Waitoa Drainage Board

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4488, 13 November 1909, Page 2

Waitoa Drainage Board

MR H. MAGILL ELECTED CHAIRMAN

The first meeting of the newly-elected members of the W aitoa Drainage Board took place yesterday in the Clerk’s office, Te Aroha. Present: Messrs W, Gallagher, J.. Mackenzie, H. Magill and A. Swney. Mr E. A. Campbell, clerk, occupied the chair, and for the benefit of the new members gave a brief outline of the I work done by the late Board# In the course of his remarks Mr Campbell mentioned that the balance-sheet for the year ended 12th November shewed : assets (office furniture), £2 9s; expenditure, £264 6s 2d. It was thought, perhaps, the principal item, that of St. Hill and Thompson’s might probably bo settled for a much less amount.

Mr Magill (being the only member of the old Board) vouchsafed for the correctness of the minutes of the last meeting, and they were confirmed accordingly Mr Campbell asked the members to elect one of their number as Chairman.

Mr Magill said that as Mr Gallagher had been elected at the head of the poll, he had much pleasure in proposing that he be Chairman of the Board.—Mr Gallagher declined to act, and in doing so proposed Mr Magill as Chairman.— Mr Swney seconded and it was 'carried unanimously.—Mr Magill on taking the chair thanked the members for the honour conferred upon him, and added that he would endeavour to carry out the duties to the best of his ability. The deadlock that had taken place through the action of the late Board in endeavouring to secure control of Nos. 1 and 7 Road drains from the Piako County Council-and which had been referred to by the Clerk in his preliminary remarks—was referred to by the Chairman.—-Mr Swney said the Board should commence by rescinding the resolution on the books re Nos. 1 and 7 Road drains.—Mr Gallagher :It is much wiser to let the County go on with the roads.—Mr McKenzie said that No. 1 drain if gone on with wonld do •him more good than any other drain. It would also benefit the other settlers near him.—Mr Swney : Let the Council get on with the roads, the Board will be able to use the drain alright.—Mr Mackenzie considered the Ohine creek incapable of taking the water. His land had been under water for four months. No fall will be got out of Ohine Creek until Waitoa is cleaned up. He considered it possible to get No. 1 without getting at loggerheads with the Council. He had been informed thiA both No. 1 and No. 7 had been laid out in the early days by Mr Breakell to drain the Estate. At present the water down Ohine Creek backed over his (the speaker’s) land.—Mr Swney : We must do our best for the whole of the settlers.—The Chairman agreed that the Ohine creek was incapable of dealing with all the water. He consider®! Government should be asked to make promised outlets to Nos. 1 and 7, and when outlets are made to boundary, let both the Board and Council join hands and put as much water as possible down that way. The Ohinemuri County should be asked to spend the money set aside for the Ohine creek.—Mr McKenzie said the spoil out of the drains could be Sxsed to make up the roads*— Mr Swney gave notice of motion to rescind resolution of April 21st last re taking over control of Nos. 1 and 7 Road drains. —Mr Mackenzie said he did not favour so doing, the Council had acted in a dog-in-the-manger spirit.— The Chairman : Did not the result of the election show that the majority of the ratepayers expressed a desire to let the County do its work; and the Board relinquish all olaims to road drains ? —Mr Mackenzie: It left that impression on me,

The question of paying outstanding accounts was suggested by Mr Mackenzie, but it was pointed out that nothing could be done juHt at present. It was resolved to meet again on Saturday next, in order to push ahead the work as quiokly as possible. On the motion of Mr Gallagher it was decided to write to Railway authorities requesting them to clean up drains alongside Waitoa railway station. At the expressed wish of Mr Campbell —and according to prior arrangements—it was resolved to in\ Ite applications for the position of Clerk, retiv.aable on Saturday next.