HORAHIA DRAINAGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4880, 21 September 1925, Page 4

HORAHIA DRAINAGE.

MEETING OF BOARD. The regular meeting of the Horahia Drainage Board was held at Mr F. A. Kneebone’s residence, Horahia, on Friday, Mr W. McDuff presiding over the following: Messrs J. McKerchar, W. E. Hale, J. C. Miller, R. L Davies, F. A. Kneebone, and J. M. Thompson. The clerk, Mr W. E. G. Willy, was in attendance. , TE KAURI No. 1 DRAIN. Six settlers of Orchard East Road wrote asking that the connection of the Te Kauri No. 1 with the Willow drain be expedited as it would be a great benefit to the southern area. It was pointed out that except for the Willow Tree and the Te Kauri No. 2 drains there was no outlet for the area from Huirau Point to Ngatea, and these two drains were not sufficient for anything above ordinary rainfall. On Mr Hale’s motion the clerk was instructed .to advise .the settlers that the work was covered by the board’s comprehensive scheme, and tnis was being pushed ahead with all possible speed. DUAL DRAINS. J. C. Miller, junr., Orchard East Road, for and on behalf of the settlers concerned, wrote acknowledging receipt of the board’s letters. In regard to the 'remarks .that Mr Baker’s permission was not. borne out by the Hauraki Board’s letter, it was pointed out that the offer was made at the conference between the two boards by Mr. Baker and backed up by Mr McMillan. 'From a perusal of the correspondence which had passed between the two boards it was shown that while the Hauraki Board would not consider going on with tne Thames aVlley-Te Kauri No. 1 unless'' given credit for construction already done, the Horahia Board had in .no way given it to understand what would be allowed for same. This, in Ihe‘opinion of the settlers, was the crux of the whole matter. The settlers regretted that relations oetween the .two boards were strained and no nearer a smooth working arrangement. and respectfully suggested that Mr E. Taylor, Lands Drainage Engineer, who was well acquainted with conditions in the locality, should be asked to adjust any differences which had arisen. Granting the benefits re-j ceived from the Willow and Te Kauri No. 2 outlets, the settlers were quite convinced that an additional outlet was a necessity, both to the southern and the central area. The settlers hoped the matter would be speedily settled. PI AKO ROADSIDE DRAIN. Letters were received from the Turua Town Board and the Hauraki Drainage Board drawing attention to a serious slip, about 100 ft long on the northern Piakb roadside drain. The slip was almost to the edge of the metal, and something would have to be done to protect the road. The Town Board gave notice that the two drainage boards, would be held responsible for any damage to the road, and the Hauraki Board asked that the Horahia. Board consider at once the question of timbering the drain after the blockage had been removed. Mr S. S. Murray also wrote complaining of the state of the drain through ■ slips and weeds. Mi- J. C. Miller reported .that he had inspected the slip, and had form-; ed the opinion that timbering was required. Members agreed that it was a case of “a stitch in time.” Mr Kneebone urged that the;question of abandoning the- Piako roadside drain be considered. It was agreed that the slip would have to be pro-’ tected in any case. DUAL CONTROL. The Hauraki Drainage Board wrote

that it much regretted that it could not continue to further correspond on the subject of future or suggested dual drains which the Horahia Board proposed to bring through the Hauraki area until a full reply had been received to its letter of Anugst 1. NEW WORK. For four hours the board discussed new work with tiis engineer in committee. DRAGGING WEEDS. Mr J. M. Thompson advocated that the weeks, should be dragged out of the zig-zag portion of the Willow drain. After discussion the matter was left .to the area members. AREA ACCOUNTS. In accordance with a resolution of the board some time ago the three subdivisions of the area will come into force in October, and separate accounts will be kept. At the next election, on November 2, the areas will elect their own representatives.