DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 231, 6 September 1881, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The usual meeting of the Drainage Board was held at 2 p.m. yesterday. Present— Messrs H. J. Tancred (chairman), W. White, junr.,Fredb. Hobbs, J. V. Boss, J. E. Brown, and O. E. Blakiston. The report of the engineer was read and considered as follows : The subject of complaint of Mr A. Maher I find to be that the strong current in the drain on rnral section 345 has undermined the sandy sides and caused his gorse hedge for a length of about 15 chains to fall forward across the drain, completely destroying the hedge and blocking up the drain. It will he necessary to ent the gorse off the ground and erect a temporary fence, and plant another further from the edge of the drain, sloping the sides to relieve the overhanging sides. The complaint of Mr Spooner, of Knightstown, has reference to the flooded condition of his section and surrounding fields. The Board will have some difficulty in dealing satisfactorily with this complaint, unless the ditch on the northern side of Edgeware road is deepened, and to do so would be costly on account of the quicksand, which causes the sides to fall in unless they are timbered. However, I think the condition of these properties would be greatly improved if the Board acquired the right to clear and maintain an old ditch on the boundary line of properties extending from High street to Crescent road, this would join a drain which the Board has already acquired, discharging into that on the Edgeware road. Some each drain is very necessary to keep all these properties and fields sufficiently dry in winter. At least one public drain in this locality is much wanted. Mr F. Kelly claims £35 for part of his land rural section, taken by the drain recently cut by the Board. I would recommend rather that the Board take the whole triangular piece severed by the drain, which amounts to one quarteracre, at the same price as paid to Mr Boiler, that is, £IOO per acre. I accompanied the deputation of Messrs Ernsa and others, with the view of hearing their suggestions in regard to work necessary to be done to relieve their land for floods. The day after I had been there another storm occurred, flooding their land as much as on the previous occasion which caused their complaints. I think the most feasible way of relieving this district from its excessive quantity of water would be—lst. To divert the waters of the Harewood rosd districts by enlarging and connecting the drain which passes between E.S. 2382 and 135, 1101 and 151, as recommended by me about two years ago. This would divert the drainage of a very large area into the Wairarapa river, instead of allowing it to flow into the low grounds at E.S. 1048, 781, 1071, where it helps to fill the main drains coming from the complainant’s land. 2nd, the main drain should be widened to, say, 8 feet bottom width from Winter’s road to north boundary of E.S. 1157 and also widen the drain passing through 1171. It was also represented to me that the drain passing by the west side of E.S. 293,291, to the Styx river had greatly overflowed and discharged its surplus water towards the Papanni road. I think it would be advisable to widen and deepen this drain, hut I cannot toll to what extent the overflow of this drain contributed to the floods on Messrs Kruse and Horner’s land. For widening the main drain and that through 1171, Messrs Kruse and Homer will give the land required for this purpose. The recent storms of rain have been heavy, although not exceptionally so. I find that the storm water sewers should be relieved in the following manner, and when that is done I think they will be found to be satisfactory for any rainstorm : —lst. The water af the Pound road should be diverted into the old storm drain and taken to the Heathcota, the whole length of the Pound road should he BO diverted, cutting off thit which at present flows down Colombo road south towards the South. Belt. 2nd. The drainage of Addington, which flows down the west side of Selwyn street to the South belt should bo taken across the belt, and continued along the west side of Selwyn street into the Lincoln road drain; this should be taken in the side channel made somewhat larger than the ordinary size, and the overflow can pass into the sewer in the South belt. The corner of the East belt and Tuam street is still subject to be flooded in heavy rain, and this case is difficult to deal with, because the place is so low that when the Ferry read sewer is full the gratings of the gullies at Team street are only about 6in. higher, therefore the water, to get a sufficient head to flow at all, has to rise over the footpath. When the drain road is formed, and the ditch on the north side of it cleaned out, a pipe can be connected with it, which would relieve this inconvenience to some extent. On the 26th Colombo road south was flooded at Third street, the pipe leading into the sewer having got choked. X have ordered 15in pipes to be laid in place of the original 12in pipes. On August 26th, during a heavy rain, I found that the drain in Piper’s lane, Colombo road south, was running full to such an extent that Colombo road was flooded. There is an old stone culvert across the road, which is much too small for snob a fl;od, although the inconvenience suffered by the small size of both culvert and drain at this place is only occasional. On the same day I observed the flood crossing the road at Pigeon’s lane, and directed Mr Ellis to put in £ft Sin wooden box culverts in place of 18in pipes. These culverts, made of totara and well tarred, will last twelve years, and will not cost more than one-third of the cost of concrete culverts. I observed at the same time that the drain through the Government work

