DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 737, 30 October 1876, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

Monday, October 30. The ordinary fortnightly meeting was held at the Board offices, at half-past ten o’clock. Present—Messrs F. Hobbs (chairman), Wright, Tancred, Boss, Duncan, and Harman. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The chairman stated the action he had taken in getting some clauses in the Public Works Act altered, so as not to clash with the powers held by the Board under the Drainage Act. Through the efforts of his Honor the Superintendent, a clause had been inserted in the former Bill which would effect the desired object, and the Counties Bill, when in operation, would in no way interfere with the working of the Board. After preparing the debentures in the manner referred to in the letter from the Bank of 14th July last, Mr Cowlishaw found it necessary to call a special meeting and prepare a power of attorney, This had been done, and the Bank appointed the financial agents to the Board in London, and he believed that no difficulty would now occur when the debentures were placed on the market. Some correspondence was read relating to the latter matters referred to by the chairman. On the motion of Mr Wright, the chairman promised to see that a letter was forwarded through the Bank by next outgoing mail, instructing that the fourteen days’ notice provided should be given by advertisement when the debentures are placed on the market. The Engineer reported ; •• Since advertising for a supply of cement, I find that storage must be provided for it at once, and holders of cement wish to get their stores cleared out before the grain season commenced. I have therefore, in anticipation of the consent of the Board, called for tenders to erect a shed on the piece of land purchased from the City Council. I think this land will be found sufficiently central for the storage which the works will require. “ I have had the city south drain cleaned out and hushed, which is all that can be done at present ; if it is found to be very offensive in the middle of summer, I will take measures to flood it with more artesian water. The day-work men which I employ have been engaged mending the outfall drain fences, deepening the railway drain in to Jackson’s creek at the Gaswork, and cleaning out various drains, and in sinking trial pits for the information of the consulting engineer.

“ The contractor for clearing the Avon has commenced his work, and I hope he will not be long in lowering the water in the river. _ “ The subject of fencing the drain in Innes’ road has been referred to the solicitor, but I have done nothing to it yet, as the question involves more than this one drain, and might lead to great expenses being incurred by the Board. “ 0. Napier Bell,” The report was approved, and the engineer was instructed to fence in the drain on Innes’s road. A letter was read from Mr S, Manning, as chairman ot the Heathcote Road Board, saying that some gorse on Ollivier’s road required cutting and clearing. Referred to the engineer, with power to act. A letter Was read from a widow, of very advanced age, stating her inability to pay the drainage rate. Rate remitted as asked. A letter was read from Mr C. Ladds, rate collector, relative to a deduction made in his claim to the Drainage Board, It was resolved that payments should be made to all the collectors at the rate of 90 per cent commission on collections. Some remarks were made by members as to many absurd valuations that had been made throughout the various districts. Among others, Mr Harman mentioned that Eiagley Park, from which the only income could be derived was by grazing, had been assessed at £7500, and a notice for £75 rates had been sent into the Provincial Council. A letter was read from the town clerk forwarding a copy of a letter received with reference to drainage required on North Town belt, giving the surveyor’s opinion that lowering and clearing Free’s creek would remedy the evil complained of, aud asking that early action might be taken to give relief to this portion of the district. The letter was from Mr O. B. Salter, to the city inspector of nuisances, drawing attention to a nuisance, which he stated existed on the property of Mr H. B. Gresson, at Madras street north. Referred to the engineer, with power to act. A number of tenders for the supply of 400 barrels of cement and erection of a shed, were considered in committee. On resuming, a number of accounts were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.