HAURAKI DRAINAGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4958, 31 March 1926, Page 1

HAURAKI DRAINAGE.

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOARD.

The regular meeting of the Ha,uraki Drainage Board was held at Tuma on Friday, Mr G. Gray presiding over Mess,is R. Heappy, R. Baker, and J. Mules. The clerk, Mr J. E. Green, was also in attendance. CONCRETE DRAIN BOTTOM.

A quotation was received for the supply of half sections off cpncre,t|e pipes' suitable for placing in open drains. Sections of fourrfoot diameter were £1 9s each; 3ft., 17s/, and 2ft. sections 13s. In addition a quotation was, received foi - a special concrete fluming, sft 6in. wide and’ 2ft. f)in. deep, specially strengthened across the top. The price was £4 for 4ft. sectioins', and it was only possible to make two sectionsa week. ■ The chairman said .that these enquiries had been made in view of the necessity for protecting the Piakb loadside drain. The half pipes alone would cost £9O 15s at Parawai, whereas it was estimated thaLfor £9O jar-: rah spiling could be placed in position

It was suggested by a member that if an experiment was to be made it should be done somewhere where the drain requiring attention was shorter. Mr Baker, suggested, that the cost of experiments be borne by the board’s general account. GRATINGS: ON DRAINS.

Arising out of the discussion on experiments', Mr Baker (suggested that grating be placed about five chains inside the floodgates'. This could be made for the full 1 width of the. drain could be placed at a big angle, so that the rubbish would be pushed up the, - ramp. There was no doubt that something better than the present system was very necessary, as the efficiency of good floodgates was Neutralised by ineffective grates. OUTSTANDING RATES. • A discussion bn outstanding rates arose out of .the reading of a letter from one defaulter, who pleaded for time, and it, was mentioned that summonses would be taken out immediately to collect certain outstanding amounts. DUAL DRAIN- MATTERS. The Horahia Drainage Board advised that it approved of the acceptance of the tenders for the cleaning of dual drains, as submitted, though the price for the Kerepeehi 11'ad south side drain was; regarded as being rather high. A ‘fifty-fifty contribution towards a new wooden floodgate in the Willow drain was approved. Regarding the fencing of po~ , .t('n of Te Kauri:No. 2, the Horahia E'>V.i'd had not reached a, decision yet. It quite appreciated the necessity for adequate protection, but realised that : the subject may be far reaching, and further consideration Was necessary. FENCING POLICY. Mr Gray expressed a doubt' .as to. whether it had been Mr McMillan’s wish that the Board pay half the cost of erection of th.e fence mentioned. There was no doubt, however, tnat the case was am exceptional one. The clerk stated thati Mr McMillan had suggested that in regard to the Board’s fencing policy* a formal notice under the'Fem'cing Act should be served on landowners whose property bounded Board drains', and that at the same time an offer be made without pre.jv. lice that if ''he settler undertook to provide a lesser fence within a certain time at ,h?s' own expense the Board would supply the wire., • It was decided that the clerk write to all those settlers who had supplied with wire advising them that unless they erect a tence immediately the aid of the Fencing Act won! I be invoked. COMPLAINT FROM HUIRAU. A. Spencer, Huirau Road, wrote protesting agaimst the small amount of drainage benefit re'ceived for the amount of ra.tes levied. Mr,, Baker, the area member, outlined the Board’s operations in the. locality, and' stated that the area had adequate and efficient outlets, but the settlers did not take full advantage of the facilities provided. The clerk was instructed to- reply on the lines of the discussion. A CHEAP TRIP. A circular letter was received from, a Hamilton resident who had had much experience in drainage board matters, and who proposed making an extended tour through the United. States, England, and Europe to investigate lands drainage and rivei works.. A full report would b■, submitted. any drainage Board who- subscribed a fee of £lO IDs. No action was taken. WILLOW DRAIN. The.Horahia Board, having agreed to find half the cost of a wooden floodgate on the Willow drain, the work w.as ordered to be put in ha.nd. ANNUAL CLEANING. •Members reported that the cleaning of Taylor’s Outlet, Piako roadside outlet, Torr’s Outlet, and Monganui No. 1 outlet had been completed, and the cleaning df many other drains was well advanced.