COPING WITH FLOODS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 256, 4 October 1928, Page 4

COPING WITH FLOODS.

PUMPING AT TAHUNA. Farmer Lodges Complaint. A Tahuna farmer, Mr. Barnett, whose property is subject to river flooding, is experimenting with pumping to cope with the flood water. His initial venture has not proved successful, however. An expensive electric pump was installed, but owing to local conditions it turned out a failure. The position was placed before the Thames Valley Power Board on Tuesday by Mr. Barnett. Mr. Barnett said the pump had turned out a total failure. A small amount of rubbish was sufficient to block it up and put it out of commission.

The chairman said that the board could not accept liability, as it was not in a position to kpow local conditions. Others of similar design were functioning successfully. Mr. Barnett said the pump had been supplied on the understanding that it was to pump flood water. The other pumps spoken of were larger, and were able to cope with rubbish. Mr. Flatt said the question of refuse had never cropped up when Mr. Barnett applied for a pump. He had asked for the most economical pump which would handle the greatest flow of water.

Mr. Thomas said Mr. Barnett had been guided by the engineer’s recommendation of the suitability of the pump, and took it for granted that it would be suitable for the conditions on his property.

Mr. Barnett said that when a fine screen was employed in the pump a slime covered the pet and it would not work. When a wide screen was used rubbish passed through and blocked the 'pump. On one occasion an eel got in the pump and burnt out the motor, costing him £lO. The total cost, including installation, was £l9O. However, it was useless and he had suffered loss through flood damage. After Mr. Barnett had retired, the chairman said the board could not i accept any liability. It could, however, attempt to dispose of the pump on Mr. Barnett’s behalf. The engineer said the pump was an excellent one, but did not suit local conditions. Other types would no doubt meet the position better, but these were more expensive. A resolution was passed, on the motion of the chairman, that the board accept no responsibility, but that the board attempt to dispose of the pump for Mr. Barnett, i At a subsequent stage of the meeting the question of the engineer acting in a consulting capacity to consumers was discussed. The chairman pointed out that there were many matters on which the engineer could give advice, which were outside the scope of his ordinary duties, but which would save the consumers the expense of employing a consulting engineer. In these cases it was only right that the engineer should assist the consumers, but it should be made clear that it was only his private views that were given, and the board was not held responsible. A motion o» these lines was passed. _________