WAIKATO RIVER BOARD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 10, 15 May 1912, Page 2

WAIKATO RIVER BOARD.

At the monthly meeting of the Waikato River Board there were present: Messrs A. G. C. Glass (Tekauwhata) in the chair, G. Walker (Tuakau)' M. Gallery (Mercer), J. Dean (Pokeno), G. Ballard (Mercer), H. Wily (Mauku), and J. M. Hill (Pokeno). Mr A. E. Mellsop (classifier) and Mr Mouat (engineer) were also in attendance. A letter was read from the Marine Department, saying that the Board's plan of river work had been approved. Mr Glass reported upon his loan i negotiations with the Department, and his work was approved. Refusal to Pay Rates. Mr W. L. Orr, of Pukekawa, wrote saying he objected to paying rates on Section 52 to the River Board, as he considered it unjust. Section 52 was of 1025 acres, many acres were from 200 feet to 500 feet above river level; the remainder was river bank, and of that area five acres might benefit by lowering the river. Mr Wily said he did not believe in wholesale summoning, but this letter was a direct defiance, and would make a suitable test case if anyone was to be sued. The Classifier said that Mr Orr's case represented probably the greatest hardship in the whole area. The Board agreed to leave the matter over, although Mr Ballard repeated that, according to the Chairman, no remission of rates could be made. It was understood, however, that Mr On- would be amongst those sued first if any suing was to take place. The Rating Question. Mr Walker moved —" That the rating in the Waikato River Board's district be on an acreage basis, as per the classification with an Exemption class." Mr Wilv seconded the motion ; he agreed with the principle. Mr Glass said they should rate upon unimproved value; that was the fairest rate he knew. He pointed out that the valuation of property was the general standard for rating, and this proposal would revolutionise the existing system. They could not rate on an acreage basis without first taking a poll of the ratepayers. Mr Walker then asked h>w it would do to sub-divide the district, with separate rates for the different subdivisions. His point appeared to be that all drainage work above a ratepayer's place conferred no benefit upon him; therefore, any ratepayer should pay rates to cover work below and up to his property. Mr Wily said there were at present single acres paying as much as fifty acres elsewhere. The motion was lost. For: Messrs Wily, Walker, Dean. Against : Messrs Glass, Ballard, Gallery, Bill. Mr Walker then moved—"That the Waikato River Board district be divided into sub-divisions, and have rates on a classification basis levied in each sub-division, so that the rates shall differ in each sub-division." Mr Wily seconded. In reply to the Chairman (who declared that not more than Ud in the £ could be levied), he said that his idea was that the general rate should be struck low, and that in the sub-divisions the rates should be struck according to the benefits derived. Mr Glass moved, and Mr Hill seconded, " That nothing should be done until the advice of a solicitor be obtained about the legality of the motion." The amendment was carried. " Prospective Injury." Mr Wily moved—" That a conference, consisting of the Chairman, Mr AValker, the mover, and the respective chairmen of the Aka Aka and Otaua Drainage Boards be held at Pukekohe to take into consideration the injury the Board's scheme of works is alleged to be likely to do to reclaimed lands near the mouth of the river, and to suggest, if possible, a remedy." The Chairman : I don't see that the conference tcan do any good unless the engineers are there. He seconded the motiou pro forma. Mr Hill: What can we do, until some damage is done? Mr Wily: It is understood that prevention is better than cure. Mr Glass held that good could only come if the best experts available were present, as the mere views of laymen would be useless. The motion was lost, Mr Wily alone voting for it. After matters of finance had been dealt with, the Board rose.