DRAINAGE MATTERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5498, 8 November 1929, Page 4

DRAINAGE MATTERS.

THE ELSTOW BOARD. ROUTINE BUSINESS. At the monthly meeting of the Elstow Drainage Board on Saturday Mr W. J. Andrews, chairman, presided over Messrs Carter, W. T. Dale, Davey, W. Dunn, and Priest. Awaiti Drainage. Mr R. G. Macmorran, writing with reference to the Awaiti drainage, said provision was made in the ElstowAwaiti scheme for the construction of a drain to connect the upper end of the Elstow canal with the existing Elstow outlet drain on the same side of the Tirohia-Otway road. Much of the land traversed by this drain was very soft, and absolutely undrained peat, and it was inadvisable, to construct a drain of the specified dimensions in one operation. Following the practice invariably adopted in draining this class of land, a small primary drain was constructed for the purpose of consolidating the peat. This was completed in 1926, and had to be reopened on more than one occasion. Last summer an attempt was made to deepen the drain to the specified depth and widen it .to half the specified width. This was effected for the upper 120 chains of drain, but at the lower end the drain bottom had risen, showing that the land had not sufficiently consolidated foi’ the construction of a wider drain. In these circumstances he could not recommend widening the drain until the summer of 1930-31. Mr Davey said the land was very new, and was practically floating peat. The chairman said the ratepayers were much concerned, and the letter would afford assurance that all possible was being done. It was resolved that the rates as advertised for the ensuing year be struck. Williams’ Outlet. Mr E. J. Williams, Kerepeehi, wrote stating that the fanners interested in Williams’ outlet would like to meet Mr Carter as soon as possible. It was also desired that Mr Carter should inspect Mr Shilton’s outlet. Mr Carter : We have no outlet by the name of Shilton. There may have been a change in the ownership of the farm. Mr Dunn : We can’t change the name of an outlet every time a farm changes hands. On the motion of Mr Dunn the matter was left in the hands of Mr Carter, who would report at the next meeting of the board. Drainage Act. Mr Dunn asked if there was any information in regard to the amendments to the Drainage Act. He had seen nothing in the papers. The chairman said that Mr Gilchrist was very disappointed, and had wired to members of Parliament and the Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs, and the only reply he could get was that it would not be possible to deal with the matter this session. Mr Gilchrist had tried to get the necessary amendments-made in the Washing-up Bill. The clerk said that a number of telegrams had been sent and a reply had been received from Mr Macmillan, who had seen the head of the Department of Internal Affairs, who replied that he did not think there was any chance of the Bill going through this session. The latest information came through on Friday evening td the effect that it was hoped to get the first reading through this session, giving drainage boards an opportunity to discuss its provisions during the recess. The clerk said that Mr Gilchrist had wired very fully to Mr Lye suggesting a way for putting the Bill through. The chairman moved that .the action of the board’s solicitor be endorsed, and that he be supported in his endeavours to have the Bill passed this session. . Mr Dunn : Mr Gilchrist should also be thanked for the trouble he has taken. The motion was carried. The chairman said that Mr Lye was doing all he could, but apparently owing to the Prime Minister’s state of health there was a desire to end the session as quickly as possible. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, acknowledged the board’s letter setting out views in respect to the proposed amalgamation of drainage boards. These views would receive due consideration and the decision would be sent to the board later on. Overdue Rates. Mr Dunn, referring to overdue rates, said that before the present board went out of office the 10 per cent, penalty would be advertised and enforced if payment was not make within 14 days. He moved that this be clone. The motion was seconded by Mr Carter and carried. General. Replying to Mr Davey, Mr Carter said that the great disparity in the rates for A and B land in his area was due to the fact that the A land was of low value and derived all the benefit. The eliairman said it was proposed to have 20,000 £1 debentures issued by the bank at 5A per cent. Correspondence on the matter and the discussion were taken in committee. The necessai’y resolutions were passed.