DAMAGE BY THE LATE FLOODS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5347, 9 April 1879, Page 5

DAMAGE BY THE LATE FLOODS.

No less than 23 notices of legal proceedings against the City Council, in consequence of damages dune to private property on the occasion of the recent flooding of the drains and sewers, were received at yesterday's meeting of that body. The writers stated that they were holding surveys over their damaged properties with a view to take legal proceedings against the Corpiratiou, and, therefore, requested the presence of a representative of the Council. The notices were from Messrs Heymanson and Low, F. Stedebere, B. Pritchard, K. K. Murray and Son, Esther and Low, Saigood, Son, and Ewen, North and Sconllar, W. Philp, J. Wilson (of George street), J. Irvine, S. Porter, A. Palmer, Cooper and Grey, Neill Brothers. J. Reany, Lo Keong, A. Mercer and Co., Keast and M'Carthy, G. O'Driscolt, W. Tait, Miss M'Kellar, H. Gourley, and J. Braithwaite. The Mayor s»id: On receiving the first two or three notices 1 thought it was unnecessary to appoint a person to represent the Council at the making of the surveys ; but Mr Massey and myself consulted Mr Smith, tho solicitor, on the matter, and he advised us in all cases to make a survey, and a survey has accordingly been made without prejudice. I may say that, so far aa the Corporation is concerned, every inquiry has been made, and I think it would be far better to refer tho notices to the Works Committee.

Cr Fisii thought hardly one of the writers had a claim on the Corporation. Some of the cases of alleged damage ho had personally inspeettd, and in duo case he found that it was caused by tho bursting of a drainpipo put down by the owner of the property (Mr Wilson) himself. In the case of Esther and Low, he found that they had put down a pipe leading into the sevrer —possibly at a wrong level—and that tho sewer becoming unusually full the backwater had gona up their pipe and flooded their premises. These were pretty fair samples of every one of the claims aud he thought that if tho Corporation had fo fight against damage brought upon people by their own acts, and also against damige caused by the works of tho Almighty, the citizens had better prepare to pay a rate of 3* iv the pound. It was 6imply nonsense that people talked about this flood, and he had been surprised to heir several ratepaying citizens speak in the manner they had done about the Corporation's liability. Cr Isaac would second the motion, but must differ from the last speaker. He thought there wa.° a great want of engineering ability in tli9 carrying out of the city works.

The Mayor : Lit me ask you to be a little discreet as to what you cay in the matter now, as it will be investigated hereafter. Cr Isaac said ho hid a little personal feeling in the matter, and he intended to say something on it. He had suffered considerable damage himself from the flood, but he hart maiie no claim, and would rath?r lose £40 or over than do so. Still he would suggest that more engineering skill should be engaged by the Council to supervise its engineering works.

Cr Leary somewhat sympathised with Cr Isaac, but he would havo nothing to say until the proper time citne. Tho lettcra were referred to the Works Committee.