LAND DRAINAGE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1839, 27 August 1913, Page 7

LAND DRAINAGE.

INCREASED RATING POWERS FOR BOARDS. Amendments in tho Land Drainage Act are to bo made by a Bill which is being introduced in Parliament this session by the Prime Minister. The mo6t important of tho new proposals is that by which land drainago boards are to take increased rating powers. Under tho existing law they.may levy a rato not exceeding six farthings in t'lie £ on rateable value, but it is now proposed that a rate exceeding six- farthings in the £ may bo levied if a petition in favour of an' increased rato is presented to tho board, signed by not less than three-fourths of the ratepayers, representing not less than threefourths of tho'rateable value of all tho properties liable to bo rated within the 'district or subdivision. Rates and special rates are to be levied on a craduatcd scale according to a classification made by tho board of the rateable property within tlie district, but if tlio board wishes, the Minister for Internal Affairs may, if lie is satisfied that all -the lands to be. rated will derive an equal benefit from tho works to be done, authorise the board to levy tho rato on a uniform pcale. It is proposed also that tho boundaries of a drainage district may bo altered by a commission set up by the Governor on receipt of a petition from tho board that it is desirable to include other land within tho rating area. This commission will make the necessary inquiries, and on its'recommoijdation t'lie Governor may alter t'ho boundary by Order-in-Council.