Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 10

Foxton

From Our Own Correspondent. Moutoa Drainage Board. Mr J. C Ary stall presided over the monthly meeting of the Moutoa Drainage Board. Also present were Trustees W. EZ Barber, D. Purcell, H. Seifert and the secretary (Mir G. V. Fraser). The treasurer reported that the credit balance at the Bank of New Zealand was £243 13a 7d. The balance of the main ledger account was as follows: General account, Cr. £214 19s 6d; interest. Cr. £2B 14s 2d. Since last meeting the sum of £136 Us 7d had been paid in rates, leaving the small total of £4B 4s 8d unpaid for the year. The foreman (Mr T. A. Robinson) reported that during January a further 10 chains of Dr. Walls’ outlet drain wad cleaned. Fifteen days were spent in cleaning 35 chain s half width of Main drain on the north side up to the point where the new bridge will cross the drain. Commencing on February 1, a further 20 chains of the Main drain were cleaned at the Whirokino end. The waterway was found to be very bad with swan grass and water lily and the task of cleaning was made difficult owing to much rubbish being encountered, which often proved.dangerous durii: g operations. The foreman reported having sustained a deep cut owing to his hook coming into contact with some old telephone wire which was in the drain and hud become embedded in some swangrass, causing his hook to deflect. Three days were spent in stumping work in Dr. Walls' outlet drain and more explosives were r equired before this job could be completed. Much trouble was experienced during the period regarding the silting at the Main drain floodgates. This was becoming gradually worse after each flood. The Diagonal di*ain was worse in this respect, however, having only a narrow channel and no water in the drain to assist in carrying away the silt. Trustee Barber said that he understood that the Board had sunk an artesian well to keep water . noving in the Diagonal drain and carry tie silt away. Apparently it had become silted up, too. Manawatu Rabbit Board. Trustee B. G. Gower presided over the monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board meeting, also present being Trustees W. E. Barber, H. 11. Denize, R. Craig, M. C. Tooguod, R. D. McKeivle and the secretary (Mr R. Raugiheuea). The inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) was also in attendance. The Manawatu County Council wrote acknowledging receipt of the Board’s letter urging the prevention or the spread of noxious weeds on county roads, intimating tliat the Council was talking steps to comply with the Board’s request A copy of t ie minutes of the North Island Rabbit Boards’ Association meeting held at Te Awamutu was received, together with a list of Boards opposed to amalgamation. The Association further sent a copy of the minutes of a meeting held in Palmerston North on the 18th. ultimo. It was decided to forward the Board’s annual subscription to the Association for the current year. After discussion on amalgamation it was decided to advise the Association that the summarised opinion showed that 24 boards were against the movement, and to solicit the Association’s views on the question. The secretary was appointed returning officer for the Board’s forthcoming election. It was: decided to support the formation of the proposed Industrial Union of Employer. l ;, and'to ask Mr Dairyinple to represent the Board at the forthcoming general meeting of Rabbit Boards. The inspector reported as followst—"During the past month I have been engaged in general inspection in regard to rabbit destruction and the clearing of noxious weeds, more particularly ragwort. The weather during the past month has kept back the work of fumigation to a certain ex :ent. Since the recent rains conditions for this work have been much better. At Ihe beginning of this month statutory notices, together with a circular requesting a general fumigation and pollard poisoning, were sent to each landowner. In regard to this poisoning, which is for 'cover’ country, the area is in first class order for it at present. These notices and ciculars will be followed up with general inspection immediately. Ragwort is still maki lg fresh appearances in the Board’s area and strict steps are being taken to see that all plants are destroyed. A number of warnings have been sent out during the month and these have so far been complied with. Areas properly treated last year have this year shown no signs of the weed, but new plants are found iu other parts o f the area. Clearing of roadlines has bee: i carried out on a number of properties and requests for the clearing uf blackberry are being com plied with in the majority of cases. Tests have also been carried out in the clearing of gors* and guatsi*ue.” niyri iacnuul Corimiiti.cc. Mr W. R. MeeKnzie presided over th 4 mun Lilly meeting of the Foxton District High School committee. Also present were. Messrs W. M. Thomas, L. Fletcher, e’ Titcombe, S. E. Cowley, H. Podmore and the secretary (Mr 1. W. Mudford). Mr T. Kane (headmaster) was also present. The Royal Humane Society acknowledged the committee’s report on the conduct of the lad Alan Sim, in connection with a drowning at Manawatu Heads last year and intnnaeed that the directors would consider the case at their next meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, reference was made to the pending departure of Mr W M. Thomas. Mr Thomas, said the chairman, had proved himself to be a very valuable member of the committee, during his sojourn in Foxton, and although it was * to be regretted that lie was soon leaving the district, Mr McKenzie extended congratulations on his well-merited promotion and wished him every happiness and success in hi!* new sphere of activity. Presentation to Mr Thomas. At a friendly match held on the local bowling green, opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mr W. M. Thomas who, in view of his pending departure from, has resigned from the position of secretary to t he club, which office he has held for acon.siderable time. Mr W. Trueman (president), referred to the excellent work carried out by Mr Thomas. He was then called n pon to accept a smoker’s stand as a Jeken of esteem from his fellow members Mr Thomas suitably acknowledged t lie gift and good wishes and wished the club a very successful future.