DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 547, 20 March 1876, Page 2

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The usual weekly meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board was held this day at 10.30 a.m. Present—Messrs F. Hobbs (chairman), Harman, Wright, Hall, Jones, Ross, Tancred and Duncan. The report of the Engineer was read as follows :

“ I have the honor to report that I have had levels taken down the outfall drain and the Ferry road. “ With the object of giving temporary relief for the flood waters of the south-east portion of the town, I would recommend that a drain be opened down the Ferry road to connect with the Station and Waltham road drains, and discharging at the Christchurch quay.

“ Besides serving the above purpose it seems to me that a drain is much needed for the numerous dwellings and gardens along the Ferry road which lie too low to be efficiently drained into the present main out f all. Whether this drain is to be permanently used as a storm outfall for tho south portion of the town or not, a sewer will have to be built to drain the Ferry road, which can be constructed, and the footpath made good again whenever a general plan of drainage shall be decided upon.

“ I would recommend that the drain be carried straight from the Smith belt to the Ferry road as if a large sewer is to be built taking this direction would effect a considerable saving, and if not this portion can be filled up again. “ C. Napier Bell, “ Engineer.” The report was received and discussed. Mr Duncan moved—“ That the report as read be adopted, and that immediate action be taken to have that {ortion of the drain between Wilson’s road and the Christchurch quay opened out.” Mr Harman seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr Wright then moved —“ That before deciding upon the course of the drain between Wilson's road and the town belt, the chairman be requested to treat with the owners of sections Nos 13 and 62 for the carrying the drain through those sections to the S.E. corner of the city.” Mr Jones seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Clephane waited on the Board as a deputation from the Heathcote Road Board with respect to the drainage of Philipstown, and asking that the Heathcote Road Board might be allowed to undertake the work by placing pipes into the main drain. Mr Wright moved—“ That permission be granted to the Heathcote Road Board to connect with the main outfall drain for the purpose of carrying off the storm water, the cost to be borne by the Road Board, and the work to be executed to the satisfaction of the Engineer, and of the Drainage Board.” Mr Harman seconded the motion, which was carried. A letter Was read from the City Council asking for a cheque for £IB,OOO, the cost of the outfall drain to be forwarded to them, as they had large works in hand, and required funds,

Mr Duncan pointed out that by the clause in the Act under which they had to pay this sum, provided that it should be a first charge on moneys raised under the borrowing powers of the Act. It now became a question whether, as the debentures had not yet been floated in London, the money had been borrowed under the provisions of the Act. He felt that the Drainage Board did not want to keep the City Council out of the money for one moment, but he wanted to be acting legally. He should move —“ That the chairman consult with tbe solicitor to the Board as to the legality of paying this sum out of the overdraft. ” Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was carried. Several accounts were passed for payment. The Board then went into committee to consider the applications for the office of clerk and treasurer. There were thirtythree applications. After the ballot had been taken, Mr E. H. Palmer was declaredfelected. The Board resumed, and the chairman reported the result of the election. It was resolved that the chairman make the necessary arrangements for the clerk and treasurer to enter on his duties. The Board then adjourned.