MOUTOA DRAINAGE BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2389, 7 February 1922, Page 3

MOUTOA DRAINAGE BOARD.

A meeting of the above Board was held on Saturday, 4th inst. Present: Messrs F. S. Easton (chairman), A. King, W. E. Barber, J. Chrystall, and K. Easton. The Treasurer reported the overdraft on general account at £259 lOs !)d, and credit to interest account £2O 11s 9d. Accounts totalling £27 5s 2d were passed for payment. A deputation, of which Mr W. Carter was spokesman, waited upon the Board to discuss drainage matters and suggest improvements. Mr Carter pointed, out the portion of the drainage area east of the Kari Knrii Drain had been, and still was, very wet, and a portion of the holdings practically unworkable; about 2G chains of Lee’s Drain was very narrow, and practically had no fall to the outlet. Although several drains were in a bad state, the principal difficulty appeared to be with (he main outlet (the top cut of the main drain). When drain cleaning contracts were let, it may be possible to deepen the drains. With regard to the top end of the Main Drain, he, 'personally, did not agree to a large amount being expended, but it might be possible to arrange to cut a new drain through a Vshaped portion of private property to connect with the Kari Kari, and those he represented might agree to a special rating area, and raise a loan to contribute to the cost. Messrs Poupard and Upton endorsed all Mr Carter had said.

Mr Chrystall asked Mr Carter if he thought deepening the top cut, 92 chains, would be a benefit. Mr Carter said perhaps it would, but the cost may not give the benefit expected. The deviation from the Kari Kari would meet the difficulty, if the right could be obtained. He did not think two cleanings per annum necessary if the first was property done. Mr Carter repeated, himself and others were quite prepared to specialty rate themselves to improve the drainage at the upper end of the district.

Mr Barber asked if deepening the 92 chains of main cut * two feet would give relief. Mr Carter said, only partly. The deviation from the Kari Kari drain through Mr Easton’s property to connect more direct would be most beneficial. The deputation then withdrew. On resuming, a letter was read from Dr. Wall, in reference to drains. The matter of the annual drain cleaning was fully discussed. It was resolv_ed that specifications be altered to read: The drains to be bottomed up with shovel or spade under all roots, grass and weeds and spoil be placed two feet from edge of drains, and that tenders be called for drain cleaning, including the 92 chains of main cut, to close on Saturday, 18th inst. Mr Chrystall suggested the use of wire netting near flood gates to divert drift wood. This was allowed to stand over until next meeting, on the 18th. The Clerk was instructed to reply to Dr. Wall and the chairman of the deputation, that tenders were to be invited for drain cleaning under amended specifications, and it is hoped this will give some relief. The meeting then terminated,