Water Race Troubles.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 February 1913, Page 3

Water Race Troubles.

DISCUSSED BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

A matter which came up lor discussion at the meeting of the County Council on .Saturday was a lengthy letter from the manager of the Boys' Training Farm, in which he complained of the "inconsiderato taction" of the County Clerk in threatening legal proceedings for an alleged infringement of "The Water Supply Act" by the Training Farm (authorities. Wo reprint the letter in full in another column.

The County Clerk reported that, in consequence of numerous complaints being made at his ofiice by ratepayers who were deprived of water through the actions of others blocking the races and using the water for irrigation purposes, etc.. he had. with a view to subsequent legal action, instructed the caretaker to immediately report anyone whom be found interfering with the races in an illegal manner.

On the 23rd January the caretaker made a report, in consequence of which the manager of the Training .Farm was written to and notified that proceedings Mould lie taken against him in terms of ''The Water Supply Act. 1908."

The County Engineer, questioned bv the chairman as to whether he bad visited the i>ncos. stated that on Monday he had boon up to the Training Farm, and had found a leak in the fluming which the caretaker himself could have mended very ensilv.

The County Clerk: That was four days flfterwa-rds.

Councillor Watson thought that there was n principle at stake and that the writer of the letter under discussion had. in the manner in ■which he bad referred to an officer of the council, been guilty of a piece of impertinence. The letter had been read in open council .and would probably he reported fully in the press. He thought the council should certainly take some action.

The Engineer stated that the trouble was that there was only the caretaker's word against all the Farm witnesses. Councillor Monk: No! that it not the position. Tho manager of tlio Farm practically admits one offence •whore he says they had taken a certain amount of water. This council, too. should vindicate the action of its Clerk. Tf there is any interference with the water races our Clerk is within his rights in taking stops to prevent any recurrence. In proposing a resolution "That the action of the Clerk in connection with the interference with tho water race on the Boys' Training Earm be approved and that it be an instruction to all concerned to Immediately report any interference with the water races direct to tho County Office that such may be dealt with summarily," the County Chairman (Councillor Stephenson) thought that the motion was a very proper one. Councillor Richards, who seconded the resolution, stated that Mr Lodge had taken the right action, and he thoroughly agreed with the motion. He thought that in the event of any future cases of interference with the races being reported, the matter should be placed in the hands of the council's solicitor immediately. The resolution was carried unanimously.