RIVER BOARD MATTERS.

Otaki Mail, 23 March 1923, Page 3

RIVER BOARD MATTERS.

OTAKI AND HTJTT BOARDS CONFER.

In his welcome to the members of the Otaki River Board on Tuesday. Me W. T. strand, the chairman of the Hull River Board, said that the inauguration of a comprehensive scheme of river improvement. by Mr Laiiig-Menson had been llio turning point in the progress of the Hint Valiev, since which time the district had never looked back, and before which settlement was retarded by reason of the fear of floods. “The progress of the Valley now was such,”

said Mr Strand jocularly, “that the Unit Valley would soon be *i a posi-

tion to swallow Wellington.” The day was not far distant when the Valley ■would be densely populated and the southern area a hive of industry. Members of the Otaki River Board were much impressed by the way the Hutt riv«r is gradually being confined to a phi lined out course and by way the board is handling its shingle and soi! business, making them rovenueproducing propositions. They also saw great possibilities in the reclamation scheme at flu- mouth, of the river, which the board proposes to put in hand in the near future. A tribute was paid to Dr. Purdy, one of the Just members of the Hutt River j Board, by Mr W. T. Strand. These men. said Mr Btrand, had laid such a good financial foundation that in 1931, or a few year,- after, this board would have paid off all its loans, and would not only not have any rates to levy out i but would be revenue producing. The success of the work done in progress would mean that in a few years the lower reaches, of the river would be navigable. The advice of Mr \V. T. Strand to members of the Otaki River Board was to got the best engineering and financial advice possible before starting any scheme of river improvements. Muck ; mo no v could be absolutely wasted by failure to work to a comprehensive plan prepared by the best engineers. The successful efforts of the local River Board in the lower reaches of the river were solely due to the forethought of the borough engineer, who originated th em, The same plan was being adopted for the upper reaches. The best engineering advice was the cheapest in the long run. Mr Harper, the chairman of the Otaki Board, cordially thanked Mr Strand for his assistance and for the entertainment provided by the Hutt Board. Mr Harper also thanked Mr .T. Avery, the secretary of the Hutt Board, for much valuable information given in regard to th r - internal working o? the hoard and data as to the cost of variou* works.