DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2371, 8 November 1881, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

A special meeting of the above was held yesterday, at 2 p.m. Present—Messrs H. J. I'ancred (chairman), R. J. S. Harman, O. R. Blakiston, J. V. Ross, W, White, jun.,and O. Cuff. The object of the meeting was the consideration of the report of the committee recommending certain expenditure on pipes. —Mr Harman said he would move—“ That the report be adopted.” The Board, he desired to point out, had been appointed to carry out a certain work, and as the pumping station was now nearly completed, he thought the Board should no longer delay in carrying out the laying of the pipes.—Mr Cuff seconded the resolution. The motion was put to the Board as follows : —“ That the sum of £20,00& be allocated for laying pipes.’ I —Mr White asked that the chairman should rule whether, under clause 2 of the Act of 1877 the motion could be put, as there was no provision for the expenditure in the estimates. The estimates contained no items for pipe sewers* and, therefore, ho submitted it was too late to bring forward this motion allocating money for this purpose. Mr Hobbs had brought forward a motion allocating money for pipes in Christchurch, Sydenham and Heathoote, end that had been ’ met by on amendment that no money should be expended ir. Heathcote a~d Sydenham, which was carried. Hence he contended that no other resolution could be out with that intent until the amendment now >n the boots bad been rescinded. —Mr Har'man said the Board was not proposing to levy

» rate, but to place the expenditure on to next year. Mr White pointed out that the Board was committing itself to an expenditure. Had the public been aware of this there would surely have been opposition to it. He oaid this —that the districts could not come up to the rate. The whole loan would be expended, and the shilling rate would bo necessary for the whole district. He contended that it was quite unfair for the rural districts to be thus burdened. —The chairman declined to give any ruling upon the clause of the Act; that was for the solicitor.—Mr White would then ask for a ruling upon this: whether, as Mr Hobbs’ motion had been traversed by the amendment, any resolution of a similar character could be proposed till that amend* ment was rescinded.—The Chairman was inclined to believe that Mr White was right in the position he had taken up.—Mr Harman said that Sydenham and Heathoote would not be affected. All that the resolution asked for was that £20,000 should be allocated for pipo sewers.—Mr Cuff thought if Heath cote and Sydenham objected, then the sum could bo laid out in the city.- Mr Harman said that the majority of the committee wore in favor of an allocation, hut laid down no basis.— The Chairman said he thought the previous resolution barred their way. He should suggest that the report be referred book to the committee. —After some further discussion, Mr Harman moved —“ That the report bo referred back to the committee with a view to their complying more closely with the order of reference.” — Mr Blakiston seconded the motion, which was agreed to. —Mr White moved—“ That the chairman consult the solicitor to the Board with reference to the bearing of clause 2 of the Aot of 1877, as to whether that clause or any part of any other clause in the Drainage Aot forbids the Board from expending the sum of £20,000 on drainage works other than is set forth on the estimates of the Board for the current year; also whether such expenditure may be incurred it it create a charge above Is in the £on tha rates of the districts affected, though not on the whole district. The expenditure proposed will not create a charge (beyond incidental charges for advertising) upon the rates of the present year, as the sum will not bo expended during the current year, (hough the contracts will be let during the current year.” This was agreed to, and the chairman undertook to see the ■solicitor on the subject. It was agreed that the offices be closed at noon on the race days, and altogether on the show day. _ Mr Boss gave notice of motion for next meeting—“ That the motion passed on 23rd May, that no money be expended on pipe laying in Heathoote and Sydenham be rescinded.” The Board then adjourned.