DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2545, 5 June 1882, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board was held at 2.30 p.m. this day. Present —Messrs L. Harper (chairman), W. Vincent, 8. Manning, W. H. Hubbard, and J. E. Parker. The engineer’s report was then read as follows: Letter from Sydenham Borough Council, calling attention to the damage done to the streets in consequence of the operations of the pipelaying contractor. I do not consider there is any substantial cause of complaint at present in connection with this matter. The streets have certainly been disturbed to some extent, but the contractor assures me he will do everything in his power to restore them to a condition as nearly approaching their former state as possible. Be letter from Heathcote Road Board on the same subject. I have been over most of the streets affected with their chairman and tho contractor. The latter is now at work in this district, and in a short time will I trust have put matters right With regard to streets and roads generally, I think the most satisfactory arrangement for all parties will be to have an examination made at the expiry of the contract, and if any deficiencies be found, the contractor will be called upon to make good the same at ones, Be letter from Mr Jameson re drain running along the western boundary of the Eefnge grounds. This drain takes the channel water of Cashel and Gordon streets, east of tho East belt. It is not, however, under the jurisdiction of the Board, so that I cannot recommend that any action should be taken. Be Mr Ephraim Toomcr’s claim for compensation, in consequence of the noise and vibration caused by the engines at the pumping station. I have carefully tested the ground at the boundary fence between the Board’s property and that of Mr T'comer, and find that at this point there is no vibration, consequently there cannot possibly be any at Mr Toomer’s house. The noise complained of is very slight. I should recommend that the Board take no farther action in the matter.

With referenos to the request of the Eiccarton Road Board that the pipe across the main road at Jaokson’s road should be enlarged, or a masonry culvert constructed, I cannot recommend the Board to lake any steps in the matter, as it would be simply a case of loading water from private property into the Board's drain. Apart from this 1 do not consider that much if any relief would be given to the property in question, seeing that in times of heavy floods the outfall drain backs up nearly to the level of the road, and I believe the water would bo forced back into the paddock in consequence. If tho drain in Mr Deans’ paddock were bottomed up from the railway to the south-western corner of the paddock, X think it would be found that the inconvenience complained of would be obviated. Re Mr Large’s request. This refers to a portion of Jackson’s Creek between Casbol street and tha Drain road in Phillipstowu. I will have levels taken as soon as possible in order that the creek may he bottomed up if practicable I should not recommend that any pipes be laid, as ultimately tha creek will no doubt ha diverted.

The inspector of house connections reports that in five oases rain water has been let into tha pit traps after the connections had been made, and i should beg to recommend that tho Board take immediate action in the matter.

Mr W. T. C, Mills was appointed returning officer for the election of a member for the Heathcote district vieo Mr F, Jones, resigned. The nomination was fixed for 12th June. Mr W, Vincent moved, and it was resolved —“ Tbat the following rates be struck in the various districts :—Christchurch area, Is in the £ ; suburban area, ditto ; rural Sydenham, 2ld in the £ ; rural Bt. Albans, BJd ; Avon, 9d ; Heathcote, 6d ; Eicoaiton, 3Jd ; Spreydon, 3Jd. Also, that the said rate shall be for the period commencing on Ist January, 1882, and ending 31et December, 1882, and that the said rata shall be payable in one sum on 7th June, 1882, and that the rate book is open for inspection at the office of the Board." The consideration' of bank arrangements vras left with the chairman and the finance committee. The Chairman asked if the proposed Drainage Bill should bo proceeded with or not, in the face of the opposition that had been met with. Mr J. E. Parker asked if a piebescite could not be taken P

The Chairman stated the Board had no power to call for such an expression of opinion. After some discussion the matter was allowed to drop, [Left sitting .j