MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4489, 9 August 1930, Page 2

MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME. The AEanawatu-Oroua River Board met in Palmerston .North on Thursday. Air. J. F. Carter presided and others present were Messrs H. J. T. Hume, T. Rowlands, C. H. Speirs, 11. Barber, B. G. (lower, .J. E. Harrison and B. J. Law. An apology for absence was received from Air. A. Buchanan. Mr. F. C. Hay (engineer) and Mr. P. E Baldwin (solicitor) were also in attendance.

The hoard passed a resolution making a special rate -of 1/2 per acre in the No. 1 separate area for tlie purpose of providing interest, sinking fund and other charges on a loan of £950 authorised in that area for slop-banking and river protection work, the rate to be an annual recurring one during the cnn-eiicy of the loan, which covers the cost of activities on No. 7 job at] Arniangata ('Shannon). The engineer reported as follows on the Moiiton protection works at the old Shannon . Bridge: Theseworks are inadequate and will not withstand Hoods. The ground is l'airlv solid and erosjon may not undermine the stopbauks for some tune, but the flood protection at Ibis place is weak owing to the alignment of the end of the new stophank, which will intensify 'the pressure and render broaching of the stop-hank probable. He also reported that the classification maps were nearing completion and when finished 'the classification would he proceeded with. The report was adopted. In respect to rates due, it was decided to grant five per cent, discount it paid bv September 22. THE SUBSIDY. A discussion on the preliminary steps for putting into effect the modified scheme of flood control tor which the Government recently granted £IOO,OOO on the basis of a subsidy of £1 for £2 took place when the principal point ai issue concerned what form of compensation should be given to the Makcrua area for the existing protective works.

Referring to the Government’s stipulation that the scheme of work should he carried out in its entirety, the chairman (Mr. W. S. Carter) stated that he took this to A' icfer to the full modified scheme and not the undertaking originally proposed, although there must be a definite understanding on that point. Appreciation was expressed by

the chairman of the Government’s action in granting- a subsidy of £IOO,OOO at a critical financial period. The hoard decided to accept the offer and the chairman ann secretary were instrueten to draft a suitable reply to be forwarded to the Prime Minister and his colleagues, particularly Hon. E. A. Ransom. The hoard passed a resolution placing on’record its appreciation of the support and sympathy extended by local bodies in bringing the urgency of organised flood protection measures under the notice of the Government. SUBAHSSTOX TO RATEPAYERS. The chairman intimated that, as soon as the preliminary arrangements could be completed, the mollified scheme wouln be submitted to the ratepayers for sanction. The engineer estimated that as suon as the necessary plans came to hand classification could proceed and would occupy about a

month. The chairman said that- probably three months would elapse before the scheme, with full information, could be submitted to the ratepayers for their approval. Mr. F. C. Hay, the engineer, said that with the smaller subsidy avail-

able it was imperative not to pay the Alakerna Board for works already done, but to adjust elassifiea t ions accordingly.

Mr. J. Harrison pointed out that, if heavy payments had to be made in consideration for existing works ii. special areas,- there would be inching left for the scheme. The chairman said that the board would only take over what was in conformity with the modified scheme.

Mi-. Hay asked if it was proposed 1., classify the Buckley and Makei e.a areas as if there were not stop-hanks there. Mr. P. K. Baldwin, the board's solicitor, said that those protected .- leas could not receive a dual beiieijt iriiiii reduced classification and payment for the acquisition of wot ks. lie added that the board, would nol tie able lo purchase any works.

Mr. Hav said that it should not do so as it would be taking over maintenance costs as well as giving consideration for betterment iu the classification.

Mr. Baldwin said the position was complicated by the fact that the commission had found that the Malkerua area slnmld receive a sum in payment for improvements, and that was to he a consideration eomnu'iisura'te with a sum of £71,(XIII. That could be done iu a rating adjustment under classification. Arrangements could be made for compensation in (hat manner, although the matter was difficult. The chairman: Is the commission's recommendation in any way binding? Mr. Baldwin: Undoubtedly. Mr. B. G. Gower said that the position had been materially altered by the replacement of the original comprehensive scheme with the modified scheme. He ary payments would cripple the latter undertaking. Mr. Hay said that Makerua’s interests lay more with the compre(Concluded on page 1).