MINISTERIAL TOUR.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4803, 28 January 1925, Page 2

MINISTERIAL TOUR.

SATURDAY’S PROGRAMME.

THE PATETONGA VISIT. Drainage and Reading Matters.

On Saturday morning the Hon. A. D. McLeod and party left Thames at S a.m. and proceeded direct to Patetoiiga. An inspection was made of several farms along the tramline road, and several soldier settlers from that toad and Mangawhero Road took the opportunity of interviewing the Minister and the Commissioner of Crown Landa on private matters, and a conference between those settlers who were being transferred to other land and the Minister was held in regard to making final arrangements. The Minister then proceeded to inspect several sections on the Maukoto deviation road, and at 12.30 arrived at the Patetonga Hall, where about sixty settlers had assembled. CONTROL OF ROADS. Mr D. J. Rogers, president of the Settleis’ Association, welcomed the Minister and expressed regret that the limited time available would not penult of matters being gone into very clo«ely. The settlement, said Mr Rogers, was practically twelve years ok 1 , and the settlers were still in difficulties. Some few had sold out, some had abandoned their holdings, and now most of the settlers had to Work off their farms. It was doubtful if there would be a hundred applicants for the land if it was now thrown open for selection at the original price and after twelve years’ work had been done on it. The. disabilities of the district were _ the draniage and the state of the roads. The hill country, and later the whole of the district, had become rateable by the County Council, but great difficulty was experienced in collecting tlm rate, and the amount obtained was not sufficient to enable much work to be done. County and drainage rates amounted to 6d in the -2, and the valuation averaged £l6 an acre. A great deal of work was done on the roads by the Lands Drainage Department, and it was the wish of the settlers that that department resume control so that more work would be done and settlers would get some relief from the burden ofl county rates.

Cr. F. J. Mayn Spoke in support of the roauest, pointing out that the officers of the Lands Department had realised at the time o? the conference between the department and the Hauraki Plains County Council that the time was not ripe to hand over control of the roads.

The Minister asked if the settlers, were prepared to pay to the Lands Department an additional rate equal to that paid to the County Council Mr Mayn said that the settlers would not then be any better off, except for the chance of more work being done. The. county council was not able to do anything with the rates collected.

The Chief Drainage Engineer contended that the council could do more maintenance.

Cr. Mayn said that the department was reclaying the road, end if the council did any work there would be that n uch less for the department to do. The council could not afford to do work in the riding.

The Minister said' it was a peculiar position. It was contrary to law for a council to collect rates from a riding and not spend the balance remaining after paying the riding’c share of general expenditure within that riding.

Cr. Mayn said that there was nothing left. Administrative expenses cost fifty per cent, of tlie collectable

rate. The Minister said if.that was so the position required investigating. The request was also supported by Mr W. Wallace, who sought to show the unjust discrimination in the treatment Of the lower reaches of the Plains with that of the area around Patetonga. Between Kerepeehi, Pipiroa, and Waitakaruru there were fifty miles of metalled roads, and the country was honeycombed with drains, while around Patetonga there were no metalled roads and very few drains. He contended that the department had established a precedent by metalling the roads in the lower portions of the Plains, and the' settlers who took up land in the upper reaches had naturally expected their area to be isimilarly treated, especially when the price charged for the land was up to seven times as much as for that lowei down -he river. Whether it was intentional or not, the settlers had been induced to take up the land by false pretences. ■ The Minister stated that from the verv beginning the Lands Department had carried out metalling by £ for £ subsidies. He did not know' exactly how the settlers paid their share, but it was possibly loaded on to the land. However, there was nothing to stop the settlers from obtaining £ for £ subsidies through the Public Works Department. The council bad only to apply. Mr Wallace raised many points in support of the request, and particularly pointed out the cost of the land to the department and the prices charged settlers in various districts. Mr A. Taylor spoke of the easy facilities for metalling the roads owing to the proximity of numerous shftigle-bearing streams. The department had contended that very much claying was required, but roads could be pointed out which hap! been metalled on deep peat and had stood for many pears.

