HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 95, 15 August 1918, Page 1

HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

August Meeting. There were present on Saturday Messrs J. A. Clothier (presiding), F. E. Hughes, J. Pohlen, J. Or and W. Crawshaw. THE ENGINEER. The board’s engineer applied for an increase in the rate of commission paid him on contract expenditure from 5 per cent, to 6 per cent. He pointed out that other boards were paying him 6 per cent. The great increase in the cost of living and the price of benzine were the chief reasons advanced in support of the application. ALIEN CONTRACTS. Mr J. Cullen, commissioner in charge, Alien Service branch, Defence department, asked for particulars as to conditions of contract, rate of wages it is proposed to pay, etc., respecting employment under contract of certain Aliens for whom the board applied for permits. The clerk reported having forwarded to Mr Cullen the information he had sought respecting the names, ages, etc., of Dalmatians employed by the board, also addresses of board secretaries. LOAN AVAILABLE. , The State Advances office notified that the special drainage works 10 per cent, additional loan of £450 was now available. THE PIRAUNUI CREEK. Six ratepayers at Waihou advised, through Mr H. 0. Cooper, that they were prepared to have their grievance against the board ventilated in the court. Mr Cooper claimed that their lands were classed “A,” yet they were absolutely unable to get “A ” benefits owing to the state of the Piraunui creek near by. They asked that their lands bo classed “ C,” maintaining that that classification was the fairest. The chairman explained that the Piraunui was backed up owing to the Waitoa river being in flood. The board had no jurisdiction over the Waitoa area. His own land had been similarly affected, but all the properties were only flooded for a short period. He could not recommend an alteration of classification. There was a chain reserve along the Piraunui which Mr Cooper was using gratis. This was part of the land that Mr Cooper was claiming was flooded. Members agreed that Mr Cooper’s suggestion could not be entertained. The chairman’s action in answering Mr Cooper’s letter was approved.TENDER. The tender of J. Begovitch for cleaning out Forsman’s and Ogden’s outlets was deferred. BRUMBY’S OUTLET. . Re Brumby’s outlet, the chairman explained that Sheehan could not get any benefit under present conditions. The engineer explained in detail the lay of the country and the drain required. About a 2ft. drain through McLaren’s would make a vast improvement. It was decided to notify Messrs Brumby and Sheehan that they are not entitled to any further benefit under their present classification, but the board is sympathetic and will do what it can if they will agree to contribute to the cost. It was decided to serve notice on Mr McLaren as outlined in the engineer’s report. CONTRACT CANCELLED. It was decided to cancel Maras’ contract, and to pay him for the work already done. WAIHEKAU CONTRACT. The engineer reported that the contractors for part of the Waihekau were desirous of obtaining their clearance from liability, and were willing to have part of the contract price deducted so that some logs in the stream can be removed when the water is lower. He recommended this course. — Approved. ACCOUNTS. Accounts totalling £lO5 were presented and passed for payment.