LOWER WAIRAU RIVER BOARD.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 132, 7 June 1906, Page 1

LOWER WAIRAU RIVER BOARD.

The monthly meeting was held in the Borough Council Chambers last night. Present: Messrs A. McKay (Chairman), A. McCallnm, and F. Adams.

A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Mr J. J. White wrote in reference to his claim for damages alleged to have been done by the Bpard in digging away his street frontage to twe sections facing Henry Street. He had got the ppinipn from Mr H. D. Bell, Wellington, that he had a valid claim. Unless the Board promptly settled the matter he should be obliged to bring an action at once, as he could not now further delay in the hopes of a settlement.

Mr White personally explained that the eleventh hour had arrived, and after the 12th hour, he would not be in a position to legally claim damages. He proposed, as he had done before, that the matter might be settled by the Board agreeing to pay him so much per load to fill up the holes in the street to make it trafficable, he allowing the Board to take the soil from the point of land on his property, at so much. He also desired a cartway over the bank.

The Inspector said that three days would suffice to fill up with three drays.—ln r.eply to Mr Adams, Mr White said he certainly would not give tfiesoil if the Board filled up the holes.

Mr Adams said he was pretty certain that the Council had given the Board permission to take the soil. Mr White said he had applied te the Mayor on that point, and had been assured that no such permission was given.

The Chairman said he thought Mr White was on the wrong track. He should have gone to the Borough Council.

Mr White said he was advised otherwise.

The Chairman moved that Messrs Adams and McCallnm be a committee te confer with Mr White, and report to the next meeting. j Mr White asked whether that committee would have power to act. The Chairman replied in the negative. Mr White: Then it will be too late. His lawyers had instructed him that he only had a very limited time in which is issue the writ. The Chairman put the motion, which was carried. WAIRAU HARBOUR BOARD. The Secretary to the Wairau Harbour Board project wrote asking for a.small loan towards the costs in connection with the passing of the Bill through the House. Messrs R. F. Priddle and F. T. Farmar waited on the Board in support of the request, and explained the movement in its various aspects. The latter considered that the securing of the present revenue from the steamer traffic and the endowments which were suggested would place the scheme on a sound footing. There was not the least intention of rating, as was feared by some people. The improvement of the river for steamers would also materially assist in flood relief. Mr McCallum proposed that £10 be advanced by way of loan. Mr Adams was of opinion that the Government Auditor would not pass the amount. However, he seconded the motion. The motion was carried; GENERAL. The Secretary of the Sf. Andrew's Church Committee wrote asking permissipn to drive piles in the bank, for the purpose of erecting an addition to the school-room.—Permission granted, subject to the Inspector's approval. Mr H. B. Huddleston wrote urging that the Board's good work in deepening and widening the waterway belpw the Upper High Street bridge be further enhanced by the erectien of a groin on the north side of the river, for which he would give the material. ■—-Letter acknowledged with thanks. The Secretary of the Blenheim Rowing Club forwarded permission in writing from Messrs Levin and Co. to remove the shed to a position higher up the Opawa River. A sketch of the position was enclosed. He urged upon the Board the necessity of immediately removing the shed, as the excavations in the Omaka River had undermined the building, and a flood in the river might cause serious damage. The position for the "skids" had yet to be decided upon.—lt was resolved that the Board members confer with the Club Committee and Levin and Co.'s representative on Wednesday, 20th. The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce wrote asking the Board's cooperation in urging upon the Government the necessity of removing the railway headquarters to Blenheim. Delegates were desired to be* appointed to a deputation to wait upon Ministers at the opening of the nefr railway station—On the motion of Mr McCallum, the Chairman and Mr Hale were appointed delegates. Mr E. Combes wrote stating that since the last flood the rivers at the Kaituna fords had altered, and the Wairau had now more water than the Opawa. A small groin from the south bank above the ford over the Opawa would tend to keep the preponderance of water in the Wairau.—On the motion of Mr McCallum, the Inspector was instructed to view the position, and it was resolved to thank Mr Combes for his advice.

The Inspector was also instructed, on the Chairman's motion, to visit the dam at the head of Gibson's Creek and report upon the cost of repairs and wilJow-planting.

THE BANKING SYSTEM. The Chairman reported upon the general inspection of the river banking, made on 30th May. It was agreed that the banking up towards JBatty s could stand fpr some time, but the gap at Vercoe's Mill (Murphy's Creek) should be closed at pnee. Mr MoCallum said two 2ft 6in pipes would carry the water, and 32ft of banking would connect the two bluff ends. Mr Parker, who was stopping the null tor the winter, would assist in every way possible. He moved that tne work be commenced at once.—MiAdams seconded.

.The Inspector said that about 45 pipes would be required. The motion was carried INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector reported adversely upon the proposad to put in steps on the Panama House bank.—The matter was deferred. The Inspector was instructed to cut willows overhanging the river near the Uunamen s garden; to have a new door put upon a culvert; alsp to have the central ditch in Overflew Channel widened.