AWAITI DRAINAGE RATE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4803, 28 January 1925, Page 3

AWAITI DRAINAGE RATE.

APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION.

EXPLANATION TO MINISTER

Wnile on the way to Paeroa from the Plains the Hon. A. D. McLeod was met at the corner of Wilson’s Road by members of the Awaiti Settlers' Association in connaction with matters concerning their district.. Mr J. W.akeham, in support of an application recently made by the settlers for. two years' exemption from drainage rates, explained that the Crown settlers were rated 6.509 d in the £, equal to 6s 3d an acre; by the Lands Department and the County Council, whereas the freehold land received better drainage and was not required to pay drainage rates. The Minister pointed out that the roadside drain had to be utilised as an outlet for the Crown land, as no other was available. It was unfortunate that the freeholders received the greatest benefit, but it could not be helped, and the department had no power to collect a rate from- other than Crown land. The “H” drain was part of the Waihou and Ohineiiitiri Rivers Improvement Scheme, and the amount of the rate w,as not evidence that the Lands Department was harsh. But there was evidence that die Public Works Department was not making the settlers under its control carry their share of the burden Remission of iatep could not be granted, and the position could only be met by a grant from the Consolidated Fund, but nothing had been shown to induce him to make that recommendation.

After further .discussion the Minister said that it was apparently not a drainage matter, but one of valuation. ' He then explained the settlers’ rights in regard to revaluations, as he had done at other place ;, and concluded by promising consideration of the question of a grant to the Lands Drainage Department to recoup it for the rates remitted.

A settler remarked that the valuation would not be too high if the roads were completed.

This brought up a general discussion on roading matters.

Mr .Wakeham pointed out that at the time of the ballot the Commissioner of Crown Lands had exprained that the high cost of the land was caused by the loading for the roads, Which were to be completed. So far Pukahu West Road had not even been formed, though it had been trimmed up several times by the settlers. The Minister isaid that the department had undertaken to complete the roads, which, by the way, was forming oi.ilv, and not metalling, and if it was found that a road had not been done he would see that it was attended to. The difficulties of the area.' in regard to the raising of loans for its roads owing to the numerous propos- t ed rating areas and the small voting power of the Crown settlers were explained by Mr Wakeham. The ' department had commenced to metal Awaiti Road, but wet weather had stopped the work, and it had never been recommenced. The Minister replied that he would go into the question with his officers and those of the Public Dorks Department. The job would probably cost three or four thousand pounds, and this could not all be expected in one year. THE AWAITI CANAL. Mr J. P*. Whisker asked the Minister whether it would be possible to emplov two shifts on the dredges operating in the Awaiti canal, so that the stop-banking could be completed before wniter. The Chief Drainage Engineer, Mr O. N. Campbell,\ said it would not be advisable, owing to the treacherous nature of the country.