CLEANING OF DRAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5097, 7 March 1927, Page 2

CLEANING OF DRAINS.

QUESTION OF LIABILITY, SHARE BY SETTLERS. The question of maintaining drains so that they should function satisfactorily was introduced in a discussion following the receipt vf a letter from the resident engineer, Public Works Department, who wrote advising that an inspection the drains dug by the department in connection with the Ohinemuri and Waihou " Rivers Improvements Scheme showed that some of the occupants pf land had failed to maintain their portions o'f drains. On the other hand, how : ever, a large number had realised the vital importance of maintenance, and had attended to the work in a creditable manner. It had been noted that the drain on the south side of Rangi01a Road had some slips and witter growth, and required cleaning. Also that the drain from Cassrels’ drain to the Rotokuhu outlet on Mill Road was in bad order. The drain from the Railway crossing to the Kaouiti floodgate was getting filled' witli water growth, willows, gorse, old tin cans, and other rubbish. The council was asked to have the work required attended to at once. Tlie chairman said that, the only course open to the council was to instruct the landowners to keep their drains clean. Cr, Johnstone pointed out that Cassrels’ drain referred to ran through a large area of abandoned country. The position was a difficult one. Cr. Robinson said that, the settlers in the Kaimanawa riding were doing all they could to keep the drains clear. Objection was taken to clearing the main outlet drain which had been put through by the Public Works Department. ’ Cr. Morrison said that he did not see that t,he department had any* thing to “grouse about.” The settlers were doing their utmost to provide for cleaning drains, and were anxious to avail themselves of all drainage facilities. It was resolved to advise the department that the council would notify the settelrs, but to point out that the council had no power at present to compel tlie work to be done, Cr. Hubbard said that the settlers had not, neglected their drains, and suggested that would be polite to co-operate with the department, and urge the settlers to cope with the growth in the drains .each year. April was ample time to commence clearing the drains. Cr. Robinson said, that the letter showed clearly that the department d'd not intend to maintain any of the hand dug drains, but at the same time he agreed with t.he principle of the request. There was no doubt the settlers would act in the interests of their own property. He suggested that the department should be requested to clean out Alexander’s canal. The job was too large and too deep to be cleaned out by man power. Cr. Johnstone suggested the. department should be apporached aud requested to provide a machine for tlie purpose of cleaning out the deep drains. It was agreed to take action as suggested.