HAUTAPU DRAINAGE BOARD.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 468, 1 August 1899, Page 4

HAUTAPU DRAINAGE BOARD.

A MEETING of this Board was held at Cambridge, on Saturday afternoon. There were present :—Messrs W. «. Thomas (chairman), C. Lake and S. Cowling.—The Chairman apologised tor the absence of Mr John Browne, who was preeent from being prevented through indisposition. Thk Roll.—lt was resolved to put the names of Messrs Parr and Peppercorn on the roll of ratepayers, in the place of Messrs Morgan and Wright. Abolishing the Board.—A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary, covering copy of a petition sent by certain ratepayers ol the Hautapu Drainage District praying that the Board might be abolished, and asking for any remarks the Board might wish to make thereon.—The Chairman said it was a matter that he thought should be brought before the whole Board, and he suggested it should be adjourned for the attendance of all the members. One was sick and he did not kuow why the other one was not present.—Mr Cowling said they were a quorum and he thought they should deal with the matter. He then moved that the Board reply to the Colonial Secretary stating that the Board is of the opinion the prayer of the petitioners should bo granted. Chairman said it was extraordinary business and all the members should be notified of its coming up. He asked what would become of the drains if the Board were abolished.—Mr Cowling said the Road Board would have to take over the old ones, and he thought those through whose land the new one went should be very glad to keep it in order at their own expense. They had got their land drained and that was all they wanted he presumed.—The Chairman »aid the whole of the ratepayers had helped to make the drain, and now Mr Cowling wanted no one else but those through whose land the new drain went to receive any benefit. The new drain was part of a comprehensive scheme that would benefit all, and it would be most unfair to Messrs Roberts, Brown, McOann, Wright and all along the Southern part of the district to make them pay for a portion of the drain and then not give them any benefit. He believed a part of the Borough of Cambridge would have to be drained that way.—Mr Lake said he did not get any benefit and to have to pay nearly £4 on a hundred acres-was too stiff. It was the classification he disagreed with. -The Chairman said Mr Lake's land came within half a chain of| the drain, fso he must receieve some benefit. They muse also remember they had incurred liabilities that their income would not cover, and they would have to be met.—Mr Cowling said they would have to strike a small rftte for the purpose.—The Chairman said there was also the matter of bridges to be put over the drain.— Mr Lake thought cuttings through it would do as well as- bridges. He then sesonded the motion.—The Chairman still protested the matter should be deferred, but as Messrs Cowling and Lake would not agree the motion was put and carried, the Chairman voting against it. The Chairman was then authorised to get some pipes to put across No. 2. cross A progress payment of £25 to C. Crouch was passed, and the Board rose. __