DRAINAGE WORK

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 111, 7 April 1930, Page 8

DRAINAGE WORK

iMANAWATU BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Drainage Board was held this morning, Mr D. Prouse presiding. Also present wero Messrs D. Collis, R. Tanner, F. J. Russell, P. G. Mildon, A. W. Hamlin and W. E. Thomas. In a discussion on weed killing Mr Mildon stated that it had often struck him that the use of weed-killer might be an excellent idea for keeping their drains clear of weeds. It might be tried if it did not poison cattle, which it was possible it would not. It miglft be a cheap way of keeping the drains clear. Mr Tanner stated that a blow lamp was being used by the Borough Council to kill weeds and did not appear to be satisfactory. They would have to be careful. Mr Hamlin thought that the weedkiller might not be suitable for drains. With Mr Mildon reiterating that the experiment was worth trying the discussion lapsed. Advice was received that Cabinet had approved of a subsidy of £1 for £1 up to £ISOO on improvement works in the Taonui basin. On the motion of Mr Mildon, seconded by Mr Tanner, it was decided to obtain the consent of the ratepayers in the special area to the raising of a loan of £1250 on the usual terms. Messrs Rutledge, Passey and Verry waited upon the board with a reguest that certain drains in the McKenzie soldier settlement and the drains from the settlement to the boards’ drains be taken over by the board. Mr Collis said that he was averse to the board taking over any more drains. Other settlers had been able to settle these matters themselves. Mr Tanner pointed out that tho settlers were paying rates and had no outlet. Mr Collis suggested an inspection and this course was agreed to. Tho overseer, Mr W. J. Coman, reported as follows:—The floodgate has been completed at the Rangitane bridge. Thirty-four chains of Bourke’s Drain have been deepened to the junction, also 28 chains of Main Drain have been deepened. Grass has been cut to Jackeytown Road by Mr Ryman. About 45 chains of Bourke’s Drain have been cleaned by Mr Jamieson. The chairman and I' interviewed Mr Hockley regarding the fence on No. 1 Aorangi and Bourke’s Drains. He undertook to put it in repair. Members of the board and myself inspected the Mnngaone Stream on Robert’s Line. The health inspector has the matter in hand.