MARLBOROUGH RIVERS BILL.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 142, 31 October 1868, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH RIVERS BILL.

We are informed that the main alteration in the Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act is the removal of one of the defects we pointed out in our remarks upon this Bill a few weeks ago. Our readers will remember that we urged that since no portion of the funds was likely to be contributed by the Provincial Government, we could not see any good reason why onethird of the Conservators should be appointed by the Supeiintendent. The Act as amended by the Legislative Council, and passed by the Assembly, provides that all the Conservators shall be elected by the people. The Hawke's Bay Herald says ;

“ We hear that this measure, which is admirably drawn, is likely to be applied to other provinces. Even the Canterbury people, who passed a special Bill for their province, are, it is said, likely to apply the provisions of the Hawke’s Bay measure, in lieu of their own. The notable feature in Mr. Ormond’s Bill is that the working it out is Vested chiefly in the hands of the people interested in the works to be performed ; whilst in the Canterbury Act, the whole power is centred in the provincial authorities. Under the Hawke’s Bay Act, large powers are vested in the Board of Conservators, but this must necessarily be the case where difficult works, requiring prompt and efficient action, have to be carried out.” —We learn that at the request of his Honor Mr, Eyes, the Ministry have agreed to send J. M. Balfour, Esq., M.1.C.E., Colonial Engineer, at the earliest period his engagements will permit, to inspect the Wairau and the Breach, and report thereon, for the guidance of the Conservators. In the meantime, Mr. A. Dobson is engaged to take the levels between here and the Breach. We hope soon to be able to announce that the requisite steps are being taken to bring the Act into operation, and lor the election of the Conservators.