shop a should be widened, as it was causing the whole place to bo flooded. On the same day I found the old wooden culvert across the Lincoln road, at crossing of the_ Wilderness road drain, was broken down, causing the road to bo flooded. I have written asking the Spreydon Hoad Board to repair it. In regard to thn complaint of Mr Stubbs of wont of drainage on the Church property fronting Selwyn street and Sonth belt: To drain this lower place it would be necessary to lay a pipe into the South belt sewer, and in my notes of the minutes of the meeting of the Board on August 30th, 1880, I find the Church Property Trustees were to bo informed that they may drain in the sewer by applying to the inspector or licensees, the intention being, I presume, that they should bear the cost of the connection. The works of the main sewer and pumping station aro making satisfactory progress. Mr Pradhoo wishes to have his license for connecting renewed, and I would recommend that the Board grant him a renewed license. In respect to the question of the flooding of Mr Maher’s land, he waited on the 80.-rd to request that the drain running through hie land should bo fenced in. After some discussion, it was resolved —“ That Messrs White and Cuff, with the engineer, visit Mr Maher’s property, and report to next meeting of the Board.”—A deputation from the Heathcote Road Board waited on the Board with reference to the responsibility of the latter as to the maintenance of culverts, bridges, &o. The deputation comprised Messrs F. Joics and T. liruoe, with W. T. O. Mills, clerk. The Chairman read a minute of the Board fixing the responsibility of the maintenance of the culverts crossing roads on the Bond Board. If an entirely new culvert was made by the Drainage Board, they would keep the water, way clear, but if it was a Boad Board culvert, the latter must do this work.—The deputation further brought under the notice of the 'Board the necessity of putting pipes in the Lower Plat road. A very lengthened discussion ensued, and ultimately it was resolved—- « That a anb-committee be appointed to consider the question of the principle whichshould be adopted as to the responsibility of the Drainage Board for these drains.” The •nb-committee appointed were the Chairman, Messrs Hall, White, Cuff, and the mover, to report next sitting day. It was agreed that a copy of the arrangement with Sydenham on this subject be forwarded to the Heathcoto Boad Board.—A deputation from the Avon district waited on the Board with reference to the widening, deepening and timbering Dudley’s creek. The deputation included Mr W. A. Brown and two others, who pointed out that the creek was overflowing on to their land by reason of its silting up very rapidly.—The engineer said that the bottom of the creek required deepening and the sides sloping, having fascines put in with willow cuttings.—Another deputation waited on the Board, with reference to a culvert on the Hew Brighton road which the deputation wished to see enlarged. It was resolved that the engineer be instructed to visit the place and report.—A fnrther deputation waited on the Board, with reference to the clearing of the river Avon, and pointed out that the contract was being very badly carried out, leaving largo islands of weeds backing up the water in the river. It was resolved that the engineer instruct the inspector to see that the contractor carries out this work of clearing the Avon thoroughly and at once.—With respect to the engineer’s report, the following derisions were arrived at : —That the secretary bo requested to make enquiries as to the obtaining of an easement to enable a drain to be made to relievo Mr Spooner. As regards Mr Kelly’s claim for compensation, it was decided to leave the matter to Mr Blakiston to report. With respect to Mr Kruse’s complaint of flooding, It was agreed to request the engineer to prepare an estimate of the cost of his proposed work of deepening the drain, and of diverting the water to the Wairarapa for next meeting. The recommendations of the engineer with respect to certain diversions of drainage of storm water in Sydenham were postponed till next meeting. As regarded Mr Stubbs’ complaint as to stagnant water, it was resolved , that the matter be referred to the Board of Health. On the recommendation of the engineer, the license of Mr Frudhoe was renewed.

