MOUTOA DRAINAGE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 24 July 1909, Page 3

MOUTOA DRAINAGE BOARD.

• "The monthly meeting: 'of the Moutoa Drainage Bbard Was held in the * Board’s office last ’ night. Present—‘-Messrs Gower '(Chairman), Barber, Hammond, Easton and Symons. Correspondence was read from Mr Ward, the Board’s engineer, ■advising that he had interviewed the Genefal Manager of Hew Zealand Railways, and it is probable that the Department will alter one of their dredges at Addington workshops, and hire it to the Board. He had also got all particulars from Mr Breakall as to the working of the dredges at Piako Swamp, and he is of opinion that if properly handled the dredge would shift the material from the drain at from sd to 6d per yard. This opinion is borne out by information given by Mr Ronayne as to the working of similar machines which shift from 30 to 36 tons per hour. —It was decided that as soon as full particulars are received from the railway department in reference to alterations to the dredge and cost of hire, etc., a special,meeting of the Board be held to deal with the matter.

A quotation was received from Messrs Briscoe, and Co. for gelignite at 50s per case and detonators at 4s fid.per 100. —Decided to purchase from them as required. The Clerk reported the amount to the credit of the genera! account at the bank of New Zealand was £>l9 3s sd, and to the loan account £IBO xßs 1 id. The amount of general rates collected to date was £93 13s 3d leaving outstanding 2s lid had been paid since last meeting of the Board. A cheque for 16s gd had also been received from Messrs Mounsey and Co., being net proceeds of sale of timber. The Chairman stated that the flood gates recently completed were not working satisfactorily. If a small piece of wood got in the gates it kept; them open. He contended that the old style of flood gates which were there previously were more satisfactory than the present ones. He was of opinion that if a piece of wire netting was put across it would prevent the sticks, etc., from getting between the gates. —It was decided that 2 inch netting be put across. Accounts amounting to £29 7s id were passed for payment against loan account and £6 5s against general account. It was decided that members of the Board visit and inspect the diagonal drain on Saturday, the 31st inst. The Board rose at 9.10 p.m.