DRAINAGE BOARD.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 707, 25 September 1876, Page 3

DRAINAGE BOARD.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Christchurch District Drainage Board, was held at 10.30 this morning. PresentMessrs F. Hobbs (chairman), Duncan, Hall, Ross, Tancred, Jones, Wright, Harman. The chairman stated that he had received a telegram from his Honor the Superintendent, stating that the artesian well clause in the amended Drainage Bill had been struck out in the. Legislative Council, and also the fifteen ponce rate clause. His Honor asked whether he should resist or accept the alternation made by the Upper House. He (the chairman);haa seen several of the members, and after consultation, it was thought wise for the chairman of the Board to communicate with his Honor that it would not be well to resist the amendment; after, however, considering the matter fully, he had determined to write to his Honor explaining the facts connected with the striking out of the Is 3d rate clause. He had pointed out to his Honor that, while it was probable that the Is rate from the increase in the assessment would provide sufficient to meet the loans, the Is 3d was necessary to assure the lender.at -home of this. He had therefore asked his Honor to endeavor to get the clause altered, 'either to restore the Is 3d or to reduce'thVborrowing powers to £200,000. A letter 1 had since been received from hia Honor, pointing out that the Bill had passed through all its stages in the Legislative

Council. It was therefore too late for any alteration to be made, as suggested by the chairman in his last letter. He (the chairman) thought it was a great pity that the members of the Upper House should have taken such a step, particularly when the insertion of the Is 3d rate was a mere formal matter, and only inserted to assure the lender. But, though this was the case, it was a matter of great importance to the Board, and he only regretted that the members had not applied for figures, which would have shown them that the Board was righc. Mr Tancred suggested that it would be as well to apply to his Honor the Superintendent to ask the Government to bring down a message from the Governor covering an amendment, as at present there was a discrepancy in the Bill. Mr Harman agreed with this course, as being the right one to adopt. Ultimately, the chairman was requested to communicate with his Honor the Superintendent, asking him to request the Government to take the steps suggested by Mr Tancred. A letter was read from Mr Oarruthers, in answer to one from the chairman, stating that it was difficult for him to state when the plans for a general scheme of drainage would be ready. He might say, however, that in-about three months he would be in a position to give the Board plans, so as to enable the work to be proceeded with, H. 6 had already made considerable progress with the plans, but as the country was somewhat difficult he required ample time to elaborate the scheme. The engineer's report was read as follows : "During my absence in Wellington the consulting engineer has commenced to prepare the plans for the drainage scheme. His time being so much taken up during the session has caused much delay in this work, but he hopes to make good progress now. Having furnished him with all the local information I could give him, I returned to Christchurch, 'to procure other information of which he stands in need. « Mr Webster has furnished me with the following particulars regarding complaints which have been made to the Board. " Mr Herd, Selwyn street, complained that the workmen tent to clear parts of Jackson's creek had removed his trees and widened the creek two feet. Mr Herd had encroached upon the creek, and planted willows and poplars within the water line, In no part has the creek been widened beyond its natural boundary. Mr Herd has re-planted the trees within the water line. It would, however, be unnecessary to enforce their removal by this person until it is decided to clear the whole length of the creek, which is in a worse condition above and below him. "On the East belt Messrs Miles, Hassal and Co have connected their drain with a silt pit, which has afforded the desired relief. " I would recommend, in order to diminish the great quantity of water which accumulates at the Gas Works, to reopen the railway culvert at the head of Jackson's creek. This has been blocked up by the railway causing the land south of the line to be flooded, the only outlet being the Walthamroad. I consider the railway should be required to restore the passage for water under the line. Were this done, two box culverts would be required under roads crossing the bed of the creek, the water would then flow into the Ferry road drain. u I would recommend that the grass on the out-fall drain reserve be sold to anyone who will cut and remove it. " Holes in the earth beside the out-fall sewer have been refilled; no damage was caused to the brick work. " Two more foot-bridges have been erected over the Ferry road drain. "Seeing the continued flooding of the East Belt at Tuam street, caused by such quantities of water having to pass through 9in pines, I would suggest laying down an 18in pipe under the East Belt, leading into the silt pit. "Several wooden barriers have been erected on the top of the sewer in the South Belt to keep carts from driving on the crown of the brick work, which are destroying the sewer. These are constantly broken down and removed, I believe by carters, in order to get upon the sewer to avoid the mud in the roadway. I would recommend that measures be taken to prosecute persons removing these barriers. " Although the contract let by the Provincial Government for clearing the Avon only expired last month, it is already necessary to clear the river again, and I would recommend that tenders be invited for that purpose without delay. " I have the honor to remain, " 0. Napieb Bell, " Engineer." The report wbb read seriatim. On clause 2, referring to Mr Herd's corn* plaint, re Jackson's Creek, it was resolved to postpone any further action until Mr Oarruthers' scheme for main drainage was before the Board. ! Bespecting the water on the Gasworks road, it was resolved that the Government be requested to reopen the culvert under the line, which would take away this water. The secretary to write to the Secretary for Public Works, pointing out the necessity of this work being done. The matter of catting the grass on the Canal Reserve was left in the hands of the surveyor. On the last clause some discussion ensued as to whether the expense of the laying of the larger pipe should be borne by the City Council or Drainage Board. Ultimately Mr Wright moved—" That the engineer have power to place an eighteeninch pipe across the East belt to the silt pit." Mr Jones seconded the motion. The chairman said that the City Council intended very shortly to lay down permanent channelling along the East belt. The water would then be carried away in any direction which might be necessary. Mr Harman objected to this work being done by the Board alone, as it was one of a temporary nature. It would only be for a short time, and it was not right for the Board to be expending money on works which would be used but for a short time. He would suggest that the City Council should lend the Board the pipes necessary to carry out the work: The chairman said he would bring the matter before the City Council that afternoon. ■ln the meanwhile the matter could stand over. It was proposed that the engineer consult with the city surveyor as to the steps to be taken to prevent carters driving over the arch of the sewer, After some discussion, however,

