SOME OBJECTION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32705, 26 April 1946, Page 5

SOME OBJECTION

NEW CATCHMENT DRAIN HAURAKI UNITED AREA DEPUTATION TO THE BOARD Objection was expressed by Messrs T. H. Hudson and R. J. Bowen as a deputation to the April meting of the Hauraki United Drainage Board to the proposal ;o construct a catchment drain inside the Piako stopbank bordering their properties' thus linking up the Hudson-Christie floodgate and the factory outlet. The board was of the opinion that such an arrangement would help to relieve the surrounding areas generally in the floods.

Mr T. Hudson said he could see no advantage in interfering with the factory drain behind his property and it would seriously affect the land further down. He said that he had experience of the drain in flood time and he did not agree to it being interferred with.

The chairman, Mr C. K. Fox, said that the drain had been inspected and some of the settlers had thought the proposal a good one. Block Necessary

Mr J. B'owen said that he personally would benefit as the water would get away quicker from his property. Other property however would 1 be very seriously affected. A block or a flap would at least be necessary.

The chairman said that it was the low land water which it was hoped to get away l quicker. He asked would it be of advantage to have the catchment drain inside the bank: in the low area with a block shutting it off from the high land.

Mr Hudson said he thought the factory drain should 1 be left alone. It was one of the best working drains in the district.

Both members of the deputation were of the opinion that the low land on Messrs Hudsons and Christies would be flooded, in time of heavy rain -f the factory drain was interferred with. The chairman said the board had suggested the change to ease the position in the Hudson-Christie drain. He as-ked the deputation if they had any suggestions on the matter. Mr Hudson said he could! see nothing which would be an advantage without unnecessary expense. Two Outlets An Advantage The chairman said that the catchment drain proposed would be a big one and it would be better to have it connected with two outlets rather than one. Two outlets would get rid of the water much quicker. If the water was got away quicker the land would be drier.

The chairman assured the deputation that the board was. only aiming to give everybody benefit and- wished to harm nobody. He pointed 1 out that the Hudson-Christie drain and the factory outlet were already connected by a small drain. He stressed 1 that two floodgates would get rid of the water quicker than one. 'Mr P. G. Pearce said that the proposal was a new one to the settlers but the Land Department had had much experience in the matter and it was their opinion that having the water at the floodgates would mean getting rid of the water quicker co the advantage of all the area. After lengthy discussion it was decided to leave a block in the catchment drain below Messrs Bowen’s and Christie’s property.