Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1924. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE WANTED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2717, 5 April 1924, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1924. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE WANTED.

MR R. T.-’BELL, Cliairman of (lie Manawatu-Oroua River Board, is not satisfied with the result of the deputation which waited upon the Ministers at Wellington in regard to State assistance towards the consummation of the Board's big drainage scheme. Speaking on the subject at Thursday’s Board meeting, Mr Bell said he felt that the Ministers would have to he approached again, and given n ehnnee of finding out if the experts engaged in an investigation of the lands coming under the Board's scheme were as conversant with (lie land as were the members of the River Board themselves. If the experts had as much knowledge of the land as did the members of (lie Board then the chairman was satisfied the former would not say I lia I I lie Board was not entitled to a subsidy will) which to carry on." We agree with Mr Bel] I hat it is (lie duly of the Government lo assist linaneially with this gigantic undertaking which is of national importance. The consummation of the scheme will directly benefit the State by increased settlement and production and the saving of thousands of pounds in road maintenance and public works. Points in this connection must be impressed again and again upon Cabinet until (lie Goveriinienl is enlightened and justice done. If assistance were asked to fallen vested ini crests alone. Government refusal would be justified, bill laud-own-ers directly and indirectly concerned throughout the area are prepared to tax themselves for eoinmeiisiiralc benefits, but object to load themselves wilh a proportion of the cost which should lie borne in equity by the Slate. Tt is the Board's inleiition to supply data on this latter head to the Public Works Department in the hope that the Government will subsidise the scheme.