DRAINAGE BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5891, 13 January 1880, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

A meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board was held at half-past two o'clock yesterday afternon; present—Messrs F. Hobos, J. B. Brown, H. J. Tanored, Hall, A. Duncan, E. J. S. Harman, J. Y, Boss, and Blakiston. Mr H. J. Tanored was voted to the chair. The Chairman called attention to the fact that at this meeting a new Chairman would have to be elected. He would accordingly vacate the chair.

Mr Gordon, Secretary to the Board, took the chair.

Mr Tancred had much pleasure in proposing Mr B. J. S. Harman, of whose attention to the affairs of the Board ho was enabled to speak in the highest terms. Mr A. Duncan seconded, and warmly supported, the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr Harman, in returning thanks for the compliment paid to him, mentioned that though not now following the profession of an engineer he still clung to it, and had much pleasure in bringing to bear, for the service of the Board any technical knowledge he possessed. On the motion of Mr Hobbs, a cordial vote of thanks was given to-the retiring Chairman. DEPUTATION. Mr Lee waited upon the Board with reference to the condition of a portion of Free’s creek, about two chains in length, by Stewart’s Nursery. If the Board would supply the pipes the applicant would lay them and level the ground. In answer to a question from the Chairman, Mr Bell, stated that he was not now in a position to advise the Board; it was probable that several other applications of a similar nature would be made.

Mr Duncan thought that the best plan would be to divert the water by side channels to the river, under agreement with the Avon Hoad Board, and then to do away with the creek altogether, allowing people to fill it in. The Engineer having produced plan, showing levels in the locality referred to, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Duncan—- “ That the Engineer should communicate with the Avon Hoad Board, expressing the intention of the Board to abandon Free’s Creek from the Papanui road to the Springfield road at an early date, with a view to the depression being filled up by residents along it. Abo to suggest that the road drainage should be conducted in a southerly direction to the North Belt, .

Mr lee was informed that the Board would move at once in the matter.

Mr Green waited upon the Board relative to the drainage of Orescent road. The Boad Board was now filling in drains which for years past had been used to carry away storm water, and the result would be that if some provision was not made for the removal of storm water, the residents would be completely flooded out by the first storm of rain. The Chairman said that later on the matter would receive full consideration, several members of the Board being well acquainted with the locality and its requirements. BNGINBBB’S BBPOBT.

The Engineer reported as follows s—"1. I have received a letter from Mr W. Clark, in answer to one from me,in which I had represented to him the difficulty of sinking the sewer tank through the quick* sand. Mr Clark suggests that the tank be built on a curb, and lowered from the surface in the same manner as I proposed in iny report of Sept. 22. Mr Clark does not anticipate great difficulty in building the tank in this manner. “ 2. The drawings being nearly completed, I propose to advertise for tenders to construct all the brick sewers, including the sewer tank, together with the engine house, erection of machinery, and laying the syphon under the river. “ 8. The ship Bemonstrsnt has arrived with the iron sewer pipes, part of the _ machinery, and a quantity of cement and drain pipes. “4. Tenders will be submitted for laying a storm water sewer in the Windmill road, to substitute the deepest part of the present ditob, as ordered by the Board. “5. The solicitors have recommended that proper deeds be prepared to be attached to documents conveying the right to lay and maintain a storm-water sewer from Merivale lane to the Avon. I have therefore engaged Mr John Webster to get the necessary deed plans made, and when this is done, I shall be able to proceed with the construction of the sower, as ordered by the Board; . " 6. The lowering of Addington dram through the Park, and rebuilding the culverts at the West Belt is nearly completed. "7. The storm-water sewer in the was- ; works road is finished satisfactorily. 1 “ 8. The contractor for the supply, of ;9 inoh pipes having damaged his machinery, she has delivered very few pipds, ,but by the i arrival of KXiO nhsts by the Bemoriitraht, purchased by the Board, pipe-laying can still

be carried on, and I would propose to lay these within the Belts north of the river, after the present contract for laying is finished.

“9. I have directed a pipe to be laid from the river to the sewer at the junction of Oolornbo and Kilmore streets, lo draw off the pressure of underground water which forces through the bricks and concrete into the sewer.

“ 10. Pipe laying is completed up the Crescent road to Bt. Albans lane, and is nearly completed in the Springfield road. “ 0. Napibb Bbix, “ Engineer.”

Clause 1 was considered satisfactory, and in connection with clause 2 the Engineer stated that he proposed to include in one contract all the works specified. He did not consider it desirable to suggest to the contractor any special mode of sinking the tank, but the drawings, therefore, would involve suggestions. He purposed to advertise both in Wellington and Dunedin, Mr Hall thought advertisements should also be inserted in the Auckland papers. Mr J. E. Brown questioned if it would not be well to have separate tenders, both for the erection of the engine house, and for the erection of the machinery.

The Engineer thought it would be extremely unwise to break up the contract for various reasons.

Mr A. Duncan strongly urged that as there was no Act in Hew Zealand dealing with the truck system, a clause should be inserted in all future contracts providing that the men should never be paid in a public house. The Engineer read a clause in existing contracts, embodying the suggestions which had been made by Mr Dunacn.

Mr J. E. Brown said that in the tramway contract there was a similar clause.

The suggestion made In clause 2 of the Engineer’s report was approved. In passing the clause relative to the Park drainage, it was suggested that the Engineer should write to the Domain Board suggesting the planting of trees on either side of the drain. .

