KARA FLOODGATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 93, 19 March 1936, Page 4

KARA FLOODGATE.

ASSISTANCE FOR REPAIRS

Alonetary assistance toward the cost of permanently repairing the Kara floodgate (at the bridge over the Kawa Stream on the main highway near Shannon) was requested by a deputation from the Alnkerna Drainage Board which waited on the Horowhenua County Council at Levin yesterday. Messrs T. D. Lynch and E. E. Alabin represented the hoard.

Air Lynch explained that the highway next the floodgate had been flooded to a depth of about two feet, last year. The gate was in a had state and it was proposed that the cost of repairs should l>e borne equally by the board, the council and the Alain Highways Board. The Alain Highways Board had promised to pay a third of the cost. The gate was outside the D rainage Board’s district, but had been erected, in the first place, by the board.

Air Alabin dealt with what it was proposed to do, stating that more pipes were to be put in and clay filling used. The reconstruction of the whole gate would cost about £2OO. but it was not proposed to go to that expense, the estimate for the work being £B2, which, with administration costs, would amount to £9O to £95.

The chairman (Cr. G. A. Alonk) pointed out that the board should have approached the council first. The council would have to confer with the Highways Board before a grant could l>e made, as the expenditure would lie for a place outside the council’s jurisdiction. He promised that the request would receive every consideration and the decision of the council would be notified later.

AYheii the deputation had withdrawn the chairman said the council had to decide whether they had any responsibility for the repairs to the floodgate. He thought the council was partially responsible but, it had to be remembered, in conjunction with the Highways Board, and to have the road free of floods wa6 a concern of the council. He thought the council should consult the Highways Board and ascertain their views on the subject of the county council making a contribution.

Cr. A. J. Gimblett urged that the matter be not delayed. Crs. C. P. Jensen and A. AI. Colquhouu both said that caution should be exercised, but lioth were favourable toward some assistance being given. • The chairman questioned whether the council could spend money in another local body’s area. If they granted a contribution, and it carried the Alain Highways Board subsidy, then that would satisfy the requirements of the Audit Department. On Cr. Gimblett’s motion, it was decided to advise the Drainage Board that the council were sympathetic toward the request, but the amount of their contribution could not he stated until negotiations were carried forward with the Highways Board. The matter was left in the hands of tlie chairman, with power to act.