DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2501, 13 April 1882, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

A fortnightly meeting took place o» Wednesday afternoon, lasting from half-past two o’clock until a quarter to five. Present —Mr L. Harper (chairman), and Messrs P. Jones, J. E. Parker, W. Vincent, W. E. Hubbard, and A. Ashworth. Mr W. White, jun. wrote apologising for his absence. The Engineer reported, inter alia, that re the sewerage of Bedford Bow, he would recommend a 6in, pipe from a manhole in Manchester street to one in Madras street, with a fall of about lin 260. That size, suitable for so small an area, could be more readily flushed than could a 9in pipe. The cost would be about 2s a foot. Resolved—“ That the matter be referred to the works committee.”

A pipelayer having been very severely hurt by a fall of earth in a trench, the Engineer suggested that the Board grant him half-pay during his illness, as was customary with Government.

Resolved—“ To grant him three months’ half pay.” The proposal to grant Messrs Hopkins and Oo compensation was adopted. The Assistant Engineer reported that three and a-half miles of the pipelaying contract were laid in March, the total length laid being seven miles thirty-six chains. A bridge had been erected over the old city outfall drain, it was believed by Mr Attwood.

Resolved—" That the bridge be removed, unless the maker show he received permission.”

The construction of a flushing tank in Tiotoria street, at the crossing of Salisbury street, had always been intended, when house connections should have been made with the sewer in Salisbury street and Park Terrace. The work would coat about £46, including the artesian well. For the flushing tanks in the present contract there would be required eighteen 2in taps, which would have to be made specially, costing say £1 7s each. Resolved—“ That the expenditure be sanctioned, subject to the Engineer making inquiries as to prices.” The work and materials required at the pumping station would include flooring the engine-room, at an estimated cost, (including three sets of stairs, rails and moveable gangways), ’• of £65 ; painting engines, £2O ; forge, bellows and anvil, £lO,

Resolved sanctioned.”

No further expenditure here chargeable to loan was anticipated. Through the Heathcote Road Board’s action in lowering the Ferry road, six ventilators and manholes in connection with the main sewer needed lowering, at a cost of £25. Resolved sanctioned.”

Resolved— 11 That the strength of the labor gang be reduced to a minimum when some urgent works in hand shall have been completed.” The correspondence included a letter from the Sydenham Borough Council, agreeing to collect the Board’s rates for 6 per cent, commission, subject to the rates being struck in time to allow notices to be served together with notices for the borough rate, usually struck at the end of June, Terms of letter approved. The Avon Road Board wrote to a similar effect. This letter was also deemed satisfactory. The Heathcote Boad Board wrote recommending remission of rates of a widow with five young children. Decided to remit these rates.

The Heathcote Boad Board wrote, drawing attention to man holes on Ferry road, as, owing to the lowering of the road, these stood up 12in or 14in above the surface, to the danger of traffic. Matter already disposed of. Mr J. Burnett, Assistant Engineer of Railways, sent a memo, that the appliances to prevent waste of water from artesian wells on the Christchurch railway premises had been provided. The opinion of the Board’s legal advisers was read as follows: —“We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of March 31st, 1882, requesting to be advised whether the Board can allow persons to connect closets with the sewage sewers for the purpose of conveying excreta to the pumping station, and thence to the sandhills. We are of opinion that the Board can allow closets to be connected with the sewers for the purposes above stated, provided they are kept so as not to be a nuisance or injurious to health.”

The Hon. J. T. Peacock wrote for permission to connect the main sewer down St. Alban’s lane with a vault under the Wesleyan church. Permission refused.

At this etage Mr 0. Manning took his seat at the Board,

A petition was read from a number of ratepayers near Lord Brougham street, Sydenham, protesting against the imposition of a lOd rate. Referred to Sydenham Borough Council.

Mr Brightley wrote in regard to complaint by Mr Wadey respecting tenders. Letter received.

A report from the finance committee was read and adopted. Mr Vincent verbally submitted a report from the works committee.

Mr Jones stated that the committee had not yet finished their suggestions regarding amendment of Drainage Bill, and intimated that prior to the amendments being forwarded to Wellington, local bodies might be invited to confer with the Board.

Dr Doyle took his seat at the table. The following tenders were opened : —(1.) Bingsland storm water sewers, and (2) flumes and drains. Both referred to works committee in conjunction with engineer, with power to accept. Coals—Tenders referred to works committee.

For the situation of engineer at the pumping station there were twenty applications. These, and the applications for the post of fireman, wore referred to the works committee and the engineer. On behalf of Mr Attwood, Messrs Harper and Scott wrote refusing the compensation offered.

Accounts amounting to £2485 14s were passed for payment. Mr Parker’s name was added to the works committee,

Ur Hubbard’s proposal to grant an unlimited number of licenses to make house connections with the sewers was agreed to.