COUNTY RESPONSIBILITY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 66, 5 April 1937, Page 8

COUNTY RESPONSIBILITY

Control of the Taradale Creeks RIVERS BOARD OPINION No responsibility is recognised by the Hawke's Bay Rivers Board in the control of the three water-courses in the Taradale district— Salt Water, Purimu and Taipo creeks, This decision. was reached by the board to-day, when the Hawke's Bay County Council wrote referring the board to Section 73 of the Rivers Board Act, 1908, and inquired if the board recognised a responsibility with regard to the three creeks mentionedThe council in its letter pointed out that after the earthquake the flow of the water in the three creeks was greatly impeded and auy obstacle such as a small bridge-support would materially hinder the get-away of the water. It might be necessary to serve notices on certain persons who were off'enders in this respect, but the question of the control of the creeks should be first agreed upon. "These creeks are no"t of the type that should be under the control of the board," said Mr Lassen, chairman of the Rivers Board, this morning. ' 'They have been enlarged and dug out in places." "They are definitely old watercourses and are not nearly as iarge as they used to be," explained Mr W. G. Jarvis. "At one time the Purimu creek used to take the Tutaekuri river, and the same could be said concerniug both ihe Salt Water aud Tannery creeks." "I will have the board up cleaning my drains next," said Mr R. E. Taibot. "We don't mind who cleans out the creeks as long as they ax-e done, I personally think that it is the council' s job," said Mr Jarvis. On the motxon of the chairinan, seconded by Mr Talbot, it was decided chat the board considered that the con:rol of the creeks was the responsibility >f^the Hawke's Bay County Council. "It would be a good thing for the ;ettlers if the council were not responsihle," commented Mr Jarvis. "