AKA AKA DRAINAGE BOARD

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 154, 16 December 1913, Page 3

AKA AKA DRAINAGE BOARD

The December Meeting.

, The monthly meeting of the Aka Aka Drainage Board was held in Waluku on Saturday, 13th insr,. when the following members were present:—Messrs Bull (cb«irm»n), S. P. Henry, Walters, R. Hudson and the clerk (Mr W. J. King). WORK IN PROGRESS.

Mr Hudson reported: That the Mawhitiwhiti drain was now cleaned frim the lagoon up to the corner.; That some complaints had been made about the Eastern drain

and from Kidd'a bridge uo; it was bad so he had asked Pulman to clear it. Tnat owing to the wet season weedi seemed to grow almost as fast as tney were pulled out. Mr S. P. Henry, reported that the Western drain and McCarty'a were all cleaned up and the benefit had ' been considerable. One man told him that since the work was completed the water had been lowered eighteen inches. Mr Walters said McConnell had complained about the half-mile drain, and as it was in very bad order be had put a man on to clear it. He Had - only given instructions for dragging, but "he saw that a go:d deal of cutting'had been done. This was really necessary on account of the overgrowth. Action was approved. PERMANENT HANDS. Mr v ßull mentioned the idea of shearing the services of a permanent man to keep art eye on the drains and make regular rounds. A wet spring like this one made a lot more growth and something more would have to be done. Messrs Walters and Henry ap-' proved of the idea and thought a permanent man could also act as the Board's timekeeper. After a short discussion it was pioposed by Mr Hudson, seconded by Mr Walters, that Mr C. McEwen be - engaged. and arrangements made with him to act as timekeeper.— Carried. HARROWING DRAINS. Mr Henry considered it would be beneficial to barrow the drains. , This, he said, would save a lot of dragging. Mr Hull thought otherwise. Otaua, he said, had tried it and had now gone back to the drags again. Harrowing was all right when the drains were tairly clean, but at ■ * other times was no use as the harrows clogged up so soon. There was no doubt that the drains were costing more every season for upkeep, and if it went on like this they would have to strike a higher rate. Hitherto twice in a season had been sufficient to keep things in order, but v this season some drains that had i been dragged three times were not [ the best now. He thought a rough leg dragged down the drain was as . good a method as any. Members suggested a machine like a road grader or a road scoop . j that Would cut a slice of mud off the . bottom and so stir up the growth. One member said driving a mob of cattle down the drain was as good as anything. A. blind bullock and a tripod harrow.'were also suggested. It was evident that there was an opening for some inventive genius to devise a machine to save such a lot of hand labour. Mr Hull said there was a road contract.in Otaua ,that he thought the Board could get and which could "** be done by their permanent man at times when it would be impossible for him to work in the drains.—lt was agreed to try and arrange to get this job. Accounts totalling some £36 odd were passed, for payment. The monthly statement showed a credit balance of £9 7s 6d, but the clerk stated that there were about £4OO of rates to come in yet, so their position was very sound.