DUNEDIN DRAINAGE BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15937, 3 December 1913, Page 2

DUNEDIN DRAINAGE BOARD.

The fortnightly meeting of the Dunedin Dramago Board was held last night; present—Messrs J. Arklo (chairman), J.'Small J. Douglas, J. 11. Hancock, J. J. Marlow! W. Burnett, .W. T. M'Farlane, W. Farquhareon, and-,Dr Fulton. REPORTS. The Works Committee recommended that tenders bo called for the reticulation of Balmacowen and the golf links at Maori Hill, and also that storm water provision be made for Hamel street, Newington avenue, Goodall street, and that three mud tanks bo constructed in connection with th : s work. —Mr Small, in moving the adoption of tho report, said there were ono or two items worthy of consideration. He pointed out that there was the .question of calling for tenders for the completion of a portion of Maori Hill, which was a big job, involving an ex-; penditure of £2500. This would complete that area. He and the engineer had gone into the cost of completing tho reticulation of the Dunedin watershed, and had worked it out to cost £25.000. . This included tho St. Clair and Royal crescent portions which had to boi carried out. The tenders for the reticulation of Hopetoun were so much above the engineer's estimate that it was thought advisable to carry the work out by clay labour—Mr Douglas: How much?— Mr Small: About _ 20 per cent.— Mr Arklo■ seconded tho motion, which -was earned. ■• The other reports were adopted without comment, this being due to the fact that they , contained no information of any moment GEXKRAL. Mr Farquharson moved—" That the resolution carried at the last meeting of tho board, that offices be taken in Hallenstein's Buildings, bo rescinded."—Mr Douglas seconded the motion, and pointed out that it would be inconvenient for .clients if the offices of the board were on the top flat of these buildings—The motion was' defeated by 5 votes to 4. Mr Burnett moved, in accordance with notice—' That tho previous resolution, that £97 12s 6d bo the lowest tender accepted for • debentures, be rescinded, and that tenders at £97 10s be accepted."—Mr Hancock seconded the motion, which was defeated. , IN COMMITTEE. Tho Chairman moved — "That ■Mr Douglas, vice-chairman, tako the chair, and that Mr Foote act as secretary pro tern." Mr Farquharson seconded the motion, t Mr Hancock moved—"That the board go into committee to consider the matter nf the dispute between tb c 6ccietary and Mr Small." Ho paid he thought sufficient publicity had been given to this matter. In any case, they would havo to draw up an order of reference for tho inquiry which was pending. Mr Burnett seconded tho motion.

Mr Arkle eaid lie thought this matter should be taken in open board. There were certain charges made Against two members of the board, and if they had done anything wrong they should bo punished for it. Mr Marlow said he thought they should finish the mutter at that meeting.. He pointed out that the present conditions could not conduce to tha good working of the board, «nd they should dispose of the matter as soon as possible.

The motion was carried, and the board went, into committee.

After fully considering the mntter, the board passed a resolution stating " That Mr E6tlicr had been mietnkon when he stated that Mr. Small had supplied the chairman with figures that misled the banker."

The inquiry will be continued on Monday night.