THE RECENT FLOODS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4722, 9 July 1924, Page 2

THE RECENT FLOODS

DEPUTATION TO WELLINGTON. BUSINESS TO BE DEALT WITH. Several minor matters in connection with the recent flood came before the Hauraki Plains County Council at its meeting yesterday. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister fo'r Lands, wrote acknowledging receipt of the- Council’s intimation that a deputation would wait upon him .'ii regard to the drainage problem of the Plains. He expressed thanks for the enumeration of the different points, and stated that he would have full information obtained for the deputation. The Minister for Public Works also wrote noting that a committee had been set up to deal with the drainage problem on the Plains. He stated that he would be pleased to consider the representations made. The chairman and clerk were instructed to ascertain what date, preferably within a, fortnight, would be acceptable for the reception of the deputation. Mr W. Scott, Pipiroa, cne of the oldest settlers on the Plains, waited upon the Council and said that the Government had power to compel the fencing of drains. It had not utilised this authority, with the result that its work was rendered useless in a very short time. Numerous flood-gates had been removed, promises being made that concrete gates would be fitted, but this had not been done. He was of the opinion that these matters should be taken up by the deputation when in Wellington. Several councillors supported the request that the Government be asked to enforce the Fencing Act. It was pointed out that at present the Lands Drainage Department often refused to clean a drain because portion of it was not fenced, thus penalising all the settlers using the drain through the action of perhaps one man. Cr. Madgwick pointed out that the enforcement of this Act by the Government would be of great assistance to drainage boards. The deputationist’s request was granted. The .secretary of the Thames Chamber of Commerce wrote stating that he had telegraphed to the Prime Minister with reference to rhe recent floods asking for an expert inquiry into the drainage scheme. It was the Chamber’s intention to consult the •ouncil before making representations, but the necessity of bringing the case under the immediate notice of the Government appeared to warrant the earliest despatch of the representations. The Chamber trusted that its action would not clash with those of the Council, and offered assistance in any further way. It was decided to send a letter of thanks.