DRAINAGE WORKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 398, 16 May 1922, Page 7

DRAINAGE WORKS.

TAKEN OVER BY MANAWATU BOARD. In a reporl to the meeting of the Manawaiu Drainage Board held yesterday, the engineer to the old Aorangi Board (Mr A. 11. Wright) slated that litis board had arranged with him at their last meeting itt March to carry on works on their behalf until such time as the new combined hoard came into existence, consulting with their chairman when necessary. Bourke's drain contract was le| to Messrs Devonporc and Craig at 5s per chain and although they had been over the whole length, certain works still remained lo be done before the contract could lie considered as satisfactorily completed. This work included removal of some vegetation from the bottom of the drain and clearing out. of an old slip, Unfortunately, on every occasion he had inspected this contract the water was 100 high a level lo see what had been done, and iho !a-i inspection was made by the overseer of the Manawaiu Board on his behalf. Progress payments totalling £27 15s had been made on this contract. A further contract on Bourke's drain was also let to Mr J. Bendtsen at 7s per chain, lie was now working on this contract though none of the, work has yet been passed or any payments made. Another contract on a part ol Bourke's drain had been let lo Mr -I. Bendtsen ai 5s per chain, and with the exception of the lower 14 chains, was satisfactorily completed. The unfinished work consisted in removing some vegetation from llie bottom of the drain which the con-

tractor intended doing after completing the contract immediately below, when the level nf water would he lowered. Carmodv's drain contract was let 10 Mr 11. 11. McKc-nzie at;

3s lid per chain. This contract was now more than half completed, the length of tho lower portion having been passed. No. ] drain contract was lei to -Mr \V. G. .Mar dock ai 3s lid per chain, which was less than half the average price paid lasl year. The drain was also in rather had condition, mainly due to stock breaking down hanks. After cleaning about half the length, the contractor informed him that In- would have to throw up (he contract as he could make nothing ai the price. lie also explained thai, owing to sickness he had been unable io inspect the drain prior to his tendering, an 1 had based hi.-- price on inspections made in previous year-.. After consulting with the chairman ii was decided (o allow him Is more per chain extra on condition thai he completed the work io the entire satisfaction of the board then in charge. This increase would .--till keep his price well below thai of the next higher tenderer. ll was resolved that the chairman and the clerk be authorised to seal the board's approval to the petition of the Rangiotu ratepayers to be included in the board's district. Accounts amounting to £24 18s 6d were passed for payment,