KAOUITI DRAINAGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5115, 15 April 1927, Page 4

KAOUITI DRAINAGE.

ROTOKOHU SETTLERS’ TROUBLE.

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

The troubles of some of the settlei* in the neighbourhood of Old Te Aroha Road were brought before the Hon. K. S. AVilliams (Minister of Public AVorks) at Paeroa on Monday niglit. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P., comprised Messrs A. F. Thorp. H. Thorp, F. Lewis, and J. Ryall.

In outlining their requirements Mr H. Thorp explained that for some years the settlers in the area had made an honest endeavour to maintain the drains, but that the, Knouiti Stream drain, which was the main outlet for the Rotokohu area was deep and difficult to keep clean. The work was almost an impossibility without machinery. Representations had been made previously to the Prime Minister and to the Public 'AVorks Department’s officials, but so far the engineers had not been given authority to provide the machinery to do the work, although the department had recognised the cleaning and propel' functioning of the drain as necessary. The settlers years ago had sought permission to form a drainage board, but it was refused, as the department said that the matter would conn under th" Rivers Improvement Scheme. A plan was produced showing that there were about 3000 acres dependent, on the drain.

Mr L. B. Campbell district Public Works Department enein-er, aLo explained the position, and while admitting that it was difficult to c'e.an the drain without machinery, he pointed out that the maintenance charges would then become a capita, charge. The matter wits a di-.D'-ult one to overcome because the area drained was all occupied land. Mr Samuel said be hoped the department would atfo’-'.l the settlers some relief without any additional rating. He suggested that the Government should write off about £650.000.

The Minister : AVhat, that is about the. cost of the whole scheme' (Laughter.) He promised to look into the matter and obtain a report from the departmental engineers. U' it was practicable to help the settlers they could rest assured that relief of some kind would be given.