In reply the Minister said that the many points raised could not be answered in the limited time available. He could only answer a few, as many knotty problems were involved which required consideration. The department had spent all the money it received by the sale of land in the development of drains and the forming of roads. When it came to metalling, the department had to make applica-

tion to the Public Works Department for subsidies. Thus it could be seen that the Lands Department had not done the jobe alone, but in conjunction with the Public Works Department, just as the County Council was now able to do. He could not understand why the council had no money available for expenditure in the riding, as the law on the point was very definite. The Minister then proceeded to explain the commitments of the Governnient us lie had done at other places, and said that if he told the settlers he would recommend that votes be made out of the capital account he would be misleading them. In the ordinary course of events the Public Works Department made £ for £ subsidies, and in special cases, such as he thought that of Patetonga was, a £2 for £1 subsidy was granted. The Lands Department only had the money it derived from the sale of land, and while the payment of this 1 was spread over 25 years the expenditure was completed in three or four years. Votes for roads must come through the Public Works Department, and he would make representations to the Minister of rhat department on the matter. In regard to the general condition of the land of the district he well knew from experience that any of the pioneer type of man or woman who could see success in twenty years or so would hang on and g > ahead. However, in regard to the'Patetonga district, he had had a good icok round ,and had made a decision which would probably cost the State a huge sum of money. The settlers must realise that what was done in anj one district was quoted as a precedent for every other district, and therefore care had to be exercised. He felt that there was a certain amount of responsibility on the department, but lie well knew that no credit would have heen given it had the land increased in value to £6O an acre. Inimense areas of bush land in othe ’ parts of the country bad cost £6 an acre to clear and fence, and now*,, by reaso. of the second growth, the settlers; after twenty years of hard work, would be glad to accept ■£3 an acre. If the Government admitted responsi- " bility for Patetonga it would have to admit it in all the other cases where settlers had not made a success. .He fully realised the difficulty of the reading problem; and would promise to do his best to get .the Minister for Public Works to make votes for the purpose. As to the question of handing control of the roads back to the Lands Department, the Minister said he —< would go carefully into the matter and make a definite announcement in a month or two. THE BLACKBERRY PEST. The serious inroads of the blackberry pest was brought under the notice of the Minister by Mr E. F. Wilkins, who pointed out that many settlers, both soldier and civilian, had been driven off their farms by this rapidly spreading weed. These vacant farms were a great menace, and something should be done quickly, otherwise the whole district would be overrun by, blackberry. Most of the settlers would have gone into flax-grow-ing if it had not been for the blackberry pest. The Minister pointed out that if side-leaf cutting of flax was adopted there was a much greater chance of ■ dealing with blackberry than if the flax was only cut every four years. DRAINAGE CLASSIFICATION. Anomalies in the classification ot land for drainage rates were pointed out by Mr D. J. Rogers, who contended that the department had a weakness for classifying land “A.” which meant direct benefit from drains. The • land near the hills was classed “A,” and had to take the water from the hills, yet had practically no outlets. The Under-Secretary for Lands had promised when the late Minister for Lands was in Patetonga that a classitier would be sent to the district. The Minister said that if a promise had been made he would see that it was carried out. MAUKORO LANDING ROAD. A request that the Lands Drainage Department lift a grant made for the Maukoro Landing Road and employ a dredge to raise the road about seven feet to avoid flooding, and so .that it could be utilised by the council as an outlet to the river fbom its metal quarry was made by Cr. F. J. Main, and tlie Minister promised to consider the matter. DEVIATION ROAD. Cr. Mayn also asked the Minister io make represetnations to the Minister for Puulic Works to have the money granted for the completion of the Maukoro Deviation road expended as soon as possible. The legal formalities holding up the work were now completed. The Minister then left for Ngatea. zHORAHIA DRAINAGE Mr D. J. O’Carroll and others, on behalf of the settlers of the newly formed Horahia drainage area, waited upon the Minister at Ngatea and asktiie Government drainage rate not to be collected from the area as the new board had to strike a rate. In reply to the Minister the Chief Drainage Engineer sajd that the department had struck its rate and spent a certain amount. The unexpended balance would be paid over to the-new board. . . The Minister said the department could not be expected to do more. a Mr A. Rogers pointed out that tlie past winter had seriously affected the productivity of the land and had cans- - ed great losses in stock, so that it would be a distinct hardship to have to pay two rates. A certified factory return showed that the return from* one farm was 80001 b of butter-fat less

