TAIERI RIVER TRUST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18874, 29 May 1923, Page 5

TAIERI RIVER TRUST

The monthly meeting of the Taieri River Trust, hold yesterday was presided over by Mr R T. Sadd, J. G. Wyllio (Outram) asked that the ditch between Messrs A. Campbell’s and A. Probort’s properties bo cleaned. —Referred to Mr Reid and the engineer with power to act. John Marshall, son. (Woodside), complained of damage done to his property through (ho break in the Contour Channel. —Repairs to this break to be next in order. The Prime Minister replied to the trust’s telegram—“that it intended to make the embankment near the Otokia railway bridge up to the level recommended by the Now Zealand Rivers Commission” —that ho was making inquiries and would reply later. A similar answer was received from the Minister of Railways in reply to the trust’s inquiry as to whether his department intended to impose any conditions in connection with the proposed erection of a new embankment in close proximity to the railway reserve from bridge over Taieri River at Otokia. The Clerk reported having applied to tho Minister of Public Works for a £ for £ grant up to £7OOO flood damage repairs. The Taieri County Council wrote advising receipt of the trust’s letter to the effect that it had rescinded the resolution conveyed in its letter of Septembr 6, 1922, and had decided that in future the question of liability as between tho council and the trust for bridge renewals or repairs would be decided at the time of such renewals or repairs. The council had discussed the matter, and decided to send a reply that it, was regretted that the tjfust had seen fit to rescind the resolution, and pointed out the unworkable position that would arise in tho event of urgent repairs to bridges. In the case of renewals, the council was quite agreeable to the matter of liability being a matter of conference or discussion, and would ask tho trust to reconsider its decision.—lt was resolved that in the case of urgent temporary repairs the County Council carry out tho woi-k, and if any dispute arose as to liability the previous agreement to be relied on without committal ; new works to be the subject of a conference. DEPUTATIONS. A number of ratepayers waited on the trust requesting that certain works be carried out. A largely-sighed petition was also laid on the table praying for the widening of Brown’s cut, Momona. Mr J. W. Blair asked that the trust use its influence to get the' Railway Department to erect a bridge over the natural depression in his property instead of having the breach filled in with ballast. He also suggested that instead of repairing tho break in the bank in his place that it bo set back by straightening it to join with tho existing banks on the other side of the railway. There was sufficient material in the present bank.—lt was decided to write the Railway Department about tho bridge. The straightening of the bank could not be classed ns flood repairs. It would have to come under the heading of new scheme. Mr Doherty’s trouble was about the breaks in the contour. Pie suffered through these every rainfall, and he hoped that some permanent repairs would be effected to prevent further breaks. At the same time, he thought the cheapest way to deal with the contour channel was to plough it in.— (Laughter.) Mr Matheson: Where would the water go? Mr Doherty: We were bettor off before the channel was made. Mr John Campbell asked that, the willows be cut and the bed of the stream cleaned of debris. He supported tho application re Brown’s cut, and also mentioned the advisability of straightening the drain which emerged from Brown’s cut. and running it across to meet tho cut again near Moynihan’s bridge.—No action was decided on in this matter meantime. Mr John Young supported the need for the removal of willows, and the cleaning of river bed where it had silted up. The Outram railway bridge was too small. Only two spans were carrying water at this flood, and even one of these was blocked by a tree, which held up the debris. He drew attention to the water lying on his place and made suggestions for its removal. —The Trust decided to offer £2OO towards the cost of pipes, these to be not less than 18in and laid to tho satisfaction of the engineer by the applicant. Before the deputations retired, the engineer expressed his appreciation of tho assistance given to him by tho West' Taieri people during the flood period. No obstruction was placed in his way, and they met him cheerfully in his requests for teams, bags, or anything else. Speaking of the Taieri drainage problem, he ventured the opinion • that any scheme to be successful would require to have its inception at the top of the Plain. Willows would have to be cleared and the bank set back. The railway had been made a primary consideration in the past, but it was now quite evident it would have to take its chances with the others for the good of all. RESIGNATION OF CLERK AND TREASURER. Mr W. E. M’Lean handed in his resignation as clerk and treasurer. —This was accepted with regret, and members took the opportunity of saying a word of praise in regard to the manner in which Mr M’Lean had carried out his duties during the past 15 years. —The Chairman said they all recognised his intimate and extensive knowledge of Taieri drainage matters. It would be next door to impossible to find a successor so well versed. While he expressed regret at his departure, ho, at the same time, offered congratulations on the appointment to such a responsible ■position as Mr M’Lean had obtained.—All tho commissioners endorsed the remarks of tho chairman, and the engineer {Mr Couston) referred to the courtesy and civility shown at all times by the clerk. His ability was outstanding—not only did he keep the books perfectly,' but he drafted local bills and saw them through Parliament, Mr M’Lean had always taken the financial portion of schemes off the engineer’s hands. Ho had the niost implicit Confidence in him in every respect, and it wae unfortunate that the Taieri was to lose Mr M’Lean’s services, especially at the present time.—ln replying, Mr M’Lean said he had only done his duty, and had carried out the board’s instructions to the best of his ability. No one could say that Taieri drainage had always been a pleasure, but he sought to meet all difficulties with the best that was in him.—The filling of the vacancy was then discussed, and Mr Reid moved that applications lie called for the position, and that Mr J. T. Gibson (who had been mentioned as a suitable person) act temporarily, so that Air M’Lean might be relieved of his duties at as early a date as possible.— Mr Ford seconded.—Mr Matheson moved as an amendment that Mr Gibson be appointed permanently,—Mr M’Leod seconded.—The amendment, was supported hy Mr Marshall and carried.—Mr Blackie (one of tho Government nominees) did not_ exorcise a vote, remarking that he considered the matter one for tho five representatives of the ratepayers. Had he been casting his vote he would have given it. for the amendment. —Later in the meeting Mr M’Lean was granted a three months’ leave of absence, GENERAL. The trust decided to pay a visit of inspection on the plain on Friday. Accounts totalling £377 11s 4d were passed for payment. It is worthy of record that £330 of this amount was for repairs following on the first flood, which were all waslicd away by tho second visitation. It was resolved to call for tenders for repairs to the break in Blair’s bank, and to go on with the erection of the temporary wing dam at the same spot. A similar resolution was carried regarding the repairs to tho Olri'ia bank break. It was decided to call for tenders for the cutting of 10 chains above and below the Outram railway bridge on both sides of the river. '