The Chairman said Mr O. N. Bell had applied for leave to act on the commission of enquiry respecting the Now Plymouth harbor. Mr Bell explained that it would probably occupy three weeks.—Mr Brown objected to the leave auked for, on the ground that it would not be advisable in the interests of the ratepayers. Mr Bell was not going for a holiday, but to receive emolument and kudos at the expense of the ratepayers. Ho therefore thought it was inadvisable, as the ratepayers were objecting to it.—Mr Boss agreed, to a large extent, with what had fallen from Mr Brown, but thought it was a pity that so small a number of members wore present. Ho thought they should postpone the question. —Mr Brown said he would move, “ That the Board cannot at present see its way clear to give the required leave.”—Mr White agreed with Mr Brown, though he felt that a great honor was paid to Mr Bell, and through him the Board, by his being put on these commissions. His feeling was this, that the Board should have the entire services of the engineer. The interests of the ratepayers wore, he felt sure, more to be consulted by the Board declining to grant the leave. He would be prepared, if Mr Brown would allow it, to move, —“ That the Board regrets'its inability to grant the leave as asked for.”—Mr Boss said that he once more appealed to the Board -to postpone this question. It was a matter of very great moment to Mr Bell, because the works of the Drainage Board would shortly come to an end, and that therefore he desired to take part in such matters as would redound to his credit. He moved, as an amendment—“ That the matter be postponed till next meeting.”—Mr Blakiston seconded the amendment. —The resolution was worded as follows :—"That the Board regrets that it is unable to grant the leave requested by Mr Bell to serve on the New Plymouth Harbor Commission.” The amendment was put, with the following result: —Ayes, Messrs Boss end Blakiston; noes, Messrs Brown and White.—The Chairman said that he could not see his way clear to vote for the amendment, nor could he vote for the granting of the leave, as they were on the eve of completing very large and important works, which required the constant supervision of the engineer. He should therefore give his casting vote against the amendment. The amendment was therefore lost, and the resolution put and agreed to. The following correspondence was read From the Colonial Secretary, stating that the Begulation of Local Elections Act had been brought into force in the Christchurch Drainage District. Erom the Government, asking for return showing the indebtedness of the Board on 31st March last, and the value of their endowments and property. From the Sydenham Council, asking for a lino of drainage along the west boundary of K.S. 62, from Talfourd street to Stevens street.—From the same, calling attention to the heavy flooding of the streets of Sydenham during the late rains From Messrs Collins and Houghey, asking for relief from flooding oa sections 311 and 367, Bingsland.—From Mr A. Florance, calling attention to the want of a better outlet for the stormwater from the north-west side of the Caledonian road.—From Mr Puschel, colling the attention of the Board to the unsatisfactory way in whioh the Eiver Avon was being cleared of weeds.—From Mr MoDowall, with reference to the state of the drains alongside the road leading from the Biccarton road to Middleton railway station. —From Mr Parsons, asking for an extension of time for two months for the completion of the South Avon sewer contract. —From Mr G. Winston, asking for levels of bis sections prior to building.—From several ratepayers on Harrison's land, St. Albans, asking the Board to take over a drain on Flooton road.—From several ratepayers of the Avon district, asking that Dudley Creek should be deepened, widened, and timbered.—The correspondence was dealt with by the Board as follows : The engineer was requested to ascertain the terms upon which the necessary land could be obtained.—The matter of the flooding of Sydsnhamj streets was referred to the engineer.— The complaint of Messrs Collins and Haughey was referred to the engineer.—Mr Florence's application respecting the culvert on the Caledonian road wets referred to the Boad Board. —lt was decided to inform Mr Puschel that the Board bad taken the matter of the more efficient clearing of the river in hand.—Mr McDowell's communication was referred to the engineer.—The consideration of the application of Mr Parsons for extension of time was deferred until the completion of the contract.—lt was decided that the request of Mr Winuton for information as to levels could not be entertained.—The petition of the ratepayers on Harrison’s land was deferred till next meeting.—The rest of the correspondence was dealt with before reading it.—A’.special meeting for striking the rate was fixed for next Monday, at 1.30 p.m.—Accounts to the amount of £2653 6s 6d were passed.—The Board then adjourned.