PLAINS FLOODING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4739, 18 August 1924, Page 2

PLAINS FLOODING.

DEPUTATION TO WELLINGTON. QUESTION OF GRANTS. Interviewed on. Saturday upon his return from Wellington Mr J. Bratlie, the Ngatea Farmere’ Union deputatiouist to the Hon. Minister for Lands, expressed an opinion that there was a good chance of at least some of the £25,000 made available for loans to settlers for Hood damage being converted' into straight-out grants. Mr Bratlie accompanied the County Council's deputation, and in addition had an interview of an hour and a half duration with the Minister for Lands, and a short interview with the Prime Minister. To these gentlemen he pointed out that the flooding around Ngatea was obviously the fault of the Lands Drainage Department- -and this was not denied by the engineers of the department who were present at a later meeting—and that the Farmers’ Union and the settlers considered that the request for grants was a reasonable one. Stress was laid on the plight of the settlers on Ngatea Road east of. the river, and it was pointed out that these men, practically all of whom had young families, had been nearly runied. Their farms wpre still useless, and nothing could be done to them until the dry weather, when regrassing would be necessary. Only a few of them had been fortunate enough to dispose of their stock, even at much below its value. The cows were being grazed all over the country', and were now coming in for the season, but the owners co ild not receive them on to their farms. The offer of loans was of little value, as the settlers could not afford to add to their interest bill. Applications had been made, but for the least possible amount —in some cases barely sufficient to pay for grazing and grass seed. The Minister for Lands had been sympathetic,, but explained that he was not familiar with the district and would have to rely upon reports from his officers. Moreover, the question was one for the Minister for Finance. Mr Bratlie therefore endeavoured to interviw the Hon, Mr Massey, and after a great deal of trouble he' succeeded.

The Prime Minister said that the question was one for .the House, but he would recommend it. He advised settlers to put in applications and hope for the best. In regard to the river improvements, said Mr Bratlie, the Minister for Lands stated that these were matters which would have to be carefully gone into. Much of the work asked for had been commenced or would be put in hand. His engineers did not consider that, as much as was asked for was necessary, but certain bends and shallow places would be improved. In regard to the Rawerawe bend, it was very desirable that a definite statement be made as to whether a canal should be cut, or, if that was not thought advisable, when the road would be metalled. His departmental officers considered that the flood-gates were quite large enough. No reply was givn by the Minister in reply to the request for a commission.