PUMPING DRAIN WATER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5201, 9 November 1927, Page 1

PUMPING DRAIN WATER.

QUESTION OF RUNNING COST. A MISUNDERSTANDING. The private pump near the Ngatea bridge was the subject of further discussion by the Hauraki United Drainage Board at its meeting on Friday last.

A letter was received from Mr W. G. Hayward on behalf of; Messrs Schultz, Lawrence, and himself asking that the board reconsider the payment of the account from the Power Board of £27 12s lOd.

In support of the request it was pointed out that when the settlers waited upon the late Horahia Board as a deputation the decision arrived at was that the settlers were to pay for the pump and its installation while the board was to pay the running expanses. This decision, says the writer, was confirmed at a meeting held at Parry’s corner, when Mr McDuff assured the settlers that it was on the minutes of the Horahia Board that it would pay all running costs. It was pointed out that by a report in the local papers it was gathered that Mr McDuff was authorised by the board to supervise the running of the pump, but this decision had never been communicated to the settlers either officially or unofficially.

The chairman said the point was that it was a recommendation from the Horahia Board to the Hauraki United Board, but the board had never discussed the matter.

Mr McDuff said it was apparent, that the clerk of the Horahia Board had not advised the settlers of the resolution of that board. There would have been no misunderstanding had this been done.

Mr Hicks asked whether it, would be legal for the board to pay for the electricity.

Mr McDuff said he had always been of the opinion that the minute in the Horahia Board’s minute, book was not exactly the decision of the meeting. He, could not understand why his name would be coupled with the matter in the circupistances. He; had given the settlers to understand that the board would pay for the electricity as he was under that impression.

The chairman' said it was strange that the settlers had npt sent previous accounts to the board. Mr Hamilton moved that the matter be referred to the board’s solicitor, Mr E. L. Walton.

Seconded by Mr W. McDuff and carried.

Mr Hicks then moved that the settlers be advised that the board would discuss the matter at its next meeting.

The question of future use of the pump was brought up by the chairman, who suggested that the foreman be given authority to control the running of the plant.

Mr McDuff said that the board should not pay for any more electricity until the pump was shifted to a more suitable site.

It was agreed to defer discussion until the legal advice was received.