AN OLD PROBLEM.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 284, 18 April 1929, Page 1

AN OLD PROBLEM.

DRAINS ON ROADS. Definite Policy Needed. In a letter to the Matamata County Council, Mr. T. R. Harding, Waharoa, wrote pointing out that the front of his place was in need of cleaning, and offering to do the work and cut the fern on each side of the drain at 7s 6d per chain. The clerk pointed out the drain was in the Hungahunga Drainage Board’s area.

Cr. Cox suggested the engineer and riding member inspect the drain. The engineer suggested that the council lay down a principle, as the same trouble occurred all over the

county. Cr. Anderson stated there was a,, old resolution which stated the council would only clean drains benefited the roads. Cr. Judd agreed and stated that where there was mutual benefit the council should share the expense fifty-fifty. The engineer stated it was an ever-increasing difficulty as a roadman might cut a drain 6 inches deep to drain a road, then a farmer turned his water in, and the drain was deepened to a foot. There was a case near Matamata where a short, shallow drain of two feet was now one of six feet and probably extended four miles. Cr. Allen held the council she iuld have a definite policy on the matter, as he had a similar case in h : s riding. Cr. Anderson stated he d : d not see how the council could, do other than inspect each drain and try and assess the benefits to each party. This view was adopted, and the matter was left in the hands af Cr. Wilson and the engineer to inspect the drain in question and report.