MANAWATU DRAINAGE BOARD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 6, 5 December 1932, Page 8

MANAWATU DRAINAGE BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Manaivatu Drainage Board was held to-day, Mr P. G. Mildon presiding. Also, present were Messrs D. Prouse, F. J. Russell, J. Collis, D. Thomas, It. Tanner and A. W. Hamlin. The overseer (Mr M. Wilson) reported as follows : —“lmprovement work, Main Drain: Improvements are still being carried out, better progress being made. Mangaone Stream: Work in this stream is still being carried out in Mr Bennett’s place, liangitikei Line. Burke’s Drain: At the present time one gang of men are cleanirtg and improving this drain generally. Newbury Factory Drain lias been cleaned. At the present time there is an average of 155 men being employed under No. 5 scheme. Adopted. . The financial statement, submitted by Mr N. I. Nielsen, showed a bank overdraft in the general account of £2565 4s 10(1—the T same as at the previous meeting. No. 5 scheme wages expended were £SOO 11s 3d, besides £25 Is 5d for expenses in supervision and tools. The Unemployment Board had refunded £545 11s 3d ol No„ 5 scheme wages. Bates paid during the month were £79 4s 2d for 1932-33, £l7 13s 7d for 1931-32 and £1 Os Id for prior dates. Unpaid rates aggregated £3479 17s Id. The rates paid equalled 9.61 per cent, of the total levied. To the same date last year 12.9 per cent, had been paid. The chairman reported on an inspection of the Mangaone Stream on November 23, when it had been decided to bank several portions and remove deposits of shingle where this had congregated to decrease the flow of water. There was a lot of work to be done and it would benefit the adjacent area considerably near the bridge on Bangitikei Line. The need for constructing the banks to a definite standard was stressed by Mr Tanner, who said that they should be made level. It was essential to have them built on proper lines, he ndded. The chairman agreed with the contention and said that, with the large amount of labour available, a comprehensive inspection .of the banks, might be made. It was decided that the engineer, Mr A. H. M. Wright, measure up the banks’ levels with a theodolite. The chairman stated that good progress had been accomplished in the lower area, the portion affected by 6lips having been almost completed. It was decided that the drain through the properties of Messrs Hughes and Farland be cleaned, th§ occupiers of the properties to provide crossing for cattle. Trustees were of the opinion that it was the board’s duty to provide outlets for ratepayers. No. 5 scheme labour will be utilised. Mr Thomas stressed the urgency of ratepayers in the upper area having their drains attended to, as they had contributed rates for some time." It was decided that ratepayers bo circularised, requesting payment of outstanding rates. Mr Nielsen commented that the amounts were being received very slowly. HAMILTON’S LINE WOBK. The position in regard to the damaged bank at Hamilton’s Line was referred to by the chairman, who reported on the deputation to the Mana-watu-Oroua River Board. The board • would not allow any work other than reinstating the banks to the previous level, he said, but no official advice had been received. If the Kairaiiga County Council were agreeable and official advice were roecived, the work of erecting the banks could be proceeded with at once. He recognised that the permission given was really a lever to havo the Whirokino Cut made, but he would not make the Drainage Board liable for any great expense. Mr Mildon stated that the settlers had opposed the cut, not chiefly beeauso of the mere construction of it but because of the indefiniteness of the cost, which might be £2OOO or £20,000. Deferring to the re-erection of the banks, the chairman said that the board could not afford more than about £2OO for transport. It did not havo the money to make continual payments. He added that he would like an opinion on the amount that could be spent. Mr Tanner did not think it right for the board to commit itself to any amount. It was .a matter for the ratepayers to decide. The chairman said it was not fair to ask the ratepayers in the top area to have to expend large amounts on the work. They would be prepared, however, to allow the general fund to assist it, he thought. “We must be fair to the ratepayers,” commented Mr Mildon. It was eventually decided that the chairman and Messrs Tanner Prouse and Collis be a committee to deal with the matter when the occasion arose. The chairman commented that a special loan might be required if large expenses were involved. GENERAL.

It was decided to dispose of the bullocks’ yokes in the board’s possession, the foreman to sell them to the best advantage. The first meeting for the new year was fixed for January 16. Accounts amounting to £732 were passed for payment. The chairman extended the season’s compliments to the trustees, the staff and the Press.