Mr Blakiston inquired why so much delay had occurred in laying pipes along the Springfield road, and in reply, the Engineer stated that the want o£ pipes had occasioned the slow progress. Members suggested that the contract for the din pipes had better be terminated, seeing that so serious a hindrance was being occasioned, and that the contract rate of supply had never been complied with. Mr A. Duncan proposed—“ That the strict terms of the contract be carried out.”

Mr J. E. Brown proposed—“ That the Surveyor be authorised to purchase the pipes required for use in the Springfield road, at the expense of the contractor for the supply of pipes.” After some further discussion, a resolution was adopted authorising the Surveyor to purchase pipes, direct reference to the contract being omitted. It was further resolved—“ That the opinion of the Solicitors to the Board be obtained as to the proper course to be pursued with reference to the contract with Messrs Neighbour for drainage pipes.” OOBBBBPQITDBNC*. Letters were read from the Sydenham Borough Council, declining to accept any alteration in the percentage for the collection of drainage rate, no notice of decrease having been given, and a part of the collecting having been done.

The Chairman pointed out that clearly there must be two parties to an agreement. He thought that, as due notice was not given, the amount claimed must be paid. Letters were read from the Heathoote Boad Board, one complaining of a growth of thistles, and'the other objecting to pay for a Perry road sewer connection, which the Board thought should be regarded as a permanent drainage work. The Engineer stated that the thistles referred to had already been cut. With reference to the drainage charge complained of, it was resolved to reply tit at the Board saw no serious reason to alter its decision.

Letters were read from Mr W. Clark, giving particulars of material shipped for the use of the Drainage Board, together with particulars of the credit account which had been placed at his disposal. He asked for further funds to meet the balances of goods coming forward. In a subsequent letter he stated that the question of exchange had been satisfactorily arranged. The Chairman explained that Mr dark had been under a misconception, and had fancied that he could not apply the last amount credited to him, save for a special purpose. The total amount which had been placed to his credit was £B4OO. The matters of finance involved wore left in the hands of the Chairman to arrange. Belative to the Sandhills reserve, Mr Marshman, Commissioner to the Waste Lands Board, asked that a formal application for transfer might be sent to him. It appeared that this had been done. Mr William Travis called the attention of the Board to a drain running through land on the New Brighton road, and to the defective condition of a flood-gate. The Engineer explained that the matter had already been attended to. Mr William Roach wrote relative to the want of storm-water drainage on the Crescent road.

The Chairman did hot see how the residents along this road could do without two side channels. The Boad Board had filled up one of the small ditches, perhaps with the intention of subsequently making some other provisions for drainage, but in doing so they had cut off the storm-water drainage. _ The pipes which had been laid by the Drainage Board were for sewage purposes only. It was resolved to request Mr Blakiston to inquire into the matter, and to report thereon. A letter from Mr Coleman was read, relative to the widening of St. Albans creek, and it appeared that the matter, which was one involving a considerable amount of routine, was being proceeded with. Mr J. Pearson, the late contractor for clearing drains in the Avon district, wrote asking for certain monetary concessions. The Board regretted that they could not comply with the request. Mr R. H. Rhodes wrote accepting the sum of £lO offered by the Board as compensation for occupation of land, on condition that the Board filled up to his satisfaction the cutting which was made.

The Engineer was requested to see that the ditch was properly filled up. On behalf of Mr Jones, Mr 0. B. Salter wrote relative to a claim for compensation, a drain having been Cut through his land, part of rural section 52. On the motion of Mr Duncan, it was resolved to write to Mr Jones, stating that the work would soon be finished, and that the Board would then be quite willing to have the matter referred to arbitration. Mr John Smith inquired if the Board would allow him to construct a connection between the residence of Dr Wilkins, Worcester street, and the sewer. Replying to a question, the Engineer laid before the Board letters which ho had received from various bodies relative to the practice obtaining in connection with the granting of licenses for putting down sewer connections.

Mr A. Duncan thought that a generally satisfactory plan Would be to issue licenses to say six or eight persons to construct house connections. The persons so licensed might be required to deposit some amount with the Board, as a guarantee against such careless work as might injure the sewer. After a general conversation, The Chairman thought that the most advisable course would be,to refer the matter to a special Committee for a report thereon. On the motion of Mr Hobbs, seconded by Mr Duncan, it was resolved —'" That a special Committee be appointed, consisting of Messrs Duncan, Boss, Hobbs, and the Chairman, three to form a quorum, to consider the connections with the sewers.' TBNDEBS. Tenders for, the construction of the Windmill road storm-water sewer were opened, and that of Thomas Mills was accepted. The Engineer stated that the contract for clearing drains in the Avon district had been let to Mr Carr, and that the contract for 260

barrels of cement bad been taken by Mr C. W. Turner. ACCOUUTS. Accounts, as certified by the finance Committee, were passed for payment—on rate account, £338 16s lid; and on loan account, £2835 13s 10d. The Chairman read a letter from the Auditors, who called attention to the amount of rates remaining uncollected, and to thefact that all vouchers should bear the signature of a member of the Board. The Chairman remarked that all vouchers passed through the hands of the Finance Committee, and that they all bore an examiner’s name or initials. The Auditor’s letter was referred to the Finance Committee for a report. Mr Hobbs having called attention to clause 95 of the Act, the accounts were, on the motion of Mr Duncan, seconded by Mr Hall, duly allowed. The Chairman then affixed his signature. The account of the Auditors, £25 each, was passed for payment, and on their recommendation the amount (£so>was apportioned as follows: —£24 to Loan Account; £l6 to Bate Account; and £2 to Local Board o£ Health. THE AVON. Beplying to a question, the Engineer stated that the contractor for clearing the Avon had put on extra men, and was getting the river into a satisfactory state. The proceedings then terminated.