SHOCK FOR BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 8 November 1934, Page 7

SHOCK FOR BOARD.

PATENT RIGHTS CLAIMED

CONSTRUCTION OF GROYNES

“I have inspected with your foreman some of the groyne constructions of a certain type in your district, and find that they conform with my protected plans and specifications,” stated Mr E. Fisher, formerly engineer to the Palmerston North River Board, in the course of a letter to the Makerua Drainage Board to-day. “For your board’s information respecting the use of this particular type of groyne,” he proceeded, “I hold sealed and signed patent granting sealed and signed letters patent granting me the privilege and exclusive use thereof definitely for New Zealand. My desire is for those affected by river erosion to have the use and benefit of this serviceable device, but at the same time I consider that I am entitled to reasonable compensation for its initiation. “My terms for the use of this type of groyne are the payment of a royalty equal to 10 per cent, of the actual cost of all such constructions, except where I am engaged to do the technical work thereof. Under those conditions a commission of only 10 per cent, is charged on the actual cost of such constructions. I respectfully suggest that your board should give me due consideration according to the terms and basis indicated in such groyne expenditure made in its district.” •

Comment was made by the deputy chairman (Mr W. Jackson) that the class of groyne mentioned was of the usual type built since the board was formed. Similar groynes had been used at Linton years before the Great War.' They had been built for over thirty year along the Manawatu River. “We should have taken out the patent,” commented Mr T. D. Lynch. The chairman stated that several of the board’s groynes cost over £4OO. “This has given us a shock,” he commented, in suggesting that action be deferred.

The matter was held over until the next meeting, pending the return of the board’s chairman (Mr H. Seifert). It was decided to secure further information in the meantime.