DRAINAGE WORK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 106, 1 April 1930, Page 7

DRAINAGE WORK.

MAKERUA BOARD. W MONTHLY MEETING. E The monthly meeting of the Makerua llrainage Board was held to-day, Mr J. T. Hume presiding. Also preKnt were Messrs H. Akers, 11. BarK>, and T. D. Lynch. Apologies for ■Hence were received from Messrs J. KP. Liggins and J. F. Carter. Ygjfrr R. L. Harding, arbitrator in dispute between tho board and jMprowhenua County Council over the HR of raising tho approaches to the Hira Bridge, forwarded his finding. He considered that the amount chargSp for spoil and carting in the counKl’s amended account was greater ■ban was reasonable. Although tho ■ctual cost might be greater than .a Bair and reasonable price, the latter Should be the charge made. From the figures available, it was apparent phat tho lorries must have been idle a [greater part of the time. He assessed la fair price as 6s per cubic yard, a 'total of £165 2s 9d for the whole job.—The clerk reported that this would mean a reduction of £BO in the council’s account.

The Department of Internal Affairs wrote asking if tho board had any suggestions to be incorporated in the amending Drainage Boards’ Bill.—lt was decided to urge the Land Drainage Boards’ Association to move in the matter. The engineer, Mr F. C. Hay, reported as follows: —“The dewatering of the intersecting channel having been completed, an inspection of the material was made. This is of a peaty nature with no cohesion and, with, sufficient water, it has the properties of a heavy liquid. A little water was flowing from Akers drain and this had to be dammed off to increase the consistency of the slurry. To-day the bottom is just about.fit to be shovelled. No time is available this year to get the bottom sufficiently dry to cut out the shape originally proposed. The programme was immediately changed and it is hoped that in three weeks’ time the whole channel will hive been cleared and deepened 18 inches. Tho floodgate has been 'offered, increased in area and new doors attached. A complete gang is expected to start on the protection of Coley’s Bend next week. It will be necessary to take the trees out of Coley’s Bush. The district engineer inspected the intersecting channel and certain of tho river protection works. He suggested the advisability of planting willows-on the Makerua side of tho river for the protection of the Shannon Bridge. The protection of Opui Bend has been completed. The river protection works with the exception of Coley’s Bend are in a fairly satisfactory state.’’ Mr Hay added that a decided improvement would be effected in the intersecting channel this year. , It was decided to write to tho Public Works Department, expressing sympathy with the proposal to protect tiro Shannon Bridge, and suggesting that steps be taken to bring the interested parties together.