MANDEVILLE AND RANGIORA DRAINAGE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1775, 28 October 1879, Page 3

MANDEVILLE AND RANGIORA DRAINAGE.

The “ Hansard ” report states that Mr Bowen recently asked the Minister of Lands whether Government would appoint a Royal Commission to take evidence and report as to the drainage system of the Mandeville and Rangiora district. Ho said a deal of money had been spent on the drainage, and opinions differed as to the manner in which it was laid out. The fact was, that a new riverbed had been formed, with a large supply of water in it, and some of the farmers considered they had been injured by the manner in which the works had been carried out. The matter was one of importance to the settlers as well as to the Government, as the railway ran through the district. It was desirable an inquiry should be held, and the people hoped it would be thorough. He did not ask for a departmental inquiry, as it was necessary that evidence should be taken on the spot as to the original watershed, and the best lire for the permanent outlet. It would be well that oh engineer of the Public Works Department should be associated with some independent engineer familiar with drainage works. Mr Rolleston replied that he was aware it was a vexed question, and the Government property was seriously affected by the drainage works. Ho was also aware that the action of the Government in the past with reference to these works had been very much called into question, and the Government was of opinion an inquiry ought to be instituted. The nature of the inquiry was matter for future consideration. He should be glad to confer with the honorable gentleman, and the Government would take steps to have the inquiry held. Whether it would be a Royal Commission or otherwise he was not now prepared to say.