THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1903. THE DRAINAGE BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12801, 23 October 1903, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1903. THE DRAINAGE BOARD.

The prospect of the occurrence of further friction between the City Council and the Drainage Board is not one that the ratepayers can regard with any degree of satisfaction. The spectacle afforded by two local bodies engaged in verbal jousting may under certain circumstances be exhilarating, but the humour of the situation does not appeal at all forcibly to those who have to pay out of botli pockets for the cost of the entertainment; and the timo has certainly arrived when the Council and the Board should alike consider whether it is in the interests of their constituents that the)' should practise an attitude of aloofness such as each has on various occasions shown a disposition to adopt. The correspondence between them that was placed before the last meeting of the Drainage Board reveals them both once more in the posture of contestants sparring for some advantage over each othor. Neither- body can be absolved from the charge of being inclined to insist too strongly upon its own importance and to magnify its own position at the expense of that of the other; and, unquestionably, neither can be said to bo sufficiently impressed .with the necessity for "promoting that harmonious co-operation of two public bodies" upon which the secretary of the Board in one of his letters properly laid stress. The curtness of the City Council's intimation that the business to be discussed at a proposed conference of representatives of the two bodies "relates to sewers and other matters " left vorv much to be

desired, and invited the rebuke that was contained in the Board's reply; ancl the subsequent declaration by the Council that it desired a discussion, inter alia, upon " the complete drainage scheme within the city area" may quite reasonably have excited amused surprise on tho part of the members and officials of the Board, which has heen established for the express purpose of devising and executing that sclicme as portion of a general scheme for the sewerage of the drainage district. But it is difficult to understand what valid objections there can be to tho discussion, at a. conference, of the other points specified by the City Council. The Board's solicitors have advised—and tho Board has decided to act upon the advice—that, in respect to the proposals of the Couucil that the conference should consider the advisability of constructing the main intercepting sewer before reticulating the city area', and that it should arrange the operations of the Board so that they may not interfere with the tramway construction or traffic, the Council should be asked to put in writing any suggestions it may have to make. That is tantamount to saying that the matters in question are only indirectly the concern of the Council. And this suggestion is emphasised by the remark that it is net necessary for the Board to obtain the consent of the City Council before opening a street for the purpose of laying drains therein,. That may be, but if. the Drainage Board contemplates giving an exhibition of its statutory powers by tearing up streets in such a way as needlessly to interfere with the Corporation works and undertakings its action will certainly not be approved by the citizens. Surely it must be evident to members of both bodies that, if the interests of the com; munity are to be studied-.-and really they are of paramount importance,— it is most necessary that the Council and the Board should work amicably together, that they should mutually arrange their plans of operations so that the disturbance of thoroughfares and the interruption of traffic shall be minimised to the greatest possible extent, and that there should on bo tli sides be a generous application of the give-and-take principle. Further, the teaching of experience should be sufficient to convince the members of the two bodies that half Rii hour's conference at a round tab re is far mere likely than sheaves of letters would be to produce a sound working agreement. Indeed, until greater respect is shown for the amenities Iliac should be observed in communications between local autliori: ties in the position of the Council and the Board, the community would have some cause to be apprehensive concerning the results to which a large amount of letter-writing might lead.