Mr Wright moved—" That the City Counoil be requested to take steps to protect the outfall drain." Mr Hall seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved that the engineer be requested to advertise for tenders for clearing the River Avon for three years. A letter was read from Mr Thomas Martin, Sandridge township, calling attention to the damming up of Colombo creek by the residents below him. By this means his land, after a day or two's rain, was flooded. The letter was retired to the engineer to take action. A letter was read from Mr J. Bowley, asking that the engineer of the Board might be requested to report upon the drainage of section 125, Avonside. The Heathcote Road Board had put in two culverts, but they were stopped up, and the outlet to the Avon was impeded. Referred to the engineer to report upon. A letter from the Avon Road Board, asking whether the Board intended to keep the drain on Innes's road as a permanent drain ; if so, it would require fencing to prevent accidents. The letter further asked that the Drainage Board should take over the clearing of the River Styx, which required constant attention to keep it clear. It was resolved to refer the matter of the fencing to the engineer, with power to act. As regards the clearing of the |Styx river, The engineer pointed out that the river did not come within the boundaries of the Board. There was only a small portion within the boundary. Mr Wright said that there was only half a mile of the river within the boundary of the Drainage Board. The secretary was instructed to reply that the Drainage Board would keep the portion of the river within their boundary clear. A letter was read from Mr Cookson, calling attention to the stoppage of a storm water channel on his land. The letter was referred to the Riccarton Road Board. A letter, containing a request for remission of rates on behalf of Mrs Ellis, was acceded to, as was also a similar application from Mrs Dunlop. Mr Samuel Dondall wrote to the Board, claiming £lO compensation for damage done to his property, corner of Tuam street and East Belt, on account of flood water. The applicant stated that the cause of the floods was the culverts being inadequate to carry off the water. It was resolved that a reply be sent to Mr Dondall, declining to make any compensation. Mr Jones brought under the notice of the Board the necessity which existed for opening Anthony's drain on the North belt. It had been closed up and the Engineer had been instructed to remove the obstructions therein. The Engineer stated that the occupants of the land had put up fences and planted trees. It was resolved that the Drainage Board put down pegs to the full extent of the Drain Reserve, and that the residents be again notified to remove all obstructions therefrom. Several accounts were passed for payment. The chairman brought up the subject of increasing the Board room accommodation which was very limited. After a slight discussion, the matter stood over until next meeting. The Board then adjourned.