than for the corresponding period of the previous year. The Minister said that remission of rates could not be considered, and any relief would have to come by way of grant. Mr W. McDuff, chairman of the board, and Mr W. G. Willy, the secretary, waited upon the Minister with the same request. Mr \Villy pointed out that with rent, which went into the Hauraki Plains Settlement Account, and drainage rates the liability was 10s an acre. T.lle boards’ rate of 2s 6J and the count’/ rate brought the total up to 17s ICd an acre. The area had not cost the Consolidated Fund a penny, except for the metalling of loads, and it was a reasonable request to ask for the Government rates to be remitted. The board had nothing in black and white to show that the unexpended balance would be handed over, or _ that the balance of the £2OOO grant promised would be received. • The Minister rejoined that the promise made by the previous Minister vould be honoured. • ' After a little discussion, during which the Chief Drainage Engineer pointed out that the rent of 5s an acre could not be called a maintenance rate, as it was interest and sinking fund on the purchase price, the • Minister said he would look into the matter as quickly as possible. The £2OOO promised would be forthcoming. He had been assured that there would be about £l5O unexpended of the rate struck, which would be available for the board. Mr Willy-then asked the position in regard to a vote made to improve the stop-banks of the.Piako Rivei, The Chief Drainage Engineer explained that the grant had been made prior to the constitution of the Horahia drainage area, and had that board not\ taken over the area the department would have already done the work. The board was entitled to receive about £7OO, being the proportion due to the area. The grant was a subsidy of £2 to £l. Mr Willy asked if the department would, undertake the work if the board found its amount. Mr E. Taylor, Lands Drainage Engineer, said it was not advisable, as the department had intended to improve its existing stop-banks, whica in some , cases were inside freehold land. . The Minister said he would looK into the matter and advise the- board. Mr J. C. Miller said that to show that the board had faith in the departmental officers it would like to—- ' The Minister: “Make use of our officers.” Mr Miller: Exactly. It was desired, said Mr Miller, that thn drainage engineer prepare a comprehensive drainage scheme for the Horahia area. The Minister said that similar requests were frequently received, and Io grant them would require an increased staff. However, the services of the department’s officeis would be ■' available in an advisory capacity at any .time; but not to draw up detailed plans and specifications. NGATEA SUBDIVISION. .Mr W. E. McKay, prefedent of the Chamber of Commerce, waited upon the Minister with a request that all area of land in Ngatea be made available for purchase. It was in the interests of the township that the frontages be made available for shops. The Minister said the matter woul.l be looked into. METALLING OF ROADS. In opening the discussion on the question of the metalling of reads opened by the Lands Department the county chairman, Cr. J. C. Miller, said that the discussions he had heard at the various places visited by the Minister had somewhat altered his views, but the council was blamed by the settlers for taking over the roads, and also for not forcing the Government to complete the metalling Many ratepayers failed .to real_ise that the bulk of the unmetalled roads were forced upon the council against its will, and that the council had no power whatever to force the Government to do anything. rhe Minister had tsaid during the course of his travels that he was convinced that the settlers had made up their minds that the Government was to metal the roads, and he had also stated that the settlers had not made any offer to bear a share, of the cost. He (Mr Millre) Wished to point , out. that the contention of the settlers was a legitimate one in view of their past experiences, and that authority j ru i been given for road loans amounting to over £70,000. On many of these there was no Government subsidy. Statements had been made in Patetonga that the cost of administration in the county was. 50 per cent. This was not so, as the clerk would show’ at a later stage. The cost was high, but a very long way below the highest, and in his opinion the proportion would remain high for many years. Statements had also been made in Patetonga concerning the passing of the control of the arpa comprising the county from the Lands Department to the council, and he would ask the clerk to state the position. Mr Walton then detailed the various steps and read many letters and extracts from newspapers showing xthat it was the iritentiqp of the State to metal the roads, and that the settlens understood it would be done. At various stages the Minister interjected,. contending that the meaning “free' grant” was being taken instead of “subsidy.” He said that there was no evidence to show that the grants made were not subsidies on some contribution of the settlers. They paid a share, he contended, either directly or indirectly to the Lands Department, and this was subsidised by votes made to the department. He had not come with an antagonistic mind, but with the determination. that unless promises had I been made he would follow the policy laid down. To make any alteration would be unfair to the rest of the Dominion. Tn regard to the promise said to have been made by the Right Hon. Mr Massey in Pipiroa, he would 7-discuss the matter again with him ' upon his return to Wellington. He

