DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 695, 11 September 1876, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

Monday, September 11.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Board was held this morning, at 10.30. Present — Messrs- F. Hobbs (chairman), Boss, Hall, Jones, Wright, Duncan, Tancred. The chairman stated that in reply to a telegram from himself, the Superintendent had replied that the Amended Drainage Act had passed the Lower House.

Some discussion arose as to the issuing of debentures.

Ultimately, on the motion of Mr Jones, it was resolved—“ That the chairman and Messrs Tancred and Harman be appointed as a sub-committee for the issuing of debentures.”

The engineer’s report was read as follows ; “I have to report that the drain in the Gasworks road has been repaired. “ The repairs are of a temporary nature, and were effected by the Load Board to prevent accident prior to my visiting the locality. “The construction of this drain is such, that nothing short of complete renewal will render it safe, but by careful watching it may be kept open till more effectual drainage is provided for that district. I recommend the public be informed by notices or adver tisement of the treacherous condition of the road over the drain, which may give way at any time. “The banks of Bell’s creek on Smith’s road are being put in order, bnt so long as cattle drink at the creek it will be impossible to keep them in a thoroughly good condition without going to considerable expense. The drainage of Mr Allen’s section, in Peacock street, is imperfect, but I see no reason why, if the section was properly filled up, the surface water should not be conveyed into the street drains. There is a ditch at the back of this and the adjoining sections that should be filled in ; at present it is a receptacle for all sorts of rubbish and filth.

“ The creek through the Sandridge township has been cleared, and the level of the water reduced considerably, I find that the culvert at Colombo road south is stopped by willow roots, which prevent the free passage of the water. The clearing of this culvert will involve breaking up the road, and I therefore communicated with the Road Board surveyor, and he has informed me, verbally, that he considers it to be the Drainage Board’s duty. “ Notices have been served upon two persons for the removal of obstructions and encroachments, and several others will have to be treated in a like manner.

“ The bridge across the Ferry road drain, section 62, has been constructed. “ Two communications have been received from the Engineer, calling for plans and sections, the preparation of which will be pushed forward. “ John Webstee, “ Surveyor, “ For Engineer to the Board.” The report was discussed seriatim. On clause 1, the surveyor was directed to take steps to make the creek safe.

The other clauses of the report were approved. Mr Heard waited upon the Board and complained of the action of the employes of the Board in widening the creek running through Addington, which had been increased by some two or three feet. He had planted a number of young trees, which had been damaged by reason of the water. In Selwyn street the water was backed up, and the creek had not been widened. If: this had been done there it would have been a benefit.

The chairman pointed out that it was intended to clear out the creek along the whole of its length. Mr Heard pointed out that the widening had been made all on his ground, and not on that of his opposite neighbour. After a short discussion it was resolved that the matter be referred to the surveyor to report upon at the next meeting. A letter was read from Dr Brittan, calling attention to the bad state of the drains in f’apanui. He also reported several cases of typhoid fever, which he was attending, all of which he attributed to the state of the drain. The drains were also obstructed with logs of wood, &c.

It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Duncan, that the writer be referred to the Road Board, and informed also that the drains under the control of the Board were being cleared out. A request by Mr Andrews for a footbridge over the Ferry road drain was referred to the surveyor. An application from Messrs Miles, Hassal, and Co, to be allowed to put in a pipe to drain a piece of land on the Ferry road from storm water was granted. The surveyor to supervise the work. A letter was read from Mr Jones, calling attention to stagnant water in Jackson’s creek, between the South-east belt and the railway. The letter was referred to the surveyor to report upon. An application from Mr E, Pepper to be allowed to cut grass on the St John’s road, was referred to the surveyor to report.

A letter was received from several residents calling attention to the flooded state of the creek in Colombo street south.

The surveyor reported that this was caused by the culvert being choked, which had been referred to in the report. The work which he was instructed to do would clear the water off.

Accounts to the amount of £363 Is 4d, were passed for payment. The Board then adjourned.