Makerua Drainage

Chronicle (Levin), 31 January 1948, Page 7

Makerua Drainage

.A/edmprehensive survey of .all urgent internai drainage work in the Makerua drainage diktxict wiB be made, by the eugiueer to " the Makerua Draindge Boaird (Mr. O, J. Dolan), who Will prepafe a report and estimate of the cost oi' a scheme for flood protectiou and the improvement of drainage in tiie district, for presentation to a future meeting of the board. The report win also indieate stages of the work proposed in order of urgency. This was deeided at a meeting of the board on the motion of Tr. W. Mc. Williams, There was a large number of jobs in the district which required attention, said Tr. Williams, and a, sclieme should be dravvn up for the improvement of the main sections of the drains. No general work had been done in the Makerua district for over 11 years, he said. The board could not go on for anotlier 11 years without getting someIhing done, or the positiou would beconie chaotic. Tr. A. Gillespic said ha would like to see consideration given to Ihe improvement of the floodgates on the Tokomaru River, which were vitaliy in need of attention. The chairman (Tr. S. H. Claridge) said that the work was outside the powers of the board and rested soiely with the Manawatu Oatchment Board. Tr. MeWilliains' piau deserved full support, he said. He suggested something in ihe nature of a three-year plan, providing for one year 's preparation aua two years' putting into operation. Other members sppke in support of the proposal. Mr. Dolan estimated that a survey oi the entire district would take from six to nine mouths. The motion was carried unanilnously. s Those present at the meeting were Trustees S. H. Olaridge (chairman), W. Mc. Williams, A. E. Olsen, N. 15. Gibbons, I. V. Burkhart and A. Gillespie. On receipt from the -Public Works Department of authority for the board to go ahead with work on the Seifert's drain improvement sche.me, it was deeided to instruct the ehgineer (Mr. O. J. Dolan) to call for tenders for the work. Mr. Dolan will also approacli the chief engineer to the Manawatu Catcnment Board about the hire of' the board 's exeavator should the tenders not be suitable. It was deeided to discuss with the Soils Conservation and Rivers Oontroi Council the matter of securing an injreased subsidy for protection work on the banks of the Mangaone Stream. The district electrical engineer to the 3tate Hydro-eleetrie Department (Mr. A. 0. Owen) wrote, stating that 'any iction on this matter would have to be ;aken up with tlie Soils Conservation md Rivers Oontroi Council, and not vith his department. A resolution was passed imposing a ]0 per cent. penalty on the second nstalment of tho 1947-48 rates not>aid after March 25. The finaneial statement showed that Rere was a eredit bank balance of ;3444 5s.