Makerua Drainage

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 161, 9 July 1943, Page 3

Makerua Drainage

A meeting of the Makerua Drainage Board Was held m Palmerston North yesterday, Mr. H. belfert presiding. In connection with a report due to be furnished by Trustee Larsen regarding an interview with Mr. Simpson for further contract work on willows In the Tokomaru Stream, it was stated that no definite agreement had yet been arrived at. The board's engineer, Mr. J. O. Dolan, who was instructed to get in touch with the resident engineer, Public Works Department, regarding an examination of river works, reported that a thorough inspection was not possible due to the river levels.

In connection with a report furnished by the chairman regarding erosion in the Tokomaru River adjoining Mr. Dome’s property, it was stated that about half a mile below the bridge the river was cutting into the bank and a large hole had already been made. It was decided to stop further erosion by the planting of willows and this will be done immediately.

A letter was received from the Mana-watu-Oroua River Board regarding a depression in the bank in the vicinity of Neville’s Point. An examination was made by Mr. Dolan and it was found that a length of 14 chains was affected. Prompt action is to be taken to restore the lost height and also to erect two chains of fencing to stop cattle crumbling the bank down.

Trustee Vile spoke on the urgent necessity for an examination of Hansen’f bend and this matter is to be dealt with.

The overseer (Mr. P. V. Tucker) reported on the flooding of the Manawatu River during June which prevented any drain-cleaning work until the present month, when a start was made with No. 1 drain. Pressure of the flood had burst the discharge pipe of the Mangaore pump, but this damage had been discovered before a break-through could occur. The overseer suggested that a steel pipe be obtained to replace the damaged one. This could be shortened by 20 feet. To provide extra pumping range it was also suggested that the motor be lifted at Last 2ft. 6in. The drainage of Kemp’s lagoon was almost completed before the flood came, but nothing had been done since. At Coley’s bend the rip and -swirl had almost disappeared, showing that the Taupunga cut was doing good work. Page’s Point li.«fi been inspected and was in a satisfactory condition. The contractor would start shortly to repair the Mangaore bank. The matter of keeping stock off had been discussed with the owner of the property. The engineer was instructed to obtain a steel pipe to replace the discharge pipe of the Mangaore pump. The overseer’s suggestion that the motor be lifted to give the pump extra pumping range was adopted. The clerk reported that the credit balance at the bank was £2447. At the corresponding meeting last year it was £2232. Rates outstanding amounted to £756, and of this sum £66 was for last year. Interest and sinking fund payments clue, on August 1 would reduce the credit balance considerably. It was de-

cided to again approach the Public Works Department asking that further consideration be given to the question of providing a subsidy towards the cost of repairing erosion damage at Akers’ bend.