PATETONGA AFFAIRS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5021, 1 September 1926, Page 2

PATETONGA AFFAIRS.

ROARING AND DRAINAGE.

COMMITTEE OFANQUIRY,

Mr F. W. Walters has been appointed by the Minister of Lands a member of a. committee set up to: inquire into and report on certain matters in the Pd.te.tonga district and elsewhere in the Hauraki Plains area. The following is the, order of reference : —

(1) To advise as to the efficiency or otherwise of the existing reading and drainage; facilit’ea and of the maintenance thereof.

(2) To investigate settlers’ grievances in connection with the subsidence and flooding that has taken pla.ee in the pe.at areas-, and to advise as to what further action, if, any, the department should take to meet the .situation

(3) To advise as to -the possibilities otf the successful settlement of the unoccupied peat lands, and, generally, as to what better facilities s if any, should be provided for the better disposal- of these areas.. Following this, the committee is required to report on the alleged flooding of settlers’ holdings on the eastern side of the Piako River in 1925, and to advise whether the department had done all that could be reasonably expected of it in connection with the stop-banking of the Piako River. If not, what recommendation has it to make.

The report is to be submitted not later than September 30.