PUKEKURA DRAINAGE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2924, 17 April 1928, Page 4

PUKEKURA DRAINAGE

ANOTHER DELAY. FORWARD STEPS TAKEN. The much-discussed special drainage district at Pukekura was again discussed at the monthly meeting of the Waipa County Council yesterday, when a. resolution was passed taking formal steps to pass a special order setting up the Pukekura special drainage district. Before the motion was passed Cr Fisher asked if he could get some distinct understanding as to when the work in this drainage area would actually be gone on with. The council had already had the project in hand for three years, and he thought it quite time they knew when it would be completed. The engineer said the work was a big proposition. He was inclined to tli. :'\ *ha'; a loan should have been raised for this work, but it could now be done by striking a rate. If it were decided to do the Avork in sections it would require the taking of further levels. Mr Civil pointed out that since Mr Stanton (assistant engineer) had left their employ he had been '"'up against it," and the main highways had caused him a lot of office work. The principal work in connection with the Pukekura drainage had been completed. He thought it would be wise to leave the matter over until next year. Cr Poacocke said he knew the engineer was overworked, and asked was there anything to prevent an outside engineer being appointed for such work as this drainage. The chairman said that might easily be done, but this drainage affected several district roads and for that reason their engineer preferred to do the work himself. » The Engineer; That is so! Mr Civil further pointed out that certain sections were holding up all the water at Pukekura. He would go into the matter as soon as possible. Cr Fisher said the present was a most opportune time to push on with the work, as the swamp was dry. It was very disappointing that they could not take advantage of these conditions. Cr Clarke asked what they were to do if the engineer could not keep pace with the work, and Cr Peaeocke suggested that an outside cngineor be secured for big works like the Pukekura drainage, to work under their own engineer. The engineer stated that his assistant was shaping well, and in a few months would be able to relievo him considerably. There was not mueh more to do at the Pukekura drainage, and he thought it' better for him to complete it himself. Cr Livingstone said it seemed the engineer was overworked, and expressed the opinion that he might pass on some of the work to his assistants. The resolution re special order was carried, and the matter then dropped, Cr Fisher again expressing regret at the delay.