Our correspondence columns in the past few weeks have afforded a fair amount of evidence regarding the existence, of a feeling of dissatisfaction in Dunedin over the manner in which the Board's regulations are being administered, and of unrest concerning the future operations of the Board. Despite the assuranca Dr Cougiitr&y, •the deputy-chairman of the Board, offered in an interview published by us some days ago, there is an impression widely prevalent that propertyowners arc, under the Board's authority, being unnecessarily mulcted in expense for sanitary fittings and appliances- and that notion is re? fleeted in some measure in a series of interviews with practical men in the city, the reports of which are contained in another portion of this issue. No doubt, as the president of the Master Builders' Association justly observes, the period at which a new system 'of drainage and sewerage is being inaugurated brings with it its special trials, and it is necessary that reasonable allowance should be made for that fact. The shoe is, however,. pinching a. bit all round just now, and the best remedy in that case is, if possible, to ease the shoe; and that is probably the be-ot advice that can be tendered to the Drainage Board. There are complaints in our columns this morning that there is a want of elasticity about the methods in which the Board's regulations are administered, that a too rigid compliance with the by-laws is enforced, and that an aggressive and dictatorial spirit is manifested by the Board's officials. No particular exception is taken to the by-laws themselves, which are probably not more stringent than those that are in force elsewhere, but it is alleged as a grievance that the manner in which they are being interpreted is illiberal and uncompromising. And the effect of it all, it is asserted, is that the cost of ■ drainage is being increased so sensibly that it will discourage building operations, especially on small properties, inasmuch as, one of the local architects avers, the plumbing that is now demanded for a cottage is not greatly different from that re-quired in a house costing four times as much. On the oilier hand, one of our informants expresses the opinion that the present discussion upon the cost of plumbing and house connections represents an organised attempt to divert public attention from the more important matter of the permanent scheme. There is, it is quite likely, a good deal to be said on both sides,, and it may be that for the increased expe-uso to which property-owners are assuredly, being put for drainage works that- are now being executed a (much better job is being done than was formerly the case. But, if it be the fact that the Board's officials are straining the by-laws and that they aro bent upon exerting their authority to tho extent of declining to give reasons for the mandates they issue, it is not surprising that a sense of irritation lias been caused; and the demand that sweet reason a blrn ess " should be exhibited by them in tho interpretation'of the regulations and that care should be exercised by them fo avoid tho imposition of unnecessary expense on householders is in any event one which should be respected.

Th tho T,«wisbtivo Council yesterday fho Municipal Corporation l ! Act Amendment. .■\nmi,i!.= Froiccfioii Art Amendment, Sind Drift, nml Boa Fisheries Bills were nil reported from pcH!inilt.'v\ Mr Sodden icrc-ivcd word from the Secretary of Slato for Iho Colonies that there is no foundation for tho rumour that Tonga is to bo annexed by Germany.

In tho House of Representatives yesterday an Oiimaru Harbour Board Loan Bill and a Timber Export Act Amendment Bill increasing tho duty 011 kauri logs exported wore, introduced and re-ad a first time. The Midland Railway Petitions Settlement, Public Loans Renowal, Treasury Bills Extension, and Fisheries Encouragement Bills wero all nut through committee. Tho Scenery Preservation Bill, was read a second fee.

An Auckland telegram says:—The remarks liy Sir J. l>. Ward in tho House the other day with respcct to an Auckland institution proposing to raise the rato of interest, with a view to forcing the hands of the Government, evidently referred to tho Auckland Savings Eank. It. i 5 a fact that the question of tho rate of interest has not even boon discussed by the board of this institution for sorao years, and it is difficult to traco wliero the story had its origin. Tho legal points involved in the case of llantz v. Annand—being a charge against tho Mayor of Jlornington of a breach of section 68 of tho Municipal Corporations Act in respect to tho Mornington Borough Council's resolution granting tho Mayor, councillors, and town clerk free passes on the municipal tramcara, heard at the City Polico Court by Mr Carew, S.M., yesterday —arc of more than local interest in view of tho fact that, though tho section has been in force in England in tho same form as in Now Zealand, with the exception that a. penalty of £50 is provided in the colony ami nono in England, for upwards, of 80. years, there has been really no important ease decided under it. Ono case, that of Nell v. Longbattom (1E94, Q.8.D., 767), is on record, but it refers to a presentation to a mayor and is not on a similar footing to tho issue heard yesterday. The case goes before the Bench purely on legal points, the facts being admitted in so far that the free passes wero authorised by tho council by resolution, and the decision will ho awaited with a considerable degree- of intorest by municipal politicians throughout the colony. The case was called on at 11.45 a.m., and the legal argument practically continued from that time, with tue exception of the luncheon adjournment, until 3.30 D.in.

