The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. “Te Oranga Moti Iwi.” FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1901.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 28, 15 November 1901, Page 2

The Motueka Star PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. “Te Oranga Moti Iwi.” FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1901.

It will be remembered that the River’s Commission visited this district some months ago with the object of obtaining evidence as to the advisability of proclaiming the Motueka River a sludge channel. As will be noticed by the extract published elsewhere the Commissioners “are strongly of opinion that a River Board should be formed for the purpose of carrying out a comprehensive system of protection, with the object of confining the course of the river and preventing the destruction of adjoining lands.” This district, in common with others in different parts of

'the Colony, suffers through the mountain torrents which find their way through our fertile lands, occasionally overflowing their banks and causing the loss of valuable property. In the past, individual owners have protected their lands from encroachments with more or less satisfactory results ; others have done nothing. If the recommendation of the Commissioners is carried out and a River Board' formed unity of action can be secured and much good achieved. Had such a body been in existence the Council would not have had to take up the question of protective works at Glover’s overflow and go cap in hand to interested property holders asking for money to do the work. The Board, having the interests of the district as a waole to consider, would have levied a small rate to keep the water in its proper channel. ¥e recommend the Commissioners remarks to the serious consideration of landowners in Motueka, Riwaka r and Pangatotara districts. The question of river protection will have to be gone, into sooner or later ; if some prominent individual convened a meeting to discuss the position those threatened with pecuniary loss through the encroachments of the Motueka river would appreciate the action.