Drainage of the Makerua District

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6620, 5 August 1931, Page 9

Drainage of the Makerua District

BUMPING METHODS DISCUSSED Mr. H. T. Hume. presided at a .meeting of the Makerua Drainage Board held yesterday. There were also present Messrs H. Barber; J. F. Carter, J. 11. P. .Liggins and T. D. Lynch. . It was intimated that, to date, no report on -the Mangaoro stream had been received from the Public Works Department. ‘ lit connection with the installation of tho pump at the intersection of No. 1 drain and Mangaoro channel, the chairman said he had accepted a tender for the work. This action was confirmed'by the meeting, which .also discussed matters relative to tho subject. It was resolved to commence cleaning work on Wall’s drain. Satisfactory arrangements had been made for a,pump on Mr. Coley’s property, it was roported. Makerua Flooding. Mr.. A. Seifert wrote, under date J uly 9, drawing attention to the frequent hooding of the land near Makerua. This was largely caused by water that camo from higher land during wet weather while .the floodgates were closed by high water in the Tokomaru stream. This flooding was doing great damage to laud owned by Christensen, Miranui Ltd., William Wood and Co; estate and also, tho writer’s own. land on both sides of tho railway line. “To keep this land free from flood water,-” ■ said Mr. Seifert, “pumps should be installed and I suggest that the ground be carefully inspected with a view to doing the work required.” Writing a further letter on July 27, Mr. Seifert' declared - that the matter had now reached a climax and said that if tho present difficulty was allowed to continue the land would be rendered valueless. The difficulty could be overcome by putting a pump of sufficient capacity to keep down the water at the floodgate in tho intersection channel and another at tho floodgate at the Makerua drain but these pumps would have to bo sufficient to deal with all storm water coming into the channels while the floodgates were closed.

The Ilorowhenua Power Board wrote on tho matter of pumps in the locality and explained that some years ago an agreement had been entered into with Miranui Ltd. for the supply of power to a pump. Subsequently other consumers had shared the liability of the power line but Miranui Ltd. (in liquidation) disclaimed responsibility in this regard. Tho board, however, understood that tho company’s pump had been working recently and intimated that unless some arrangement was reached, the power would bo cut off. Tho matter was discussed at length by the meeting, it eventually being decided to hold the matter in abeyance. “Tliorc is no doubt that something will have to bo done in that area,” commented the chairman. Protection Works.

The question of erosion at Coley’s bend was discussed, the engineer reporting that eight' chains had suffered damago and that unless protective measures were taken a small flood would completo tho damage. He suggested the erection of a stopbank further back as it was evident that the Manawatu river had changed its point of attack. It was recommended that four chains of heavy and an equal length ■ of lighter work be carried out at an approximate cost of £330.- A .new stopbank, it was added, would cost £665. . The chairman declared that temporary protection was being . carried out and it only remained for the board to decide on its course of action. Mr. Carter moved that permanent protection bo undertaken, it being explained that a loan poll would be necessary if a bank were to bo erected. Financial Matters. Tho financial statement submitted by the clerk (Mr. N. I. Nielsen) disclosed a credit balance of £239 Iss 8d in th 6 intersecting loan account., The general account had an overdraft of £6652 I6s 7d. Sinco July S, £4792 18s 6d had been expended, resulting in a bank overdraft of £9708 10s lid on August 4 after, lodgments totalling £1736 18s 2d had been .deducted. The limit was £11,322. • Tho margin was,- therefore, £1613 9s Id. Rates unpaid to March ol amounted to £258.1 Us 6d comprising 17s Id, 1930-31 rates and £4 3s 5d 1929-30 rates. Unemployment Board unpaid claims for tho week to July 25 amounted to £6l Is 6d. Of tho £15,460 6s 9d rates levied for the year 1931-32, £727 5s Sd had been paid.

Concerning unpaid rates, considerable correspondence was received from ratepayers. Many regretted inability to meet , their liabilities at present, but piomisod to make every endeavour when circumstances permit.—Mr. Lynch said that it seomed that a definite rule should be laid down wdth respect -to rates; the willing payer was being imposed upon. Mr. Hume said that as rates were the first charge on the property, occupiers should, pay these prior to meeting interest.