Hungahunga Drainage Board.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4447, 10 August 1909, Page 2

Hungahunga Drainage Board.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above drainage Board was held in the Secretary’s Office, Boundary-street, Te Aroha, on Saturday last, when there were presentMr T. Hanna (chairman) J. Orr, H. Magill, D. Waghorn, and Franks.

Minutes confirmed and inward and

outward correspondence dealt with

—Piranui Drain Trouble

In conuecton with the threatened legal proceedings by Messrs Stanley Bros., the Board’s engineer, Mr C. C. Otway, wrote under date, July 11th:—“I am in receipt of yours of the 10th, also with letter from Messrs Porritt and Mueller, solicitors, on behalf of contractors, Stanley Bros. Their statement is not correct. It was not completed on 7th May last or did I consider nearly so, and it was not completed in June when I again went to the drain. It could not be properly finished, owing to the water conditions since May last—and I am not going to pass the drain till the water is lower and I can see more of the drain.” Mr Stanley did see me at Waihou about June 4th, mentioning he had been working again in the drain and did what he could, “ but owing (he said) to the great quantity of water he could not get it quite up to the mark.” I was again at the drain last week, but it was in flr/od and nothing could be seen. I mentioned in my letter to you that I required £SO kept back till I considered the drain finished, and I see no reason to alter my decision. Anything over and above that they can be paid, I will be up again at the end of the month and will again look at the drain if water will allow.”

Under date, August 4th. Mr Otway wrote that he visited Stanley Bros.’ Contract the previous week and found the stream still running in flood and was not able to see the bottom or even the sides, therefore could not say if anything had been done since last there.

Messrs Stanley Bros, were in attendance and said they would prefer to come to some arrangement with the Board rather than enter into litigation. They explained their side of the case which did not tally with that of Mr Otway. They, however, were prepared to leave £1 per chain for twenty ohains of the lower portion of the drain till the fine weather set in, but were not prepared to ke6p 2h miles of drain in repair for 12 months. They had finished the drain, and Mr Otway failed to put in an appearance within the 28 day. A few days after which rain set in, and the drain has remained in high flood ever since. It was resolved to forward Stanley Bros, offer to the Engineer, the matter having been left n his hands.

—Waiharakeke—

In connection with the Waiharakeke the Engineer wrote stating “ that he had nothing to advise or suggest till probably October next, as he did not consider the Board would be getting value for their money undertaking any drainage now.”

—Waihekau—

Mr J. A. Cochrane wrote as follows : “ I hereby wish to draw the attention of your Board to the necessity of clearing out the weeds in the Waihekau stream, some 27 chains, through Mr A. Boll’s property. The blocking up of this stream is now causing considerable damage to this property, and trust you will see your way to have this work effected at an early date. I also beg to ask your Board to take steps to have the creek under the hill cleaned out through Mr Bell’s property ; the cleaning of this creek is of the utmost inn portance to the draining of the Orongomairoa Block. The owner, Mr E. R. Chudleigh will wait on your Board at your next meeting to consult With you rc the above —The Chairman said it was only right that we should give him (Mr Chudleigh) an outlet. The Board always had trouble with Mr Laird, but they could not help that. —Mr Chudleigh and Mr Cochrane were in attendance. Mr Cochrane said they were worse off now than six years ago. They did not ask for new drains through Laird’s, only cleaning of natural water course.— Mr Chudleigh said that (unless the Board were prepared to take action he would be reluctantly compelled to do so himself. He must have an outlet. Without an outlet the land is all under water. —Mr Cochrane said he failed to see why one man should keep the whole couutry side flooded. There was no trouble until the advent of his present neighbour.—Mr Chudleigh said throughout his life he had always been prepared to give and take on every matter. —It was resolved that an endeavour be made to come amicable arrangement in the matter. The Chairman and Mr Chudleigh to meet Mr Laird.

—Snagging the Waitoa—

Mr W. H. Homes, M.P., for the district, forwarded a letter received from he Lands Office, acknowledging receipt of a petition signed by representatives of Matamata, Piako, and Ohinemuri County Councils and the Hungahunga and Waitoa Drainage Boards, having jusisdiction in the district of the Waitoa river, asking that a sum of £2.400 be allocated for the purpose of snagging the liver. The Department replied that the matter is of importance and enquiry will be made into the question of the Government’s responsibility, and also as to whether the request is one in which the Government can give assistance.

—Land Drainage Act—

The Board decided to endorse and support the efforts of the Fencourt Drainage Boaad in endeavouring to get an amendment made to the Land Drainage Act, 1908.” Allowing sections of land that may be subdivided to be classified without having to classify all the lands within the Drainage area.

—Drainage —

It was decided that Foreman Hughes use his own discretion as to the best time to clear out slips, etc., —Mr Orr : It would be better to stop work altogether during the wet weather. The Engineer was also of this oninion. —Mr Hughes : The Engineer has only been on the ground three times in seven months, and he (the Foreman) had only seen him once. The last time he went along the drains it wan just getting dark. Mr Magill; The Engineer considers too much explosives are used.—Mr Hughes : I have tried to work it with lighter shots, and had tc go over it twice ; extra work and more expensive.

—Accounts.

A number of accounts wore passed for payment.