had not been able to find any record •of it, but he knew that Mr Massey's promit.es were always carried put Mr Walton then read extracts from annual reports of the drainage operations on tne Hauraki Plains showing that free grants were made annually, and that the Lands Department, recognising the ' necessity of metalling the roads, had annually applied for and received free grants. Since Mr Massey had spoken at Pipiroa free grants had been made annually for ten years

The Minister said that while there was money in the development fund of the Hauraki Plains account it wats spent as a set-off to the grants, but when the fund became exnausted the work ceased. To continue would mean to come on the general taxpayer of New Zealand. There were many districts with less valuable land bearing their own burdens. Only in isolated districts where there were nc rates, and where’ a road was required for more than local requirements, had the Government done all. The request was, he considered, an unreasonable one.

Mr Walton asked if this was to be taken, in reply to the general .request, and what was the position ui regard to the roads in .the land opened at the first ballots.

The Minister stated that if he found Mr Massey had made a promise it would be honoured. He had found that the land opened in the later ballots was more in need of assistance than the older established area, which in his opinion was able to bear its own burdens. The Lands Department s funds were exhausted, and any assistance would have to come through the Public Works Department. The Hon. Mr Coates had said that he would, give the Hauraki Plains equal treatment with other districts. The matter woudl be discussed with his colleagues in no antagonistic manner, but he was bound to say that ne would give the Patetonga district more consideration than the area lower down, as that district was in a very bad condition, both in regard to the st,atc of the land and the state of the roads. When replying to the county, chairman’s speech of thanks the Minister, said that while on tour during the next three weeks he expected to get requests totalling half a million pounds for reading. The difficulty of allocating the £500,000 or £600,000 voted would be appreciated. MONDAY’S PROGRAMME. EASTERN PARTS OF PLAINS. Oii Monday the Minister continued his tour of the Hauraki Plains, visitirig Orongo, where he discussed the great problem of that area with his officers and the settlers, then Turua, Gumtown Road, and Kerepeehi, where lunch was partaken of. In the after-, noon Netherton and Awaiti were visited on the way to Paeroa. AT ORONGO. About 20 soldier settlers met the Minister in the Orongo schoolroom and discussed several matters. The first subject concerned drainage Mr J. M. Smith pointing out that while the settlers admitted the question was one for engineers they contended that there were insufficient drains and flood-gates, as the area had to take the water from the back country. They were, however, of opinion that the position would be improved if the drains were deepened io provide a greater storage capacity and more flood-gates put in to allow the water to get away quicker. A short flooding neutralised, the whole of a summer’s work. There were only two flood-gates from the ferry to the Piako River, a distance of five miles, whereas from the ferry to Turua, a distance of nine miels, there were ten flood-gates. The Chief Drainage Engineer said that there was a greater proportion of outlet in the flood-gatee of the settlement than in any other part of the Plains. It was granted that there would be a congestion in the drains during a heavy downpour. The Lands Drainage Engineer said that tne department could, not do all it would like to to, as the bottoms of the drains spewed up. ■ The Minister asked the cost of duplicating the flood-gates. Mr Taylor replied that it would be a very expensive job, as there were 16 chains of outlet to be made outside of the flood-gate, and the drain inside would require to be enlarged. The Minister said an enlargement of an outlet at any given point would be na experiment. He was not prepared to accept the opinions of the settlers against those of engineers. He believed his officers were doing what they thought best, out it would perhaps be worth while providing an extra outlet as an experiment. WATER SUPPLY. The next matter brought up concerned the water supply. Mr Smith pointed out that the settlers had had bores put down to depths ip to 230 ft, at a cost of from £6O to £BO, and now, after a few years, many of these had failed, with the result that had it not been for the generality of neighbours all stock would have had tc be> taken away. The “settlers therefore asked if it would be possible to get a supply from the other side of the livei. Mr T. W. Rhodes , said that Mr E. F. Adams had gone into the question and found that for about £ll,OOO a supply could be brought from the Kirikiri stream. The cost would work out at about 12s a ccw when the area was fully developed. The Minister said that the land was already loaded fairly heavily. Mr O. N. Campbell, the Chief Drainage Engineer, said that the big scheme for the whole of the Plains would be preferable and much cheaper, but it was a scheme i equiring a lot of financing.

