FLOOD PROTECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3976, 27 July 1929, Page 2

FLOOD PROTECTION.

ALVNAWATU-OROUA SCHEME. DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS.' Wellington, July 25. A large deputation from the Ala-nawa-tu-Oroua district waited on the Prime Minister and also Hon. G. W. Forbes and Hon. G. M. Ransom to-day regarding rivea- flooding, being introduced by Mr. J. Linklater, ALP., who said that it was a matter of great importance to the district and, indeed, to the Dominion. Many acres of the finest land were affected. Air. Carter explained the situation. All the settlers had suffered damage by the reteent floods. Some considered that the work was too big for the River Board and that the Government should do it and load the land. That would be the best way out. The work could not he done piecemeal, and could not be done without assistance from the Government. Mr. Pearce dealt with the Alakerua land and spoke at great length, giving details of the individual properties. AH. Chrystall said that the deputation would like to know something definite and that quickly. Among the speakers' was Miss Edwards, of Tiakitahuna, who has suffered the loss of valuable acres of land.

Sir Joseph Ward said that the last deputation that had come to Wellington had placed the matter before the Government and. he regretted (that a reply had not yet been sent, but he did not know that there was such a pressing need for a reply. The matter would have to stand over for consideration in connection with the public Works Estimates. The protection of the rived' where so . many authorities were interested would/require legislation, and before that could be passed the whole matter would have to be (investigated by competent officers, who would have to report to -the Government. The work would have to be done thoroughly or not at all. To do it in ;a.slipshod way would be useless. He would send a Public Wiorks Department officer, or officers, to investigate and report as isoon as possible. Wjhen that [report was available, they could ascertain what amount of loading would be necessary to carry out the works. Then the Government could ask Parliament to give the necessary authority. The only thing that he could say to them to-day was that, a |report would be arranged for without delay.