RIVERS CONTROL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4440, 14 July 1922, Page 3

RIVERS CONTROL.

ACTION BY COUNCIL, The resolutipn passed at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on the matter of the control of the rivers and wharves (and published) was before the Borough Council for consideration last night. . His Worship the Mayor thought that they should co-operate with the chamber in preventing The Thames Harbour Board from getting control of the river. These rivers differed very much from the ordinary navigable rivers owing to the fact that they came under the Ohinemuri and Waihou Rivers Improvement Scheme, and as such all ip the area would be rated. Cr. Flatt asked what responsible body was taking the matter up. It appeared to him that some immediate action should be taken. The Mayor said that the Thames Harbour Board had. already deputationised the Minister for Marine on the v»atter. He moved "That this Council communicate with, the Minister -of Marine protesting against the Thames Harbour Board’s proposal to take over the control of the rivers and wharves, and that the Council co-operate with the Chamber of Commerce and other local bodies interested ”■ This was seconded by Cr. Edwards and carried, Ur, Flatt moved, and Cr. Marshall seconded, “That this question be handed over to the Council’s representative bn the Reference Board, to give it his special attention.” —Carried. “Thank you, gentlemen,” said the Mayor; “it will have my best attention.” ‘ DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. While the Minister for Marine, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, was in the district last week-end the Thames Harbour Board made representations to him with regard to the control of the Waihou River. Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P., said a matter of vital interest was the possibility of the formation of a separate board having control of the rivers. The lower portion of the Waihou River was under the control of the Thanes Harbour Board, and the Board maintained, and he thought rightly so, that it was the body, whici should have sole control of the rivers. It would be an injustice to relieve the Board of any portion of its revenue. The Board should undoubtedly have full control oyer the navigation in that river. Mr. C. W. Harris (Harbour Board Chairman) said there was no necessity to form another boand with the powers of a harbour board, as it would only increase the cost. One board was sufficient. The Min’ster said he would have the matter gone into thoroughly by the officers of his Department. Whoever had control of the shipping fit the mouth of the river should, he considered, have control right up it. The Board’s idea of having one controlling tody was a good one, and it should also have control of the shipping on it. He would go carefully into the matter.