HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 123, 13 March 1919, Page 2

HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

March Meeting. Mr J. A. Clothier presided at Saturday’s meeting of the above board. There were also present Trustees J. Pohlen and F. E. Hughes. Apologies for absence were received from Trustees W. Crawshaw and Jas. Orr. The Commissioner of Crown Lands asked for an estimate of of the cost of proposed drainage works affecting Crown lands in the Walton district. The solicitors for W. H. Miles and —. Barugh asked for a reclassification of their lands. Captain Cranwell, Hamilton, wrote as to why the board had not carried out the drainage improvement works promised him about a before he left on active service. He stated the same positions now obtain, and he has to pay annually recurring rates. On the contrary he is receiving correspondingly poorer service; in fact last winter his property was converted into a river bed, the side drains blocked, and 30 acres of grass ruined. The drain required deepening and widening. He asked for a “ square deal” The chairman stated this work was provided for in the new loan proposals, and the clerk is to advise Mr Cranwell accordingly. The poll will he held on the 27th inst.

Mr W. H. Mathers, Hungahunga, protested at the classification of part of his land. —The mistake was admitted, and steps will be taken to meet Mr Mathers’ objection. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote that certain portions of the Rangiatea settlement are being prejudicially affected as a result of the board’s failure to cleanout the drains into which is led a considerable volume of water brought from lands higher up. He asked what provision is being made to relieve the lands of the damage arising from the drainage in question, and thus preventing the flooding of the lands.

The clerk is to reply that arrangements are in hand to give redress. The shortage of labor is the principal cause of delay. The board’s engineer reported that No. 5 drain has now been completed in a thoroughly workmanlike manner, and is a really first-class job. He suggested that improvements be effected to both Thomas’ and the No. 5 B drains as far as the money will go. The hoard’s engineer advised that the hoard would act unfairly by charging ratepayers for engineering work in the middle Piraunui drain, as the improvement work was being done free of cost to the board. The ratepayers, by their direct outlay, are vastly improving the board’s district.

Mr Clothier, one of the int u :-sied parties, agreed I,h >t the classifier’s charge should be paid by the parties. The board agreed to hear the rest of the charge.

Mr A. R. Rutherford asked for improvements to a drain affecting his and his neighbor’s properties at Waihou. lie was advised that the board could not raise a loan for some time, and that those affected should clean up the drain by mutual agreement. The board could not obtain labor.