properly secured with heel and toe beams, laid at an angle of about 45 degrees, which would act as a by* wash during times of heavy freshes, of as an ordinary weir. Mr Drummond considered a grave error was committed when the swing doors were nailed up and ultimately removed, leaving the tidal action full play, and subjecting the breast work to the severe strain of twice in every twentyfour haurs having to receive and discharge about 15,000,000 gallons o£ water through two openings measuring in the aggregate 30 square feet. Mr Drummond, further on in his report, says the obstructions found at the doors of the dam must have been placed through malice or wanton mischief. The estimated cost of the work is £45.

Cr Townley said he had spoken to Mr Drummond, complaining of the work and asking him how it could be put right cheaply, and Mr Drummond had probably taken that up to give a report,—perhaps he was anxious to do so as so much had been heard about it. The report would be useful, add he noted that the suggestions were similiar to what had been made by the Committeemen who were there. The report showed there was no defect in the bridge, and the remedial suggestions seemed reasonable. He thought the best plan would be to leave the report for the consideration of the Works Committee.

The Chairman thought the matter should be set aside for the present. This meant another £4O and nothing had been received yet from private contributions, and it was questionable whether they would contribute when more had been spent. Cr Joyce considered it would be injudicious to go to any more expense over the job at present. He believed if they spent another £4O they would still be draining money away, and he tailed to see what benefit would be derived even if it were done. About £6B had been spent on the work now, and probably when £4O more had been spent they would be called upon to spend another £2O or £4O. Or Lucas would like to ask Cr Fucker whether if £4O more were spent, the proportionate amount would be refunded, supposing the work were successful.

Cr Tucker said he Agreed that when tho Council did a certain wort g certain sum of money would be pro; vided, but he had not yet been asked to find the money, and the work had not been done. He was perfectly willing to abide by what he had said he would do. He did not know why the money had been wasted. The Chairman i We have made a bad job of it, and it will be better to Let it rest in the meantime—there ia no uso going from bad to worse. Cr Dunlop did not think it would be wise to abandon the work altogether without giving it careful consideration, Che Works Committee might hrino in a report by next meeting, and until then it would not be wise to abandon the work.

Cr Tucker; I cannot see how it is going to take £4O. Or Joyce would propose that no more money be expended on the work. He could easily see how £4O could be expended on it, and he was under the impression that £4O would not do the work thoroughly.

Cr Morgan was not in favor of any more money being spent on the work, but at any rate they might give the Works Committee sufficient time to bring up a report. Or Townley said that as the work had been started, if it could be satisfactory completed at a small outlay he thought it was their duty to 'have it done. He did not want to see any money thrown away. He would move that the report be referred to the Committee. Cr Lucas seconded. There was some question as to what amount would be received if the work was successful, and it was explained that the private contribution would be £24. Cr Joyce thought the Committee had given the matter up, but still he could not see what was to be gained by the delay. He thought it would be more beneficial to make streets than go experimenting on such jobs. Cr Townley’s motion was carried, Cr Joyce being against.