DRAINAGE MEETING AT TAI TAPU.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 641, 5 September 1882, Page 2

DRAINAGE MEETING AT TAI TAPU.

A meeting of those interested in the drainage of this district was held in the Schoolroom, Tai Tapu, on Tuesday evening, 29th ult.. to take into consideration the best mode of lowering the water in the Ahiiriri lagoons, as well as along the H ilswell River generally. The meeting was largely attended. Mr R. A. Forbes, Chairman of the Little River Road Board, was voted to the chair. Having explained the object for which the meeting had been called, he invited any person who wished to express an opinion as to the best way of arriving at a successful and permanent drainage of those lagoons, to kindly do so, Mr W.Goodwin said he had no doubt that the greatest obstruction to the outlet of the river Halswell was the want of sufficient, water-way in three bridges at Ahuriri, and would suggest as a remedy that a ditch should be cut along the south side of the present main road, to take awny the water backed in consequence. Mr Leatham was of opinion that an engineer should be employed to report as to tlie best course to bo pursued. Hβ contended that the Salwyn County would benefit more by the projected drainage than the Akafoa ; at any rate, the thanks of the residents were duo to tiie Councils of both Counties for the interest they had taken, and promise to take, in tliis matter, and also to the Chairman of the Little River Road Board for calling the meeting.

Mr J. Gebbie reg eated that all the correspondence between both Councils and the Little River Road Board might be read, which being complied with, lie said he considered greater benefits would accrue to the Selwyn than the Akaroa County. He did not think that the bridges referred to by Mr Goodwin lnd much to do with the flooding of the river Halswell. He should rather be of opinion it was caused by the advanced state of drainage of the surrounding country, thereby introducing innumerable currents into the main stream (Halswell), consequently necessitating a better outlet, either by a wider bed or a straigiiterone. He was of opinion that a professional man ought to be engaged to report on the best mode of attaining this desirable end.

Mr J. J. Herriek coincided with Mr Gebbie as to the cause of the flooding of the river. He thought that all obstructions, including, willows, niggerheads, flax, &c, should be taken out, and the whole course of the river left clear, and also widened, He did not think the bridges referred to caused much obstruction.

Mr J. G. Murray agreed with Mr Herrick that the great thing necessary was to make the present course a straight one, and would therefore suggest that a canal might be cut from the lagoons, across the flat, to the lake, as it was clear that the shorter the course the greater wou'd ha tho fall. This would on ye about 2£ miles, whereas the pre-ent course, owing to windings, &c, is over seven miles. Ho was of opinion th-.t the advice of a professional man should be sought on -he subject, as it was one of paramount importance to a large senii-.m <>f the residents.

Mr Mangles contended that if the river were lowered below tlm lagoons it would not have the desired effect, as those very lagoons are in themselves the greatest obstruction.

Mr Gebbie suggested that a better thing could not be done than appropriate tho £50 already received from the two County Councils to obtain professional advice. Mr Good win proposed that ft peg should be driven at high and low water levels of the lagoons and lake, with a view to test the fall to be obtained.

The Chairman reminded the gentlemen present that ttie County Councils sought the opinion of the residents on the subject, and would, he thought, act upon it.

Several gentlemen thought all trees, etc., should be cleared away to start with.

Mr Fleming thought professional knowledge ought to be applied. Mr Perry man said that tho Selwyn County Council wouid have given a grant for the purpose of improving tho drainage referred to long since, had not the Road Boards intimated that the reported obstruction did not exist. He assured them tlw>t as a member of that body nothing would be loft undone by him to obtain a grant for any reasonable schoine of drainage. Mr Murray proposed the following resolution :—-'•! hat a committee bo appointed from this meeting to inspect tho course of the river Halswell, with a view to arrive at the best mode of'lowering the water therein ; and that the said committee forward their report to the Akaroa and Selwyn County Councils, through the Little River ltoad Board, at as eariy a date as possibles." Mr Judge seconded the resolution, which was carried. The committee to consist of Messrs Forbes, He rick, Mangles, Fleming, Murniy, and Goodwin After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting dissolved.