LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4394, 24 March 1922, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Thames Valley Refererence Board is to meet shortly to consider the report of the recent River's Commission, and .also the Governmental attitude thereto. It is not out of place, therefore, to suggest a few matters that, require uigent consideration. The question of river dredging io keep navigation alive is easily the first in importance, and an easy path to this end may be found in the Commission’s proposals io tax alii mining debris placed in the Ohinemuri. This will necessitate a small Amende ing Act of Parliament. To provide a dredge or dredges to help should prove a simple matter. The next matter of high importance is to have the whole cost of the river protection works reviewed, to try and mee.t the recent Commission’s recommendations in this matter. Here again the Reference Board should have ample scope tp find new resources to cover the main costs of these improvements. The Crown and Thames Borough lands at Awaiti should be able, to provide an enormous sum as a direct contribution to river improvements costs as a result of first benefits received from the same. No doubt ifurther careful investigation of the Public Works Department’s policy may result in postponement of certain works that cannot be classed as urgent. The last, and most urgent,, local matter is consideration of the ruinous plight of the settlers of the Rotokohu and Pereniki areas. For a public department to carefully divert terrific floods on to an area, and then, to stand by and refuse help or consideration. is a position that under private enterprise would result in Immense damages to the injured parties. The Reference Board could, 'therefore, give careful consideration to the present autocratic stand of the Public Works Department in this matter, inasmuch as the Public Works Department refuses all responsibility for damages caused, and compensation therefor. They also refuse to state definitely their plans for this area, and are killing all faming in a rich area by means of “Hope deferred?’ The Government also stands charged with neglecting national interests by allowing a national asset to be ruined.

I would suggset, therefore, that the time is here npw for the Reference Board and all parties interested in the foregoing to insist .on a progressive immediate policy from the Government. We have the certainty that the Government, wilj be raising some five or six million pounds for national undertakings at a very early date, and this great district should be in the forefront of any Government expenditure scheme, so that we could easily ask that the present provision Of £50,000 for public works here be increased for this year at least £200',000. As the Government will have to find relief works this winter, the drains and stop-banks as a means to this end are easily the most! beneficial. W. D. KEYS, Secretary, Tirohia-Rptokohu-Pereniki Ratepayers’ ■ Association,