MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.
The monthly meeting of the Ma-nawatu-Oroua River Board was held at Palmerston on Thursday. Mr. W. S. Carter presiding. Also present were: Messrs H. J. Wilton, B. G. Gower, A. Akers, N. P. Nielsen, J. E. C. Harrison and A. Seifert. An apology for absence was received from Mr. H. Akers. A letter was received from a ratepayer objecting to the payment of rates because, as he said, “the board had as yet accomplished nothing.” Mr. Seifert stated that the board’s operations to date had consisted of preliminary work. The chairman mentioiled that people had frequently told him that the board had accomplished nothing. \\ hat had been done was as Mr. Seifert stated—the preliminary work that of necessity had to be carried out before any proposals were undertaken.
A financial statement tabled by the clerk (Mr. R. H. Spencer) showed that there was a debit bank balance of £421 12s 5d and that rates still outstanding totalled £249 10s 2d.
For the purpose of providing information for the commission which is to sit shortly to determine what proportion of the cost of the board’s proposed work should be borne by the local bodies affected, and also the national benefit of the scheme, Mr. F. C. Hay, the board’s consulting engineer, tabled a comprehensive report on the history of the board, the component parts of its district, the system and present amount of rating, the question of flooding, complete details in connection with the board’s proposals and the works of other drainage boards in the district, and the benefit io be derived by the various lands. Mr. Hay said that it was a record of facts which it was proposed should provide a basis of fact' for the commission which has been appointed by the Government to inquire into the question of how much local bodies should contribute, andalso the extent of the national benefit from the board’s scheme. The report would enable the commission to obtain, evidence and other information it might desire. The engineer went on to deal with the area under the board’s control, and stated that the rates struck so far had been for preliminary expenses, and explained why the board had so far carried out no part of the actual scheme. The rates so far struck had been a Hat rate of Is 3d., and the second on a classification basis of Is fid., Is., and (id. AD. Hay then dealt with the component parts of the board, and said that the proposed Comprehensive work, with the incorporation of the Makerua Drainage Board’s scheme, would cost £585,000. The scheme besides giving security against flooding—except in the case “Old Man” floods —would also reduce the present meter table. The report was discussed by - members, and certain amendments effected, preparatory to its presentment to the commission
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3016, 27 March 1926, Page 2
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471MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3016, 27 March 1926, Page 2
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