HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 144, 7 August 1919, Page 4

HUNGAHUNGA DRAINAGE BOARD.

August Meeting. There were present: Trustees J. A. Crothier (presiding), Jas. Orr, F. E. Hughes and J. Pohlen. PIRAUNUI OUTLET DRAIN. Messrs J. T. Sheehan and W. Lockyer, Hungahunga, wrote drawing attention to the bad state of the Piraunui outlet drain through their properties, saying this drain is practically blocked towards the top portion of Mr Clothier's property by slips and weeds, causing ihe water to back up and lie dead, for a depth of about two feet through petitioners' properties. The chairman explained that the weather conditions had prevented the necessary work being done at present. He would have the work done as soon as possible. —Left in the hands of the chairman. MONEY ADVANCED. Three Waharoa settlers, Messrs J. A. Smith, Ryan Bros, and T. Thompson wrote :—"As we, the undersigned, understand that the loan for drainage works at Waharoa has been raised, we would draw your attention to the fact that we advanced the money for relief work on the understanding that as soon as the loan is raised the amount will be refunded to us. No doubt this has been overlooked by the board. We trust same will be attended to at once." The clerk stated he had now drawn cheques for the amounts advanced. —Passed for payment # LOAN MONEY AVAILABLE. The State Advances office advised that £IOOO of the South Waihekau special rating area land drainage works loan of £SOOO has been remitted to the bank at Te Aroha. PROPOSED RIVER BOARD The secretary Thames Valley Drainage Reference Board, forwarded copy of petition as approved at last meeting of the Reference board, and asked for the board's approval under the common seal of the corporation. It was decided, after discussion, to reply asking for more definite information as to boundaries before signing. TENDERS. The tender of Banda Singh for improving the Matamata town outlet, at Is 3d per yard was accepted, and the same contractor's tender for Ford's outlet was considered too high and the engineer was authorised to let the work at his own estimate. MR CHUDLEIGH'S COMPLAINT. The board's solicitor attended and explained the position re Mr Chudleigh's complaint at the board's action requiring him to make good alleged damage to a drain which he had done some work in without permission of the board. The solicitor read extracts from the Act supporting the board's action. After the board had discussed the position it was decided, on the motion of Messrs Hughes and Pohlen, not to alter its previous decision requiring Mr Chudleigh to remove the obstructions in the Talby drain. It was also decided to inform Mr Chudleigh that the crosscut drain has been abandoned by the board. CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION The board's solicitor conferred with the board re Mr Weston Hughes' claim for £35 for alleged damage caused to his property by the board's drainage operations. The board admitted liability for loss of grass and damage to the fence, but the special point at issue whether the board was liable for the loss of land cut away in the drain widening work. In Mr Hughes' case Bft. wide for a distance of 36 chains was cut away. Had the full width been taken when first making the drain the landholder would have had no claim, but the law appeared somewhat ambiguous where the existing drain had been widened. Finally it was decided to disclaim any liability for loss of land, and the chairman and Mr Orr are to confer with the claimant as to a fair payment for loss of grass and damage to a fence. ENGINEER'S REPORT. The engineer, Mr W. R. Johnson, reported as follows : Contracts in land have not progressed very fast during the month owing to excessive rains. The Waihekau outlet drain from Diagonal road has been let at my estimate. The No. 5 " B " drain work has not been let, as the estimated cost will be too high. I am strongly of opinion that a loan is necessary to supplement the available monies in which case provision should be made for completing improvements to Thomas' drain and part of Waghorn's roadside drain. Application should be made at once for the necessary loan to carry out the scheme of works in the Waiwhero extension

area. The sum estimated to be required is £3OOO. This matter should be treated as urgent. Further works may now be let in the Waihekau district. The clerk was instructed to make preliminary application for a loan of £3500 over the Waiwhero special drainage area. Meantime the engineer will prepare estimates as to the necessary works. The engineer was authorised to invite tenders for work on the Peria outlet, Matamata district. ACCOUNTS. Accounts totalling £593 18s i were passed for payment.