HORSE-SHOE DRAINAGE BOARD

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8738, 12 February 1907, Page 2

HORSE-SHOE DRAINAGE BOARD

The monthly meeting was held at Eongotea yesterday. Present—Messrs H. H. Hunt (chairman), J. Dalton, Hon. W. W. Johnston and W. J. Thompson. Tho following tenders were accepted ; —F. C. Burgess, for cleaning out Sluggish Creek a t 3s 2d per chain, and Dalton’s drain at Is 2d. The overseer reported that no tenders were in for the main drain as would-ba tenderers had been advised that tho Board would probably proceed to remove the spoil alongside the main drain before having the cleaning done. Tim chairman reported that the property holders who had previously opposed the removal of the spoil were now agreeable to the work being done providing it was levelled back so as to enable them to sow it in grass, Mr Bolton said there was no hurry to have it done ; the drain could be cleaned out as before, Mr Buchanan said the spoil was piled up on the sides of the drain to a height of seven feet in places, and its great weight was causing tho sides of the drain to cave in, Mr Dalton said an arrangement should be made with the Sluggish Creek Drainage Board for deepening the main drain within its boundaries by two feet. It would be a great advantage to land-owners in the Horse Shoe district. The Chairman and the Overseer were empowered to let contracts for cleaning out Campbell and Smith’s drains. It was decided to invite tenders for cleaning out Slain drain, Johnston’s, Sand-hil and Anderson’s.

An application of Mr H. Sanson for drainage work brought on a long discussion on the classification of land. It appears that the classification now in force was made on the proportionate benefit different sections derive from the drainage works. Mr Buchanan contended that the classification should bo made on the value of the land, while Mr Dalton contended that there should be but two classifications, and even land up towards Mt Stewart should bo liable. At the same time, the latter said the definition of water sheds would bring about a settlement of the question of. Classification.

The Clerk pointed out that it was unlikely Mr Armstrong would have the water sheds defined by the end of the financial year, in which case the rate would have to be struck on the present classification. It was decided to hold the next meeting on February 11th.