DRAINAGE BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3424, 1 April 1879, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The usual meeting of tho Drainage Board was held yesterday iflernoon ; present — Messrs R. J. S. Hnrmnn (in the chair) A. Duncan, C. R. Blakistou, — Ross, J. E.

Brown

EXCHANGE ON MR CLAUK'S DHAITS,

The Chairman reported that he had arranged with the Bank of New Zealand that Mr Clark should includo exchange in the amount of his future drafts upon tho Board.

TIEATHCOTE, FERlir HOAP. A letter was read from the Ileathcotc Boad Board, asking that the footpath on the south side of the Ferry road may be left six inches higher than the side of the road, with a full of three inches from tho back, next the sections. Tho side of the road to bo of a regular gradient, so as to carry the storm water to the inlets of the storm water sewer. If what they ask is done, the Board undertake all further responsibility. Tho Engineer did not think it desirable to touch tho footpath at present. Mr Duncin said that the Drainage Board would not be responsible for future settlement of the path. The Engineer waa requested to give effect to the Ileathcote Road Board's request as soon as possible. BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. A letter from the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand was read. It stated that the London offices would be duly advised by the outgoing mail of the changes to be made in the terms of the credit in favour of Mr Clark.

It was deemed satisfactory. HAKEWOOD BOAD. A letter from Mr H. Washbourne, of Eiccarton, was read. It asked that a drain through section 330 might be cleared. The Engineer said that the end of the drain was carried to a private road, and the Board could not carry it further.

The Secretary was instructed to inform Mr Wuohbourne that the drain in question is not one taken over by the Riccarton Road Board.

FENDAIiTO-WTf,

A letter was read from Mr Peter Chick, of Fendaltown, asking if the Board could propose any remedy by which the water could be kept from coming on to his garden. He complained that two of his crops had been nearly spoiled by water since a drain, which formerly relieved his land, had been filled up.

Thn Board decided to reopen the old watercourse to a proper level, so as to give as little annoyance as possible to the owners of the adjoining land. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Mr J. E. Brown said that the Finance Committee had met, but had not yet prepared their report. In August last a basis for the adjustment of the rates had been made, with which he (Mr Brown) did not agree. By that arrangement all permanent works were to be paid for out of the loan. The speaker was proceeding with his remarks when,

The Chairman recommended him to give notice.

Mr Brown would wish to have the ruling of the Chairman as to whether or nofc the Committee should bring up their report on the basis adopted at the time he mentioned. The Chairman, haviDg referred to the instructions to the Committee adopted by the Board, suggested that Mr Brown should raise the question by formal notice. It was a question which mnst be disposed of, and perhaps it would be well to hold a special meeting to consider it.

Mr Duncan thought the matter might be decided at once. The various Boards were anxious to know what rate was to be struck in the respective districts.

Mr Brown thought it would save time if the Board took legal advice. He was under the impression that there would be litigation were the Board to act upon the basis which had been decided.

It was resolved to hold a special meeting of the Board at half-past ten on Wednesday morning.

VAIiTTEB.

Mr Duncan moved, and Mr J. E. Brown seconded— " That the Board appoint a valuer to assess the value of all rateable property within the Christchurch Drainage District which has not been assessed by the various local valuers, owing to several properties not being included in tho districts assessed by them, such assessment to be in conformity with clauses 49 to 74 (inclusive) of the Christchurch District Act, 1875."

The motion was agreed to, and the Chairman was authorised to arrange for obtaining a valuer.

Mr Harman here left tho meeting, and Mr Ross was voted to the chair.

KNIOUITSTOWN,

Mr Dixey waited on the Board as a deputation from the residents in Crescent road, Knightstown, to requeat that the drainage of the locality may be attended to. The Engineer was instructed to inspect the place and report what was necessary to bo done, and Mr Dixey was assured that as soon as the pipes arrive tho matter will be attended to.

Mr Dixoy also complained of the Avon Road Board leaving the mud taken out of the drains to fester, thus creating sickness in the neighbourhood.

The Chairman was requested to bring the matter before the attention of the Board of Health.

CANAL EESEEVE,

Mr Biggs waited upon tho Board, and asked them to re-consider the decision they had come to at their last meeting in tho matter of a bridge over the canal drain. The Chairman pointed out that tho Act did not allow the Board to do as Mr Riggs wished them, but that the Board would allow him to put in pipes subject to the approval of their .Engineer.

FINANCE,

Accounts were passed as follows : — Loan account, £3813 10s Id ; Bate account, £68 9s sd.

The Board then adjourned till Wednesday at half-past 10 a.m.