The Minister asked if a big bore, such as those in use in- Queensland, had been considered.

Settlers pointed out that the bore water was not suitable for stock. The tractor drivers would n'ot use it in their radiators because the metal would be eaten away in a very short time. One pettier said th it he had

dropped a galvanised iron bucket into a well, and when an effort was made a couple of months latei’ to recovei it no piece larger than three square inches could be found. The effect of this water on the cattle' could oe imagined. Another settler mentioned that he had provided big roofs and tanks with sufficient storage capacity for the requirements of his wine cows.

It was pointed out by a settler that water was running to waste from a 3in pipe at the Kopu wharf, and that it should not be a very expensive matter to continue the pipe across the river. After discussion the Minister said there was no doubt that a gravitation system would have to come eventually, but the question was to find the cheapest method of providing immediate relief. FINANCIAL MATTERS. A lengthy discussion on the financial position of the settlers then took place, and many explanations were made by the Minister and the Commfesioner of Crown Lands. A friendly. spirit prevailed throughout, and many points were cleared up. Summing up. the Minister said that three or four problems of outstanding difficulty had been placed before him, and these he would go into carefully with his officers. The State had a big sum invested in the settlement, and it was of no use “losing the ship for a ha’penneth of tar.” AGGREGATION OF LAND. Mr F. V. Cutting, on behalf of the small holding settlers, asked the Minister whether it wap possible for them to secure more land, as sections of 36 acres were rather small.

After conferring with Hie settlers on the question of the land available the Minister said that the matter was one for the Land Board. He was of opinion that 35 cows were ample

for one settler, and that he should not. have more than sufficient land to; keep rhat number.. He realised the' difficulties peculiar to the settlement,, but thought that they would in time pass away, and that small holdings from which a man could make more than a daily wage would result. Instructions * had been issued to the various- Commissioners of Crown Lands to facilitate the enlargement of holdings where opportunity offered, so that settlers by sound farming practice could.keep up to 35 cows and make a comfortable living. TURUA REQUESTS. The advisability of declaring tall fescue a noxious weed in certain areas was discussed by members of the Hauraki Drainage Board with the Minister at Turua. The Mnilster said that it was ridiculous to declare a noxious weed any plant which the Agricultural Department considered the landholders could not handle. However he fully realised that something should be done, and recognised the inadvisability of giving the local body power in the matter. Prior to next session serious consideration would be given the subject by the Lands Department •in conjunction with .the Agricultural Department with the idea of incorporating a clause in the Hauraki Plains Act amending legislation.

PIAKO ROAD GRANT.

The request of the Turua Town Board that representations be made to the Minister for Public Works in regard to securing the return on next year's estimates of the grant previously appearing thereon for Piako Road was agreed to by the Minister.