A poll of tho ratepayers of Mosgiel was takon yesterday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the proposal to raise by way of special loan tho sum of £14,000 for drainago and waterworks purposos. Tills number of ratepayers who exorcised the privilege of voting was 224, and tho total votes recorded in favour of tho proposal were 185, whilo 37 wevo against it, leaving a majority of 148 in favour of the scheme. The number of informal votes was two. A general meeting of the Goneral Macdonald Memorial Committee was hold yesterday afternoon in the rooms of the Caledonian iSociety; Dr. Gordon Macdonald in tho chair. Reports of the moneys collected were submitted to the meeting. It was resolved to recall all the subscription lists issued before the end of November, and it was ulso agroed that- the money should be allotted at next meeting. A suggestion was projected that tho money should ho spout in tho erection of.some local memorial; but the general opinion was that as the sum is not likely to be large, it had better bo sent to Scotland. ■ A meeting of tho Executive of: tho Cadets' Display Committee was hold in their office last evening. Major Burlinson was in the ohair, while most of the other members were present. A large amount of correspondence was dealt with and important dotails were arranged. After fixing up the programme tho chairman drow special attention to tho fact that races would bo sot apart for cadote belonging to any corps in Otago othor than No. 1 and 3 Battalions. A very satisfactory report was submitted by the secretary, showing that a deep publio interest is being taken in the display. Mr Hanna is in charge of the training of the girls and boys. It was intimated that tho different schools would first hold rehearsals and that a combined rehearsal of tho movements would take plncß on 'Wednesday next. A well-known Government official who resides in tho Taieri had a somewhat unpleasant adventuro on Tuesday evening last. Whilo riding along tho road on his bicycle a man assaulted him violently with a cudgel, and called him some very choice names at '.he same timo. The official, however, who is of strudy build, resisted the attack, and when ho got up after the first assault- he rushed at his aggressor, and, taking tho cudgel from him, belaboured iiim soundly. It is understood tho aggressor had mistaken tho Government official for some othor person. Last evening tho committee of the Dunedin Competitions Society approached Hi® judges in tho elocution sections—Messrs C. X. liaoyorfr. and J. M. Clarke—and intimated to them that a strong wish existed amongst the competitors, and also tho ]-'jlio, to hoar the judges recite, as they felt it- would he of great assistance to both past and future competitors. These gentlemen, although at groat inconvonicnce to themselves, consonted to do so if arrangements could be made for Saturday overling. From. tho advertisement appearing in our columns this morning it will he noticed that the entertainment has been fixed for that evening hy the committc-o. Besides tho gentlemen already mentioned, Messrs A. C. Hanlon, T. W. Whitson, and A. H. Burton have, offered to givo recitations and readings. This entertainment should bo well patronised as it affords an exceptional opportunity to hear noted artists in tlioir particular lines. It is the intention of tho committee, should tho finanoial position permit of it, to add the proceeds of this entertainment •to the prize funds for next year's competition.

Mr A. J. Earth, secretary of the local centre, has recoivod intimation from Mr C. Edwards, examiner for Trinity College, London, that the practical music examinations in Dunedin will be commenced on tho 6th of Jtfovomlwr. Mr Edwards, it will l)o remembered, was the examiner three yoavs ago. Mr C. Hodge, J.P., sat at tho Port Chalmers Police Court yesterday, and inflicted fines of 5s each on three first offenders charged with drunkenness, or in default of payment ordered them to he imprisoned for ?A hours each. .Tesse Flynn, who plonded "Guilty" to permitting a horso to wander in Island terrace, was fined 2s 6d, without costs.

