OTAUTAU NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20949, 5 December 1929, Page 3

OTAUTAU NOTES

RIVER BOARD. (From Our Correspondent). The monthly meeting of the River Board on Monday evening was attended by Messrs John Smith (chairman), J. T. Ryan, D. McGregor, J. H. Smith and John Muir. A petition was forwarded from Me®rs D. Dowling, M. Clifford, J. P. Clifford, A. J. Swap, A. S. Cullen, R_ Greenslade and D. Marnane praying that when the dredging work was continued through and beyond their properties the spoil be deposited on both sides of the river in order to make the banks on either side of equal height. The following reasons were given: (1) That the board intended to deposit on one side only; (2) that during spells of heavy rain the bed of the river, even when deepened, would not carry all flood water, and the land not banked would be flooded; (3) that the cost of the work was borne by the ratepayers, and that to deposit on both sides the expense would not be much greater than on one side; (4) that in the event of the board’s work causing damage to adjacent property, the board would be responsible for such damage. In the event of the request not being granted the petitioners asked that no banks whatever be erected on either side of the stream. After discussion it was decided to defer consideration of the question until the position was seen when the dredge reached dead water. After reporting on the cost of the completed work the clerk was authorized to apply for the £1 to £2 expended grant subsidy on the amount paid to date. A copy of the proposed Land Drainage and River Protection Act, which was to be further proceeded with next session, was forwarded by the Minister of Internal Affairs for the consideration of members of river and drainage boards in the interval. It was resolved’ to circulate the copy amongst members. The chairman reported that in company with Mr John Muir and the clerk he had waited on the ratepayers in the Waikouro subdivision with the object of obtaining signatures of consent to the board raising a loan of £2,500. The response had been very gratifying, and the necessary three-fourtbs had been obtained. The clerk reported that the Loans Board had granted permission to raise the money. No. 1 subdivision committee reported that the fence on the north side of the main street traffic bridge had been attended to, and the same committee was authorized to clear gorse on the bank behind Rye Street. An offer of £6 for skids under the old engine was received from Mr W. Seatter.— It was decided that the board remove the old engine, and that the buyer take delivery on the ground. Euchre Social. There was a large attendance at the euchre social on Monday evening in aid of the funds for the Town princess campaign, the table arrangements being organized by Miss Hay, and a good supper being provided by a strong ladies’ committee. Mesdames Porteous, W. Coulter and J. Seatter tied for the ladies’ trophy with 11 games each, the first-named winning in the playoff. A tie also resulted in the men’s section between Messrs T. C. Muir and J. Seatter, the former being successful in the play-off. Miss W. Gonley and Mr 11. Connell won the consolation prizes. Children’s Party. On Saturday last the children of St. Andrews’s Church were entertained at a children’s party in honour of St Andrew’s Day. The children were attired in fancy costume, the judges awarding the prizes to Agnes Paulin and Willie Bachelor. Games were indulged in to the enjoyment of everyone. Personal. Constable Moore has definitely received word of his transfer to Kaitangata, and leaves next week to ’take up his new duties. Constable O’Shea, his successor, has arrived in the township, and has taken over his duties. Messrs John Fisher, W. Smellie, J. F. Spratt and C. Foster are attending a dairy conference in Wellington.