THE WATER-RACE SYSTEM.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 August 1921, Page 3

THE WATER-RACE SYSTEM.

The Mayor reported to last meeting of the Borough Council in regard to the danger of the water-race supply tailing through the erosion of .the bank of the main race. That would inflict hardship on all who relied on the races, both in the borough and county,, for water for their stock, and including the two Government farms. A new race in a safe position would cost £7OO, and it was considered it was a fair thing to ask the Government, which got the benefit ol me water, to contribute towards the cost. With the chairman (Mr Monk), Cfr. McLeavey and the Engineer of the Horowhenua County Council, the Mayor said they had waited on ; the Minister for Agriculture and asked that contributions of £IOO each be made by the Departments of Agriculture and Education. The deputation was introduced by Mr W. H. Field, M.P., who very kindly did everything possible to facilitate the matte?. The Minister seemed impressed by the urgency of the work, and promised that it would bei considered. Cr. Hobson moved that the Mayor’s action in taking part in the deputation be endorsed. Cr. Hobson said that he had visrited the headworks, and w r as very much impressed with the need for action.

. Cr. Parker raised the question',whether it might not .he possible to carry out some different plan to makin'.g a new race. It might be found possible to make a concrete channel at le'ss cost. He suggested a report by an engineer. .At ione time they would not spend £5 on. the water races with-, out Mr Cllmie’s- advice.

Cr. Goldlsmith said there was another danger that had to be considered, and that was of the river eating into the cliff, which made it necessary to alter the course of the main race. The County Engineer treated the matter as one of urgency.

Cr. Parker: If you have good engineering authority, go ahead.

Cr. Mortensen said he had his own opinion 'about the matter, but v : seeing the Council was only responsible for a sniall additional amount, he would not quibble about it. He would not Ike to press his private opinion io, vvard and then find the river breaking through one day. The Mayor said those who had seen' the position would have no doubt the seriousness of the danger. The action was confirmed. The Council at present pays £B2 a y\ir towards interest and sinking iVnd on the capital cost. The new work will increase this by about £." a vear.