After the Deluge.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9110, 2 July 1898, Page 4

After the Deluge.

The following discussion took place at the last meeting of the Borough Council on the flood damages referred to in the Foreman's report, which was published yesterday:—

Or Davey urged that as the handbridge over the Tararu Creek was now put out of repair by the flood, it should be replaced by a traffic bridge, It was suggested that the County Council be asked to contribute to the cost of such a bridge, on the ground that it was almost exclusively County residents who used the road for. traffic purposes. Cr Davey added that the cost of placing a traffic bridge would not be much more than the cost of replacing the present hand-bridge. The timbers now in use were much too heavy for a hand-bridge. Or Eadford thought that the present timbers would not be nearly sufficient for traffic bridge requirements.

Or Foulgrain suggested that the Government should be appealed to for assistance.

Or Kadford then made a remark which aroused Or Darey's protest. Cr Badford said that he gave the North "Ward members every credit for asking for a lot, but he would draw attention to the amount the Council was already proposing to expend in the North Ward. A jsb now proposed in that Ward would co*t £150. Cr Davey remarked that the present hand-bridge, which he condemned in the interests of the traffic oq the road was undertaken during Cr Radford's term as Mayor. Cr Radford: Cr Davey was then present in the Council, and the plans of the bridge were laid on the Council table. No one spoke against it save Cr Wood, and the proposal was carried with the assent of all the other Councillors. Cr Davey; No plan was laid on the table. Cr Radford declared to the con<trary. Cr Burch thought that the Council should (approach the County Council asking fora contribution to the cost of »traffic bridge. Cr Foy expressed bis willingness to ■econd a motion to that effect. I Cr Wood rose to congratulatejim-1 self od the fact that hta nnsvmmmi action in the p»st was nowjiiHl| £• stated that when tbi bMlMp|f

*as propped he .WttS \pe oply Councillor whoi Held out for a traffic bridge, but the Council had decided in favor of a hand bridge Now he Baw Councillor after Councillor get up and j condemn the hand bridge. Cr Radford: Ido not condemn it. Cr Wood replied to the effect that Cr Radford was not likely to condemn his own work. The Mayor (Mr Wm. Scott; pointed out the difficulties of the positioo He was of opinion that the Borough Council had bo right to ask the County Council for assistance in the matter, as the Borough ought to be able to look after its own traffic bridges. On the other hand, the Borough Council had no money for the work.

Further discussion ensued, it being pointed out that the cre«k, crossing was hollowed out and dangerous/and that the hearse had suffered some unseemly

experiences. * Or Whitehead desired more Hghfc ©n the subject of the cost, and eventually it was agreed to obtain » report from the Foreman of Works as to the cost of a traffic bridge. On the subject of the repairs to the aqueducts and the cleaning out of the Karaka Creek, it tuanimously decided that the Government should be asked for assistance. A committee of inspection was also appointed. Ors Burch and Poulgrain referred to the growing necessity of the Government taking in hand the various creeks which periodically deluge the Borough with County debris. It was stated that in the South ihese things came under the heading of sludge channels, and responsibility largely devolved upon the Government, Cr .Radford referred to the much discussed fence near the mouth of the Karaka Creek. He stated that the recent Iflood would ht.ve done much damage in the vicinity had not a resident proceeded to the fence and removed a portion of it, thus lowering the water nine inches.

The Mayor: That was not Borough property. It was a private fence. Ors Burch and Clark referred to the condition of the Karaka Creek, the former emphasising the immediate necessity of having some of the debris

removed.

The Mayor pointed out the financial obstacle.

Or Burch: But the work must be done.

The Mayor said he would be only too glad to see it done if money could be found. The Town Clerk remarked that they would eat up all the money and then have to stop. Or Burcb : What would happen if a fresh occurred now ? The Town Clerk : The Bank will not advance you a shilling more. It was resolved on Cr Burch's motion to proceed at once to call tenders for removing 1000 .loads.