THAMES DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9049, 9 May 1888, Page 5

THAMES DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION.

+„ The regular meeting of the Thames Drainage Association was held yesterday at Mr. D. G. MacDonnell's office, Insurance Buildings. There were present: Mr. J. M. Lennox (Chairman), Mr. A. Brodie (Mayor of Thames), Messrs. Comer, Turtle, Spratt, and McGowan. The engineer's report was read. The coal used during last month from the Bay was not so good as usuaL The Whauwhau coal burned too quickly by itself, but would do well with Newcastle slack. The machinery was in good order, and Mr. Downs, who had charge during the last month, appeared to thoroughly understand the machinery, and he recommended that he should be appointed engineer to the company. The consumption of coal during the last month was 210 tons. It transpired that the Whauwhau coal was supplied at 6s per ton less than Bay coal. It was agreed to inform the contractor that Whauwhau was not suitable for the purposes of the company. A letter was received from Mr. W. H. Phillips, manager, as to his salary, whether he was to receive £4 like Mr. Heighway, or £3 10a as he had been receiving. It was agreed that, he should receive the salary of £4 per week, and the Thames members spoke very highly of his capabilities. ; ■ A , letter was received from the Deep Level Cross, enclosing copy of letter from the bank re their overdraft, that, failing satisfactory arrangements, the account) would be placed in the hands of the solicitor. The chairman said that after receiving that letter, they had met to consider the J matter. The money ought to have been paid before, but they were awaiting the receipt of the £2000, which had been promised by the Government. They had written to the Minister of Public Works and Minister of Mines, forwarding the letters intimating that the bank would take possession of the pumps, and stop all drainage. The chairman said he had little further to add. The Deep Level Cross had been very forbearing, and only now took action on account of the action of the Bank. It would be a pity if the pumps stopped, as it would throw upwards of 1000 men oub of employment, and stop all prospecting in the low levels, which was so dear to the hearts of many of them. Mr. Brodie regretted that these periodical scares should occur, as it prevented the investment of capital, and he thought the Government should give all the assistance in their power. He thought the matter was merely departmental, outside the Ministers altogether. He believed the Auckland members should demand this as a matter of right. The chairman should see Mr. Peacock, and get the Auckland members to interview the Government, and get them to extricate the Board from the position in which it had been placed by the Government. It was agreed to telegraph to the Auckland members on the subject*. It was also agreed to send a wire to Mr. Mitchelaon, asking for a reply to the telegram forwarded by the secretary. , Messrs. Morrin and Co. wrote calling attention to the amount due to them, £208. Nothing had been paid for two grears, and they intimated that interest ; would be charged on that amount. The balancesheet was read, showing that the Board was about £1700 behind hand. The secretary also read a list of amounts due by various mining companies, and the County and Borough Councils of Thames. There was an account against the County Council for £200, but Mr. Brodie said the County Council owed little or nothing. ; The aocount j was i handed, over to the Thames members to wait on the County Council, and try ito make some, amicable arrangement, * and* also to ask for a reduction in the charge for water. The accounts were passed, and was. agreed to pay Morrin and Co. £100 on account. ', , ; /. , The only remaining ' business * was the appointment)! of an engine fitter. There Wrere 15 applications, and after several ballots were taken to reduce the number, Mr.' Joseph Downs was selected. : : »-., Ui This concluded the business.