MOUTOA DRAINAGE DISTRICT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1653, 21 December 1916, Page 3

MOUTOA DRAINAGE DISTRICT.

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. A meeting of ratepayers in the Moutoa Drainage District was held at Marotiri yesterday afternoon ‘to consider the question of the diagonal drain. There were seventeen ratepayers present, and Mr B. G. Gower, chairman of the Board, presided.

The Chairman read the advertisement convening the meeting, and also the original petition for the setting up of the Board. He explained that in the original scheme the diagonal drain was not included as a Board drain, with the exception that the Board was authorised to erect Hood gates at the mouth of same. Under these circumstances he had opposed expending Board money on (he drain, but a majority of (he Board members agreed to certain work (clearing willows) being done, and this had been carried out at a cost of £(i IBs ()d since 11)09. The meeting had been called to decide whether the Board should take over the drain or not. There were three courses open: (1) Take (he drain over, (2) clean out the willows at hitherto, or (3) gel a legal opinion as to the Board's

position. Mr Brown asked, if the diagonal drain was of any assistance (o the Board’s main drain. The Chairman: Decidediv!

Mr Chvystiill said lu* had always been in favour of Iho drain being taken over by the Board, as il was a benefit to all (he ratepayers, but it should tie done in a proper manner by referring (he question to the ratepayers, ami that was the reason lie had supported the convening l of the present meeting. In reply to Mr Greig, the Chairman said the cost of maintenance was paid for out of genera! rate.

Mr B. Robinson moved, Mr A. S. Easton seconded, and it was carried: That the diagonal drain be taken over by the Moutoa Drainage Board. Mr Saunders asked that members of the Board should inspect his property with a view of giving him an outlet, and it was agreed that members would meet Mr Saunders after the holiday*.

Mr J. Speirs referred to the present conditions of the Hood gates, and the Chairman said the Board had just had a report made on this question and the matter would be dealt with at its next meeting.