KAITANGATA NEWS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XL, Issue 42, 25 November 1913, Page 6

KAITANGATA NEWS.

fBOX OUH OWH OOBBBBPONDSNT. GRANTON TOWNSHIP DRAINAGE. I * On Friday evening a special mooting of the borough council was held for the purpose of providing an opportunity for the ratepayers of Granton township to to thoroughly into the question of drainage. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J\ Souness) and Councillors Donaldson. Stephenson, Marsh and Wilson were present, and discussed the matter with the ratepayers' representatives. ][is Worship, in welcoming the deputation, stated that he was pleased to see them present to go thoroughly into the question of drainage and also the raising of a loan to curry out the work. As lie understood that the ratepayers of Granton were quite willing to be rated for a loan, he thought it was only 1 air that they should be encouraged to have their scheme carried into effect. Mr Wilson, who acted in a dual capacity as a councillor and a Granton- resident, stated that, he considered that the Bruce County Council had shirked its duty in relation to the lakes drainage. The water came over the banks from the railway ditch and kept the flat in such a wet condition that the land was practically useless. The flood waters from the lakes were getting to the railway ditch via the Stirling drain. Mr Soilness said that the Bruce Council was anxious at one time to get a dredge on the canal, but since that time seemed to forget that it was responsible for the prevention of flooding. The canal'was gradually being silted up, and unless something was done to it there was certain to be a recurrence of the flooding of the flat.

Mr D. P. Clements said that there was not the slightest doubt, that after heavy rains the canal as it was at present could not carry off the water, as the silt had raised the bottom of the canal to a height of about two feet. The result was that the little lake instead of being empty and acting as a storage for extra water in wet weather was now full, and a couple of days' heavy rain brought the water over t!u usual height, and it straightway began to flow back up the Stirling ditch, overflowed that on to the railway ditch and over the flat to the large ditch which emptied its water above Clyde terrace. This was a devious route, and yet it proved that the canal was not meeting the purpose for which it had been cut. The large ditch coming down to Clyde Terrace was unable to carry much more water than under normal conditions as it wanted cleaning out, but the county council had been asked to have this work done and had not atteuded to it. He felt sure that the landowners affected could get an injunction in the court against the county council for damage done by flood through that body failing to keep its drain in proper condition. One landowner whom lie knew was at present being specially rated by the county because the large drain iKelly's draiiO. had been put in. and when he could not get the council to keep it clear lie had to turn to himself and do his best at it. This drain had cost £250 to put in. He had been over the ground affected bv the flood waters at Granton. and there was about .">1 acres, exclusive of the Anderson allotment—this should be included also —and at a rateable value of £- -per acre it would be a pretty heavy rate. Is. in the £., for the ratepavers to pay. The ditch as required bv the deputation would cost for deepening and widening about £9O. This included the erection of a lock which would run into about £(!(!.

Mr Mr 1 lines said lie would not object to pay even this heavy rate. The late ileoi'ss hail already cost I.im more tiian what he Avon hi have paid for tlic work. His late father had given land free of <-esf to the county to pur in the canal which was only to provide for lakes' drainage, and not .Stirling drainage also. Tile council had broken its trust. His solicitors had advised him that the county council could now be compelled to keep the lakes' water off his "round. The town clerk outlined a scheme as put forward by a syndicate for draining the lakes. The conditions would be considered later by the county council .'Mid it accepted and the terms agreed upon by this syndicate would guarantee safety trom floods. Jtowever as Mr ilson considered that the Wellington street drain should be gone oil with and his neighbours were prepared to stand tim burden of taxation, it was for the council to decide upon a loan for them.

The Mayor thanked the deputation for attending and speaking upon the trouble afiecting them. Ife would put the whole matter before the next meeting of the ''Ouncil and he was sure it would agree to the deputation's request. The deputation thanked the Mayor and councillors present and withdrew.

PRESENTATION. Mr A. Rowley, who has severed his connection with the staff of the firm of Messrs McGruor, Taylor and Company, after a term of 11 years' service, was presented by his lYl'low-employees with a valuable pair of field-glasses.

Mr E. McFadyen (local manager of the firm . in making the presentation, said that they were sorry to lose Mr Rowley, who had always proved himself n goo.! and faithful servant. The staff was a happy family all through. He congratulated Mr Rowley upon his making a start upon a business of his own, and wished him all success.

Mr Roivlev thanked his fellowemployees for their splendid pit. lie could always iook back «p un The pleasant times spent in the service of tiie "i- ii! id although lie ronlil mention many w<iom lie had worked for. he thought more of Mr Mr-Fad yen and his predece -or f Mr Yates) than all the others. He wished his own successor the same happy times as had been his own. Mr Rowley lias taken over the lease of the place lately partly destroyed by lire, tjut is being rebuilt, and as Mr Stock intends to retire from the business Mr Bowley will likely be able to

I make a start about the beginning of ) next month. GENERAL. The local . iirc brigade has had a month's option offered by the ChristI'liurch brigade over tho purchase of an SO-gallon chemical engine. The brigade is closing with the offer, and feels sure it will easily raise the £SO within tho time. The members of tho Union are supporting the levy for the assistance of the Huntlv men's wives ami children, and are paying in well. Many who cannot afford the I<> per cent, are giving as much as they can. A notable feature in tliis levy case is that not only Union members but also those outside of the mine are offering their contributions. The school committee meets this evening for general business, and the borough council meets to-morrow evening.