DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 749, 13 November 1876, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

Monday, November 13. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Christohurch District Drainage Board was held at 10.30 a.m. Present—Messrs F. Hobbs (chairman), Ross, Jones, Tancred, Hall, Duncan, and Harman. The Engineer's report was read as follows : " The first thorough clearing of creeks and water-courses, as far as I have thought it necessary, is now finished, and in future the work will be confined to maintaining them in an efficient state. The cost of this work will be submitted at the end of the year. " I have directed some repairs to be made to the timbering of slopes in Horner's drain, near the River Styx, which is much damaged and rotten, and requires immediate attention to prevent the sides falling in. " I have directed willow stakes to be planted on the slopes of No 2 drain, to keep the sandy banks together. If the willows will grow in the sand they will be as effec tual and much cheaper than timbering the sides One or the other means must be taken at once to preserve the drain from being blocked up. " A drain has been ordered to be cut from Papanui down the North road into Dudley's creek, being the best direction in which to drain the village of Papanui, the existing drains being useless. •* The drain at Innes's road has been fenced with spurred fencing, at a cost of £2 4s per chain for 9J chains. " The mattere referred to the engineer at last meeting have been attended 10. " I have the honour to remain, " C. Napier Bell." Some discussion ensued upon the clearing of the river Avon, which owing to obstructions, was rising considerably. The engineer said that he had given the contractor notice to double the gang or he should do so at his expense. The river was being filled up with the anhcharis alsinastwm, which was growing very fast. The action of the engineer in this matter was approved. The remainder of the report was adopted. A letter was read from Mr James Campbell, stating that the river Avon was flooding his land, and that there was two feet of water on the road, preventing his children from going to school. The chairman said he understood that the road past Mr Hennah's was all under water. It was resolved to reply to Mr Campbell that the Board were taking steps to lower the river. A letter was read from Mr W. Harris, an old man and a cripple, asking for a remission of rates. It was resolved to remit the matter to the rate collector A letter was read from Mr R. J. Loughman, pointing out that the Ferry road drain was covered with thistles, which were going to seed and covering his and other persons' land with thistles. It was resolved to remit the matter to the engineer, with power to take action if he sees it necessary to do so. A letter was read from Mr Pyne calling the attention of the Board to a drain leading along the belt in Hagley Park. The matter was referred to the engineer. A letter was read from theßiccarton Road Board with reference to the drainage of a section belonging to Mr Cookson, suggesting that the Drainage Board should deepen and widen the creek, and that the Riccarton Road Boaid would deepen and widen the roadside ditches. It was resolved that the letter be referred to the Engineer to report upon. Mr Duncan braught under the notice of the Board, the filling up by weeds of one of the drains from Reeoc's to the Horseshoe lagoon, which was causing the backing up of the water.

The engineer was directed to inspect the locality, and report thereon. A letter was read from Mr 0. Ludds, forwarding lists of rateable property in the Heathcote district in which certain omissions occurred, owing to the laches of the valuator, and hoping that he would not be called upon to supply the information which was omitted from the rate book. A report from Mr B. H. Palmer, clerk and treasurer to the Board, upon Mr Ludds' letter, was 'rend. He forwarded certain resolutious, which he thought would would meet the case. Considerable trouble had been experienced with the collector. In several cases moneys had been collected by the collector which was not on the rate roll, and the clerk of the Board had refused to accept this money. , After some discussion the following resolution was agreed to-" That the suggestions forwarded by Mr Palmer be adopted, and that the chairman be requested to communicate the same to Mr Ladds." Mr Duucan moved—" That the rate collectors of the various districts bs instructed to get iu the balance of rates outstanding, whether by suiug or otherwise, within a fortuight from date ; all rates outstanding after that date to be sued for without respect of persons." Mr Hall seconded the motion, which was agreed to Several accounts, including the salaries for the month of October were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.