Proposed Drainage Cut

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 56, 8 March 1943, Page 6

Proposed Drainage Cut

A proposed new drainage cut was discussed by the Manawatu Drainage Board at a meeting to which farmers and ratepayers in the lower part of the Board’s area adjoining Burke’s Drain were invited. Mr. W. E. Thomas presided and the ratepayers and others present included Messrs J. Calleseu, J. Puklowski, W. G. .Shannon, 8. H. Lett, P. G. Mildon, A. M. Ongley and M. W. Voss. Mr. Lett suggested that the position of the new cut should be changed to enter Burke’s Drain at Mr. {Shannon’s boundary and run parallel to the present project. This would obviate the necessity of costly bridges, and would not lessen the drainage capacity in any way. Mr. Mildon offered the Board £2o to help buy a punt to go up and down the drains every inontn or two when the water level was suitable, and keep the growth in the drains down that way. After a general discussion, it was decided that the Board formulate some set plan and place this before the farmers and ratepayers to be discussed. Mr. Voss said that it was futile to attempt a work of this magnitude at present and that the Board should wait until after the war.

The Board had received a letter from the ratepayers on the west side ot Burke’s Drain which suggested that before any work was done on the scheme, provision should be made for greater carrying capacity for Burke’s Drain. The letter also asked for a pump to be installed on the west side as the volume of water from the east will keep Burke's Drain full, and they would not be able to get drainage on the west

side. The cost of extra banking auu pump, including maintenance of the latter, would be borne by the east side ratepayers. Mr. {Shannon and Trustee Green were of the poinion that artesian wells had caused a great deal of the trouble by keeping the drains full, and it was suggested that they must be controlled. The Board decided that Mr. Wilson, the overseer, should make monthly reports on these wells, and that the flow from them should be steadily eliminated.

The overseer (Mr. M. Wilson) in his report to the Board, stated that the cleaning of the Main Drain Mas «tili being carried out. Further attention had been paid to goatsrue on the Main Drain and also the joint outlet. Approximately 12 chains of Cannody’s drain, above Lockwood Road, had received attention. Mr. W. E. Thomas presided. The Board decided to write to Mr. C. T. Keeble regarding the fencing of Ryeman and Balsillie’s drain through his property. Mr. L. F. Fawcett waited on the Board, requesting assistance in connection with the con-

struction of a new floodgate into Burke’s Drain, or repairs to that already iu existence. Mr. Fawcett stated that he was willing to pay the men, and also that he was prepared to do most of the work. The overseer suggested that ho should ask some of the men iu the Board’s employ to work on the job on a Saturday, and this was agreed to.

As a result of the flow of water from the artesian well on the Cloverlea ee:tlement into the Board’s drain, a deputation of farmers, consisting of Messrs Leamy, Ayres, Mexted, Hearsey, and Jewell, waited on the Board. The farmers disclaimed all responsibility us had the Government (the owners of the land), for nearly ten years, for the flow of 30U,0U0 gallons daily into the Board’s drains. As this quantity of water kept the drains damp, thus promoting growth and putting the Board to alarge amount of extra expense for cleaning, stated Trustee J. B. Chrystall, the flow ot water must be stopped or lessened to a very considerable extent. It was sug gested that a deputation of settlers make representations to the Government to take some action in the matter, and this was agreed to. It was moved that a letter be sent to Mr. Jewell re» questing that steps be taken to control the flow of water, thus forcing the sending of a deputation and the taking ot some action. The financial report was passed, £2519 out of a total of £5636 for the current year’s rates having been paid.