Tho bazaar in aid' of the Carcraham Brass Band's instrument fund ,rns ™ n " tinucd in tho Caversham School Gymnasium yesterday afternoon and last evening- Tho hall was again completely filled, and very good business was done, both at "»o sta s and at tho side shows. An interesting concert programme was provided for t ic e\ on ing, and this assisted materially m making the bazaar a complete success. ongs woro rendered by Misses Woodlands and Thorn and Messrs Stubbs and Porter A pianoforte solo was given by Miss Stevenson and a cornet solo by Mr E. Slratton, while » Highland fling was danced by Mes=is Popham and Clark, the accompaniment bang played by Mr M'Donald. A selection was also given by the Caversham Brass Band Tho bazaar will bo continued to-day and to-morrow, both afternoons and evenings, and a concert programme will be given each evening. Thecals Band mil bo in attendance this ovening.

JIe e srs JflHics Siimson and Co. will hold a sale of household furniture, etc., at their rooms io-motrow. Toncxors arc invilod for carpenter and bricklaver for crection of a liouse at Mosgiol. Persons having claims against tlis estate of. James Kerr (deceased) ore requested to send particulars of same to tho Perpetual Trustees Company, Rattray street. Tho Kuiiway Department in this morning's issue advertises special recursion trains in connection with tho band contest at Port Chalmers on the 28th and 20th inst. The opening of tho season of the Koslyn Bowling Club will tßke place at the gross tomorrow afternoon. Members of ol!i?r chiba aro invited. The Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company will offer lot ealo at au early date,

in the estate of the late James Kerr, a freehold section with buildings thereon, blown as the Captain Cook Hotel. Tho Dunedin Bowling,' Lawn Tennis, and Fives Club's bowling green will he opened on Saturday afternoon. Members of other clubs and visitors are invited. , Offers are invited for the purchase of specie on board tho s.s, Elingamite, .wrecked off the Three Kings on November 9, 1902. Tho Caledonian Bowling Club will commence their season to-morrow afternoon, when members of similar societies and friends are invited. Tenders are invited for the right to advertise on the Dunedin City Corporation tramway check tickets. l'ha_ City Council offers a reward of £10 for •such information as will lead to the conviction of persons damaging trees or plants in the Botanical Gardens or any of t|ie city reserves. A general election-of members of the Otoliia Drainage Board will be hold next month. Nominations of candidates close at. noon on Hon day, 2nd November. Nominations of candidates for the election of five trustees to the Berwick Drainage Board close at noon on Saturday, 31st inst. ■Applications are invited for the position of matron in the Kumara Hospital. A farewell meeting will 1)3 accorded to Miss Mackellar, 8.A., of the Regions Beyond Missionary Union, at the Young Woman's Christian Association Eooms this evening. Mr A. S, Adams (president of the Council of Churchcs) will proside, while among the speakers will be Dr Wsddcll, Mr W. T. Todd, Mr Barton, and others. •Tho annua! sports in conncction with (he Ta-ieri Mounted Rifles' camp will he held on Saturday. The removal of superfluous hair, as practised by Hendy, haij specialist, is recommended by leading mcdicat authorities. Consultations gratis.—Advt. / Tailoring Department at Mollison's.—We beg to advise you that our summer shipment of new twwds are now to hand, while for extent, and variety our stock will be found to contain all that is fashionable. All garments are produced on the prt-'mises, under tlio supervision of our cutter (Mr Fred Smith, jiin.). The prices charged are the lowest possible consistent with good material and workmanship. Mollison's, George and Frederick streets, Dnnedin.—Advt. See the display of the season in new spring and summer goods now on view-at CO and G2, George street. Dallas and Watt.—Advt. We have received from Messrs G. and T. Young an invitation, open to our readers, to inspect several new and choice designs in silverware and jewellery which have just been opened tip. This firm hns an unequalled selection of goods suitable lor wedding nnif birthday gifts.— Advt. Dantol cleanso3 the teeth and keeps them clean.' After use, it leaves a fresli and stimulating feeling in the mouth. Bottles, 2s each; all chemists'.—Advt. Who is Peteh Dici;?—The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly ■noderstc.-Advt.