ARATANGATA DRAIN.

Shannon News, 17 April 1928, Page 3

ARATANGATA DRAIN.

SETTLERS ’ OFFER TO COUNCIL NOT ACCEPTED. “ The Horowhenua County Council on Saturday received a letter from settlers in the district surrounding the Aratangata drain thanking the Council for the report furnished by its engineer. The letter went on to state that the settlers concerned did not regard the repair of the floodgate as a necessity, but stressed the urgent, need of cleaning the drain, which was rapidly becoming dirtier. They were prepared to pav one-quarter of the cost up to £25.

Cr. Cat-ley moved that tenders be called for the cleaning of the drain, such to be dealt with by a special committee consisting of the councillors for the Wirokino riding (Crs. Catley, McLeavey and Kilsby), the chairman of the Council (Mr Monk), and the chairman of the works committee (Cr. Ryder). The dra-in, he stated, had never been in a worse condition despite the very dry spell. The people there were suffering through no fault'of their own and lie thought that the Council, should take a broader view of the matter. By making a by-law the complainants could be made to contribute to the scheme. It was the council’s duty to put, the drain in order and make-those pay towards the cost who could be made to pay.. ’ Cr. McLeavey, who seconded the motion pro forma, said that he was not altogether in favour of it. In the first place he pointed out that the people along the drain had planted ■ willows. To be fair he considered that the cost should be borne in equal proportions. If tenders were called the matter could be gone into fully. Cr. Kilsby said he felt that the settlers should contribute a little more than 25 per cent. Cr. Ryder remarked that the settlers would be “on a good wicket” if met half-way. Cr. Kilsby said it was his opinion that the Buckley Drainage Board should be approached, but he had doubts as to the Council’s chances of getting a grant. The chairman said he hesitated somewhat to interfere in what appeared to be a riding matter, but there was so much principle involved that the matter became a Council one. They were deciding whether they would assist in the draining of private land without, a quid pro quo. They were recognise that tiiey had a liability and they were prepared to pay their -share. When the areas in question were excluded from the Buckley Drainage Board, against the Council’s wish, the settlers promised to form a special rating district of their own, but had not kept faith. The Council should, under the circumstances, bo assessors in the matter, and if they thought that they would benefit to" a certain amount they would pay that. Cr. Catley: It is a County drain, and we are legally responsible for it. Let us see what can be done in the matter, and if the costs are excessive we need not do it.

The Chairman: I would suggest that we call for tenders,and then assess the proportion of the costs. Or. Ryder moved as an amendment that no' tender be accepted unless the petitioning parties are prepared to accept such assessment of the distribution of the cost as the committee thinks fit, and in the meantime that the letter be referred back.

Cr. Bryant seconded the amendment, which was carried, Cr. Catley voting against it.