THAMES DRAIN BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10034, 22 January 1896, Page 6

THAMES DRAIN BOARD.

ASSESSMENT FOR THE YEAR. The firstmeeting of the newly-elected Thames Drainage Board was held yesterday forenoon, at the office of Mr. D. G. MaeDonnell, New Zealand Insurance Buildings. There were present: Messrs. G. S. Kissling, R. Comer, T. Radford, J. F. Clarke, Jas. Macfarlaue, F. A. White, and W. S. Wilson. ELECTION OP CHAIRMAN. The secretary, Mr. MacDonnell, stated that the first business of the Board would be to elect a chairman. Mr. White said it afforded him much pleasure to propose the re-eleotiou of Mr. G. S. Kissling. In the past he had shown himself to be honest, fair, and just, and energetic in the Board's interest. Mr. Comer seconded the resolution, which was put to the meeting by the secretary and carried unauimously. Mr. Kissling returned thanks for the honour they had done him. He thought that sometimes they would be the better of a change, but in this case the members did not think so, It was always a pleasure to him to meet the members of the Drainage Board. He was happy to welcome Mr. Macfarlane to the Board, for he represented a very large interest at the Thames, he had a long experience, and the Board would benefit by his advice. Mr. Macfarlane thanked the chairman and members for their welcome. THE ELECTION. The Secretary read the report of the returning officer. Only the required number were nominated, and these were declared elected. They comprised the whole of the retiring members of the Board, and Mr. J. Macfarlane was elected to the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. R. Spratt. A letter was read from tho Thames Borough Council notifying the election of the Mayor (Mr. L Radford) as their representative on the Board, but the secretary said no letter had been received from the Thames County Council. Mr. Comer said the County Council had not yet elected their represeuentative. ESTIMATES AND ASSESSMENTS. Mr. MacDonnell submitted an estimate of the expenditure for the current year, based on that of last year. It amounted to £4530, as against £4580 last year. On the motion of the Chairman, the estimate was adopted as the basis of expenditure for the current year. With regard to tho assessment, it was pointed out that the St. Hippo had since last year been absorbed by the May Queen, and the Cardigan was now liable as a contributor. A discussion took place as to the basis on which the deficiency caused by the disappearance of the St. Hippo from the list should be made up, and it was recognised that the May Queen ought not to be further taxed. It was agreed that the assessment on the Cardigan should be £15 a month, that the Kuranui Gold Mining Compauy bo raised from £4 6s 8d to £710s, and Coiners from £5 18s to £6 10s. The other items were not altered. This leaves the assessment as follows :-Cambriii, £25 4s per mouth; Victoria, £29 2s 9d; Hazelbank, £29 2s 9d; Comers, £6-10s: Kuranui, £7 10s; Cardigan £15; New Moanataiari, £29 10s 8d; Waiotahi, £53.155: May Queen, £135; Queen of Beauty, £10; Thames Borough, £10; Thames County, £20: total, £4400. On the motion of the chairman, this assessment was adopted, and the rate was struck accordingly, to be payable in 12 monthly instalments, the firet payment to be due on the 31st of January. APPEALS. It was agreed on the motion of Mr. W. S. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Clarke, that the Board meet at eleven o'clock on the 31st inst., to hear appeals against the assessments and that the necessary notices be issued by the clerk of the Board.