WORK IN DRAINS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32415, 3 April 1944, Page 6

WORK IN DRAINS

ACTIVITY DURING MONTH HAURAKI UNITED AREA FOREMAN’S REPORT TO BOARD A comprehensive report on routine activity during the month of February was received at the March meeting’ of the Hauraki United Diainage Board. The foreman, Mr W. Johnson, reported that the stopbank erected along the Johnston drain had been completed up to McKercher-Wheelei boundary. The drain has also been deepened to the same boundary. He had arranged with Mr Wheeler to clean and repair a portion of drain damaged by his cattle and believed a start had been made with the job. “I have two men cleaning this portion of the drain from Wheeler’s culvert pipes to the Kerepeehi-Kopua-rahi road,” the report continued. “I inspected Kneebone’s drain which which the men conditioned, making a really good job. Mr Fox and myself interviewed Mr Fawcett, and Mr Thompson in connection with the drainage of the Maori section which he has leased. Mr Fox, Mr Green and myself inspected Kneebone’s drain and the new piece of fence which has been erected along the south side. We also interviewed Mr Harry Hill and Mr Sloane. Manure In Drain “While I was inspecting Kneebone’s drain I found that cow manure was coming from Mr Alwinger’s cowshed into the outlet drain. The sharemilker stated that Mr Alwinger had been on the farm and he explained what was to be done to prevent any further trouble. Mr Kernick was interviewed on a similar matter. “Arrangements have been made with Mr F. Olsen to repair the Orongo boundary fence. Mr Clark informed me that the fence on the top end of the 1A drain to Hale’s boundary had been completed. lam working on the Peka Peka roadside drain with the men.

“There is much other urgent work that requires attention all over the area, especially letting drain-clean-ing contracts, but I do want to continue on with the Peka Peka road improvement work for another week while the men are available. I have, in conjunction with Mr Green, been able to let several drains as per list and will continue to try to get men to take other drains in the meantime. Arrangements For Fence “As regards the fence erected by Mr H. K. Hill on Knee'bone’s drain, I understand from the arrangements made by Mr Fox and Mr McMillan with Mr Hill, that the arrangement was for the erection of a four-wire fence, three posts to the chain. I told Mr Hill that I thought the board’s specification was three posts to the chain and three wire for a drain fence, but Mr Hill said he had agreed to four wires. I arranged for Mr Hill to have 25 posts from the board’s depot. I ordered s'l cwt. coils of wire from Bagnall’s, which they delivered to Knee'bone’s shed with 61b. of staples. I understood that the board and Mr Hill were each to pay the cost of the fence. “There are only a few more pieces of rubber at the depot for the floodgates and the board should try to get some more if possible. I would like permission to buy at least three new square-mouth shovels.” The report was adopted.