POSTPONED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19140, 25 October 1927, Page 12

POSTPONED.

WAIMAIRI DRAINAGE BILL. SECOND BEADING IN HOUSE. [THE PEESS Special Service.l WELLINGTON, October 24. In the House of Representatives tonight, tho Hon. Mr Buddo moved the second reading of the Wainiairi County Council Empowering and Acquisition Bill. The Hon. Mr Nosworthy said ho hooed the lion, member would not pjress for this Bill, seeing that the Local Bills Committee had reported against it. Mr J. G. Eliott (Oroua), speaking as a member of the Local Bills Committee, in the absence of the chairman, *;iid the Committee had made a very thorough investigation of the matter, and found that there was opposition to it from various sources. The objections were such that the Local Bills Committee decided on the recommendation that it be not allowed to proceed. The promoter of the Bill, he thought, might get his opportunity later, when the differences between the Christchurch Meat Company, the Belfast Company, and the others interested could come to an understanding. He trusted that the House would support the decision the Committee liad arrived at.

Mr V. Eraser (Wellington Central) said that some of his colleagues on the Opposition Benches interested in the measure were not present. He himself could not speak with any knowledge of the matter, and ho did not intend to obstruct the Bill, but having regard to the attitude of tho Local Bills Committee, he urged the member for Kaiapui to be content with tho second reading of the Bill, and meantime agree that it should not at present be dealt with in Committee. Ho referred to the members for Avon and Christehurrh East as being interested in the Bill Mr Buddo, in reply, explained the local conditions and the circumstances in connexion with the opposition to the Bill. He said the local health offices generally endorsed the proposals in the Bill. Mr Buddo added that there was piactically only one company that opposed the Bill. There had been some complaints from anglers, and also in tegard to the formation of an island in front of the outlet. _ There would have to be some alteration there. The mouth of the drain would have to be extended. The position was also complicated by the fact that there was a health resort further down the river. Proposals would be submitted with the intention of meeting these difficulties. There would be an appeal to a Magistrate should there be any difference of opinion in regard to cost. The proposals in the Bill were reasonably fair. Tho promoters were not likely to take any advantage of anyone interested. The works would be taken over at valuation.

- The second reading of the Bill was agreed to on the voices, but Mr Buddo did not ask that the Committee stage of the Bill should, be taken, and it was accordingly postponed.