Makerua Drainage

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7297, 6 August 1930, Page 8

Makerua Drainage

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of tho Makcrua Drainage Board was held in Palmerston North yesterday morning, Mr H, J. T.. Hume presiding. Also present were Messrs H. Barber, T. D. Lynch, J. H. P. Liggins, J. F. Carter and the clerk, Mr N. I. Nielsen. Tho engineer (Mr F. C. Hay) reported that the following work was in hand: Willow planting and fencing at Shannon bridge, willow planting at Coley’s, repairing protection work at Whitanui. Inquiries for willow stakes resulted in quite a number of offers being made and these were under consideration. A boat had been fitted with an outboard motor for uso in connection with willow planting. Tho MacEwan pump at Okuliu w T as giving satisfactory service. During tho recent period of high water in the river, tho water in the intersecting channel was kept at an average of 3 feet below the river and perfect drainage obtained. Tho daily discharge -was 3,000,000 gallons, while tho consumption of electricity was 210 units. Tho question of a permanent pump for tho intersecting channel was receiving attention. Tho statement of expenditure since March 31, 1930, is as follows, tho estimates for tho year’s working to March 31, 1930 being in parentheses:—River protection, £470 2s 6d (£IOSO 8s); drain maintenance, £505 (£1029); electric pump, £54 2s (£100); administration, £337 15s 4d (£982); Kara bridge, £2O 13s 3d ( ); Kara bridge, fencing, etc., £34 7s 2d ( ). Totals, £.1422 0s 3d (£3191 8s). With regard to tho proposed loan for river protection and vwillow planting to safeguard'the less dangerous places, tho chairman stated that application had been made for a subsidy from tho district engineer of tho Public Works Department, but until a reply came to hand, no move could bo made by the board. Tho estimated cost including fencing was £2OOO. Subsequently to the chairman and engineer interviewing the Manawatu County Council on the matter of willow planting at Shannon bridge, the chairman said that at tho first opportunity the work would bo got on with. According to the clerk, the sum of £34 7s had been expended in necessary fencing work. On the motion of Mr Carter, seconded by the chairman, Mr N. I. Nielsen, acting clerk, was appointed to a permanent position. Accounts amounting to £7435 7s were passed for payment. A resolution was passed authorising the chairman to proceed with the proposals of tho board when a reply was forthcoming to tho letter requesting a loan for river protection and willow planting.