TE KAURI No. 2 DRAIN

Aftei inspecting the outlet of the To Kauri No. 2 drain and hearing the representations of Mr J. U. Miller, of the Ho.rahia Drainage Board, and Mr F. L. Hamilton, on behalf of the settlers of the Horahia-Opou special rating area, the Minister decided that a special grant to improve the batter

of the lower portion should be made.

KEBEPEEHI MATTERS. The Minister and party lunched with Mr E, Taylor at Keropeehi, and after a sliort inspection of the depot received deputations in the wharf shed. A DOMAIN AREA. In regard to the granting by the Lauds Department of an area of land in a more suitable position in lien or tile gazetted domain, reserve, which subject was brought up by Mr W. Booth on behalf of the Ratepayers and Citizens’ Association, the Minister said that the exchange suggested could possibly be arranged, but ii would take some considerable time as the proclamation- had to be revoked. The valuation of the two areas would have to be taken into consideration, but if that of the suggested area did not exceed that of the present area by mcre( than £2OO the differnece could possibly be made up by a grant from the sum voted by Parliament annually, for the assistance of domain boards. t’ownship roads'. Metalling the roads in the townsnip was fully discussed by Mr Booth and the Minister on the lines of the discussion at other places, though it was pointed out by Mr Booth and Mr H. Poland, M.P., that the conditions were not alike, as Kcrepeehi wajs a Government township and the Crown should do the work-just as a private owner who cut up land was compelled to do. This view was not accepted by the Minister, who contended that if the department did the work tne value of privately owned land would be enhanced. The settlers should form themselves into a special lating area, and raise a loan, which would be subsidised in the usual maiinei by the Public Works Department. He was prepared to favourably' comsidei and specially urge that ii vote be made for metalling the road to the school, but with regard to the other roads he thought the settlors should share the burden. KAIKAHU ROAD. A request that consideration be given to the subject of metalling half a mile or so of Kaikahu Road by the Government was made by Mr H. D. Jamieson,' who said that the road passed through Crown land. The settlers were, quite prepared to be rated for that portion of the road through the other area, but could not afford to pay for the Crown land portion. In reply the Minister said that the Lands Department might be able io load itis share on to the land before selling it. He would go into the matter, but no decision could be expected until the next Public Works estimates were brought down. DRAINAGE QUESTIONS. Messrs J. M. Thompson and R. L. Davies, with other settlers of the land west of the Kerepeehi-Wharepoa load, made the request that the Horahia Drainage Board be given authority to expend portion of the £2001) Government grant in providing a new outlet to the roadside drain. The board had announced that the grant was for work on the riverside, atnd that it could not be spent elsewhere. The Chief Drainage Engineer said that there was nothing to prevent the board spending .the grant wherever it decided. The Resident Engineer said that the position would be met when the board submitted the proposals for the expenditure of the money, as. the Minister might not grant his approval if the allocation was not fair to all parts of the drainage area. The necessity of having the new outlet provided before the coming winter was stressed by the deputation, and atter a great deal of discussion -the Minister announced that he was prepared to recommend a £ for £ subsidy up to £l5O for the work.

The deputation also asked for assistance towards the cost of enlarging the culvert at the corner of the Turua-Netherton and KerepeehiWharepoa roads. The Minister replied that this was a matter for the drainage boards, and when the proposals came before him lie would have to consider whether the subsidy should come -out of the £2OOO grant or not. AT. NETHERTON.

A request that consideration be given to the subject of compensation ’for the damage done to the riparian lands during the erection if the Waihou River stop-banks by the digging of holes for’the purpose of obtaining, spoil, the removal of fences, and the digging of drains was made by Messrs S. Loughlin, A. Vowles, and G. Death on behalf of the settlers concerned at Netherton.

In reply the Minister said he had discussed the wohle subject with the Minister for Public Works, and while admitting that harm had been done to some settlers, it had to oe granted that an immense amount of good was being done'for a big area for which so far nothing had been paid. The least the back country could do would be to compensate the riparian owners for the damage done.