DRAINAGE BOARD WORKS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 181, 3 July 1931, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD WORKS

EFFECT ON BIG SCHEME. RELATIONS BETWEEN BODIES. Whether drainage boards in tho Manawatu-Oroua River Board’s area should be asked to submit for approval all proposed schemes likely to affect the projected flood control scheme was a point argued by the River Board yesterday afternoon. Tho discussion followed the receipt of a letter from Mr F. C. Hay, civil engineer, regarding work on Duck Creek which, ho understood, was contemplated by the Moutoa Drainage Board and which, he maintained, would increase flooding in Lower Moutoa and on the highway in the vicinity. Mr Speirs moved “that all drainage boards be asked to comply with the provision of Section 22 of the Mana-watu-Oroua River Board Act wherever they apply, because the River Board is desirous that no work should be done that may conflict with the board’s river protection scheme.” Explaining the position, Mr Speirs isaid ohat sooner or later the board’s flood control scheme would have to go through, though it might bo ten- or twenty years. Accordingly, drainage boards in the area should, when considering fresh works, see that these works weie in conformity with the board’s plans. This would save considerable expense and the construction of banks where they might not be needed. All work done should fit in with tho board’s scheme, so that it would reduce the ultimate cost of the work. Mr Hume seconded the motion pro forma. He pointed out, however, that the River Board Act made provision for this matter. The chairman (Air Carter): I believe in letting sleeping dogs lie. A river board can strike any amount of trouble without looking for it. I think it is inadvisable for the River Board to go out of its way to interfere in the private" affairs of the drainage boards.

Air Speirs said that the resolution was not framed for the benefit of tho Aloutoa Board, hut for all boards. The chairman; The matter is covered by the Act. Mr Gower said that if a board had to tie its hands until the River Board scheme went through it might have to wait a long time. Air Baldwin (the board’s solicitor): AVhere there are disputes between the River Board and drainage boards the engineer-in-chief of the Public AVorks Department acts as arbitrator. The chairman: I see no reason for labouring a point for which provision is already made. Regarding the letter received from Air Hay concerning work on Duck Creek, the chairman pointed out that Air Hay bad severed liis connection with the board at that time, and the communication was not official. Air Speirs agreed to withdraw his motion The chairman: If the resolution had been carried the board would have had to select a new chairman. I am not affected, but I object strongly on principle. Several members expressed surprise at learning from Air Gower that the resolution relating to the removal of portion of the Duck Creek banks bad been rescinded.