PLAINS DRAINAGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5046, 1 November 1926, Page 2

PLAINS DRAINAGE.

LACK OF UNANIMITY. .OTHER SCHEMES PROBABLE. It seems unlikely that the area, near the Orchard East and Huirua Roads will secure any improved drainage facilities this’ summer. Recently a scheme of proposed works was- drawn up by a group of settlers, and submitted to the two drainage boards, which approved th e principle, but deferred consideration of the details of the work. Since, than the members of the Horahia Board have inspected that part ctf the Horahia area that was supposed to be benefited to such an extent that a large contribution was to be made towards the cost of the, work in th e Hauraki area. It is understood that the Opinions of members vary, and that there is a, subdivision on the question of falling in with the scheme. Until the Horahia Board men hers .-ettl-? this among themselves it is r. t l.kely that -he Hauraki Board w.l! he approached. It is also understood that the Hauraki Board ha.s objections to the schema submitted by the settlers, ajrd also that it seems likely that when the settlers are acquainted with these objections and the reasons therefore, an alteration may be desired. Part of the proposal involves the removal ot certain trees, to ensure a satisfactory job, and this is. estimated to cost about £lOO. Then, levels taken on another proposed drain show that the natural fall, on the route suggested is only one in 4000, thus the tendency would be to create, a ponding arqa. Under the circumstances it may be desired by the Hauraki settlers that a new scheme of impi'ovemqnts from the river to t he road, a.nd no further, be submitted. Naturally, this will not be .satisfactory to the Horahia Board, which requires an outlet through thq Hauraki area. The construction pf new drains or the enlargement of existing drains will mean an increase in the annual maintenance costs, and with the spread of duckweed and the necessity for a s.pring cleaning as well as the usual autumn cleaning, there will be little enough money available for maintenance in the future.

It is realised that the payment ’scheme will have to be settled once and for all time, and that whatever is done will have to be done satisfactorily, for the land could not bear still another loan. Therefore, it is perhaps well that there is some opposition at the present time. As a. result, it is passible that a scheme acceptable to all parties will be evolved, and; that fruitless expenditure will be avoided. From the diverse opinions expressed at the present time it is difficult to arrive at the true position, and, much as’ is regretted by all parties, for it is unanimously agreed that something is badly nee.ded, it appears that the solution is far off. A redeeming factor is that ,thq questiofn is receiving the closest attention by all the interested parttiqs.