DRAINAGE BOARD.

An adjourned meeting of the Christchurch District Drainago Board was held yesterday afternoon ; present — Messrs H. J. Tancred (in the chair), F. Hobbs, J. E. Brown, C. R. Blakiston, and J. V. Hops. Mr Hobbs apologised for the absence of Mr Duncan, who was seriously ill and ucablo to attend. engineer's report. Tho following report was read : — "1. The drain complained of by Mr Hooper, of New Brighton, Bhould bo widened and cleaned out. The 18in pipes put in by tho Avon Road Board aro too small, and should bo replaced by a large culvert with a flood gate. " 2. Mr Tuersley, owner of land on Harrison's estate, wants an outlet for drainago. Tho roads on this estalo are unformed, and havo not yet been handed over to the Road Board. Ample moans of drainago exist by drains in Flockton street and Shirley road ; but to mako them available, the roads must bo formed and culverts laid across them to connect with the drains. " 3. Regarding the unprotected state of tho drain through Mr Rountree's property, this drain has been deepened about two feet, and is decidedly dangerous to cattle. Tho owners of the properties lower down through whose land the drain runs, have all had fences put up at the Board's expense. It seems reasonable that tho same should bo dono for Mr Rountree. " 4. The position of various sites offered for tho storage of drain pipes are sketched on a plan for the Board's consideration. " 5. The stagnantdraincomplained of by Mr Stubbs is on unoccupied property. Tho owners should either bo forced by the Board of Health to fill it up or to drain it into tho South Belt sewer. It would be necessary at the same time to prevent the proprietors of ivohlor's gardens from draining into the ditch. " 6. The owners of tho unoccupied section at the back of tbo Shearers' Arma Bfcould be made lo drain into tho channel in Lumb's Lane, by culling a drain along their western boundaries. Tho former drain was on property not in any way bonefited by it. "7. Tho old south drain between Montreal and Colombo streets was partially filled up quite

recently, but it is again rapidly getting into a foul state. This whole length is kept open for the drainage of a single property abutting on Montreal street, and between the drain and sections on Walker street. From levels taken it appears that this property can easily be drained into Montreal street. When this has been done the drain can be abandoned and filled in, " 8. The contractor for the pumping tank had now pumped out the water from the cylinder, and has commenced building the wall. As far as he has gone he has dealt successfully with leakage, but ho has yet to cut considerably into the concrete to get down to tho proper level. "9. Tho Madras street sewer contract is completed, with tho oxception of making good some slight defects." The question of a site for the storage of drainage pipes (No. 4) was referred to the sub-Committee, consisting of Messrs Boss and Tancred, with power to accept. The matter referred to in Nob 5, 6, and 7, were referred to tho Board of Health. Tho remainder of tho report was approved. RATES. The rate for the ensuing year was then struck according to notice, and the rate-hook duly signed by tho Chairman and Messrs Tancred and Ross. COEEESPONDENCE. A letter was read from the Avon Soad Board complaining that the pipeß had not been put down in tho Papanui road, near Norman's, as directed by the Board. Also, complaining with reference to the nonrepair of damage to the roads through drainage works. The first matter was directed to be remedied at once, and the second was referred to the Engineer, to confer with tho Engineer of the Road Board, and to settle what had been done by the Road Board, and what remained to be done. At this etage the Chairman of the Board entered the room and took his seat. A letter was read from Messrs Harper, Harper and Scott on behalf of Mr Allison Bfating that their client did not intend to proceed further with his appeal to the District Court against the validity of the drainage rate. A letter was read from the Avon Road Board requesting that the open drain dug in the roadway, Henley road, might be piped or filled up, as at present it was dangerous to the public. A letter was read from the United Brickla- ers in reference to house drain connections. Ordered to stand over. A letter was read from Messrs D. Hamilton and others stating that the removal of tho drift wood from the beach at New Brighton was causing the sea to encroach on their properties. Referred to the Engineer. A letter was read from Messrs Harper Harper and Scott requesting that pipes might be laid down in the drain running through the property of the late Mr Cookson at Fcndaltown. Referred to Mr H. J. Hall. A letter was read from Mr S. Parker calling attention to the bad drainage on the east side of rural section No. 311, Springfield road. It was resolvod that the matter be attended to. A letter wa? read from Mr D. Kearney directing attention to the want of drainage from his property, Drain road, and stating that he would pay no further rates until his property was properly drained. Referred to the Engiueer to report. A letter was read from Mr E. Parkerson, claiming £300 on account of damages sustained by his property through the Board deepening Jackson's creek, but offering as an alternative a scheme of drainage to be carried out. The Chairman said that this was ono of many cases which would probably arise in connection with this matter, and ho would suggest that a eub-Committee be appointed to deal with them. Messrs Tancred, Ross and Blakiston were appointed a Committee, to consider the matter. A letter was read from Mr J. W. Philpott, requesting the Board to bridge over a drain made by them in a portion of his land at St. Albans. The request was acceded to. A letter was read from Messrs Slater and Son, claiming £100 for damage done to the property of Mr Thomas Hall, of Fendaltown, through drainage works. Referred to the Engineer. A letter was read from Mr Conyers, stating that tho railway contractor, Mr Nashelski claimed £15 in respect of a quantity of cement which he obtained for the continuation of the Madras street sewer through the Railway ground. With reference to the above, Mr Napier Bell stated that he did not think that Mr Naahelski had any just claim on tho Railway Department, nor had the latter any claim on the Board. Mr Bell's report to be communicated to Mr Conyers. APPLICATIONS FOB LICENSES TO CONNECT. Several applications for licenses to connect with the muin sewers were referred to the Enginoer. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS EARTH. The Chairman reported the result of Ms inquiries as to the disposal of surplus earth referred to in a letter in the Star, and eta'ei that he found that six yards of earth had been supplied to Mr Summerbayes, who had carted it away at his own expense. TENDEES. Tho Board then proceeded to consider various tenders, and accepted the following :— Fencing, Rodda and Co. ; William street pipe sewer, S. jtfoyd ; Ollivier's road, T. Mortimer. The following payments were ordered to bo made :— Rate accounts, £89 7s 3d ; loan account, £130 7s. The Board then adjourned for a fortnight.