MAINAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4540, 6 December 1930, Page 4

MAINAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

OLASSIFIUATION ADOPTED

Classification lists for the rateable areas under the proposed loan for the scheme of modified flood control were adopted at an important meeting- of the ManawatuOroua River Board held in Palmerston North on Tuesday. There was a protracted discussion and sharp divisions of opinion were expressed. The schedule brought forward was an amended one giving- effect to recently suggested revisions.

THE AMENDED SCHEDULE. ■Submitting his amended classification Mr. Hay pointed out that effect had been given to the - recommendations of the board in the revised schedule, which was as follows: —

Moutoa subdivision. —A, (1508 acres; B, 990; C. 1181; D, 1302; E, 195; F, 9(30; G, H, and Z, nil; total rateable area, 11,232 acres; average rate, 0/10; total rate, £3,839 j total rate capitalised at 7 per cent;., £54,800; capital cost per rateable acre, £4 17/-. Koputaroa. —A, nil; B, 97 acres; C, 1700; D, 2410; E, 552; F, 400; Ct, 110; II and Z, nil; total rateaide area, 5275 acres; average late, 4/7; total rate, £.1109; rate capitalised at 7 per cent., £17,100; capital cost per rateable acre, £3 5/-. Makerua. —A, 55 acres; G, 20,253; 11, 497; total rateable area, 20,805 acres; average rate, 2/3; total rate, £2320; total rate capitalised, £33,100; capital cost per rateable acre, £1 12/-. Oroua. — C, 427 acres; D, 1800; E, 1175; F, 22; G, 1880; H, 2810; total rateable area, 8.180 acres; average rate, 2/8; total rate, £l,073; rate capitalised, £15,300; capital. cost per rateable acre, £1 17/0. -Kai range. —tC, 434(1 acres; D, 2740; E, 1375; F, 3000; G, 2301; 11, 5842; total rateable area, 19,730 acres; average rate, 3/1; total rate, £2959; rate capitalised, £42,300; capital cost per rateable acre, £2 3/-, Totals. —A class, 0053 acres; 13, 1093; C, 7048; D, 8324; |B, 3297; F, 4448; (1, 24,010; 11, 9149; Z, nil; tutal rateable urea, 05,228 acres; average rate, 3/0; total rate, £ll,390; total rate capitalised at 7 per cent. £102,000; capital cost per rateable acre, £2 10/-. Mr. Ilay pointed out that under the classification no allocation liad been made for maintenance, which, would mean an additional charge of about £2OOO a year, but £IOOO per annum provided under contingencies might be applied in that direction. The jligures had been taken out on the reduced loan basis of £1(50’000. The chairman pointed out that if the classification was adopted any ratepayer who considered that he was inequitably treated could come before the board and request an amendment, without having- to appear at a magisterial inquiry.. In any ease whether the. board agreed or declined to alter the classification the objector would be obliged to lodge -a. formal application to the Magistrate. The hoard’s classification, in case of an objection, would not become operative until it was signed by the Magistrate. The chairman added that ho did not want any ratepayer to be under a misapprehension. The chairman stated that 90 per cent, of the ratepayers agreed that the work was necessary. Mr. [Buchanan said that the classification should not be finanised until it was on a sound basis. MOTION BY CHAIRMAN. The chairman stated that that was the objective sought.' He moved that the classification be adopted. Mr. Hume seconded the motion. He stated that if the scheme were given effect 'to immediately Makerua would be paying- total river drainage and county rates of 4/~ to 6/an acre gijeater than any other area'in the district. lie advocated the. adoption of the classification, which could he straightened up later. lie realised that the time was inopportune for a loan proposal. Mr. Buchanan moved as an amendment that adoption of the classification he deferred until it was proved to be entirely equitable. Mr. Gower stated that Makerua was formerly in F class and was rated at 2/7. Now it had gone down to G. class at 2/3. Mr,. Hume: All the others have gone down in proportion. Mr. Gower stated that no maintenance had been provided for. He objected to the reduction in Mail erua’s classification. Mr. Speirs intimated that he

was going to support the motion, because he considered it was time that the classification was finalised. There were anomalies, but they could he adjusted later. Oroua ami Kairanga. had come off well

and lie did not think, that Makerua had been treated too generously. He was absolutely certain that later the scheme would be carried into operation. Mr. Harrison seconded Mr. Buchanan’s amendment pro forma.

Mr. Buchanan stated that maintenance plight prove prohibitive and cost 1/- an acre more all round. He did not want to see anything hurried through and all -sorry afterwards. They must define their policy. Mr. Hume stated that the Makerua Board had spent £9919 4/5 on maintenance in ten years, and he considered that expense practically at an end. The expenditure was equivalent to about 4 per cent, on the whole .loan. No protection by way of willow planting was done for seven years. Mr. Buchanan asked if the districts had been classified strictly according to Uic proportion of benefit which they would receive. Mr. Ilay stated definitely that Oroua ami Kairanga were receiving benefits equivalent to their rating. Mr. Buchanan stated that Oroua was paying four times as intit'h as it ought to pay and Kni-i-anga twice as much. Mr. Gower asked where the full amount of money was coming from in thci event of many of the classifications being reduced.

It was stated that the whole trouble had been created through insulUeienf financial support, from I lie Government. Mr. Gower suggested that the Government might he asked to take I he lirst eleven miles from the outlet in hand for the unemployed, leaving the districts to do their local protection. The chairman agreed that tho matter was well worth eonsidcr-

Mr. Speirs suggested that Mr. Buchanan should withdraw his amendment. Mr. Buchanan said he would do so provided the chairman would give an assurance that classification would be carried out on equitable lines, lie would withdraw his amendment on the chairman and board giving dm undertaking suggested. The amendment was put and lost. The resolution to adopt the classification was carried by six \otes to two, Messrs Buchanan and Howland dissenting. Mr. Harrison, after being in favour of the amendment, decided to vole for the original motion.