STUCK FOR MONEY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 17, 3 July 1912, Page 1

STUCK FOR MONEY.

A special mooting of the Waikato River Board was held on Wednesday last to deal with the financial position. Some time ago it becamo apparent to the Board that until an alteration was effected to the rating powers under the Act there would be very little chance of inducing the ratepayers to sanction a loan. Meanwhile, however, money is required to carry on the work that has been begun in the Aka Aka district. With a view to raising the funds the Chairman (Mr Glass) waited on the Prime Minister (Hon. T. Mackenzie) and asked for an advance of £250 a month until the amending bill be passed through the House. The Premier declined. What tiie Objectors Say. Mr Mackenzie's refusal was doubtless made easier by the fact that a body of protesting ratepayers had expressly asked that no money should be advanced. The reasons of the objectors were embodied in the following resolutions which were passed at a conference of the Waikato River District (Mr G. Hull in the chair), hold in Pukekohe on May 10th, 1912: (1) " Whereas it is alleged and feared that the proposed works of the Waikato River Beard will not accomplish the objects sought to bo obtained, and will cause great damage to a large area of valuable lands near the mouth of-the river—That the Government be respectfully urged not to make any further advances of public money by way of grant, subsidy or loan to the River Board until a full inquiry has been made into the proposed works of the River Board, and also into the boundaries of the river district. (Proposed by Mr Wily, seconded by Mr Tunks. Carried unanimously, with directions to forward to the Rime Minister with explanatory letter)." (2) "That the Government bo requested to set up a commission to enquire into the formation of the Waikato River Board and into the boundaries of the district, with poweis to alter the same; and also into the alleged inadequacy of the Board's scheme of works and the probability that injury will result to reclaimed lands from its prosecution." Mr Mackenzie desired to receive the objectors at the samo time as he heard the request from the River Board, but owing to some telegraphic misunderstanding the representatives of the objecting party—Messrs H. Wily, G. Hull (Chairman Aka Aka Drainage Board), Harris (Chairman Otaua Drainage Board) and W. C. Motion—were left stranded in Pukekohe on the night of the deputation. At the Board Meeting. When the Board met on Wednesday there were present: Messrs Glass (Chairman), Dean, Hill, Walker, Ballard and Gallery. Mr Wily did not attend and objected that not sufficient notice of the meeting had been given. The Chairman reported that he had given the Engineer (Mr Mouett) a week's notice to terminate his engagement, which action was confirmed by the Board, on the motion of Messrs Dean and Hill.—Mr Walker reported on the state of the pile-driving plant and a vote of thanks was passed to him for the work he had done during tho week. Mr Glass explained that the meeting had been called because they were short of funds, and the Board would have to decide what they would do. They woidd have to pull through somehow, and if the Aka Aka settlers wore going to protest against the Bill tho Board would have to prove that tho objections were not correct. Tlioy would remember that last year £IOOO had been promised, but tho Premier informed him (Mr Glass) that he had not got tho letters asking for this money. The Secretary said they could find no promise of £4OOO. Any correspondence that went to the Lands Department the Premier said ho did not see. "That statement staggered me," said Mr Glass. The Board had been trying to get a reply for two months, and they were practically dependent upon the public purse for tho time being. The Board, ho explained to the Premier, wanted to ( tit out tho high lands, but the survey Department would not do it. They should lirst of all get tho amending Bill through, and then set up a commission to see which high lauds should be exempt. But that would take six months, and they had to carry on ruoanw hile. Sir Joseph Ward had promised tho £IOOO, out of which, as they had only had a few hundreds, the speaker told Mr Mackenzie that I hey should get at least iioini now. The Premier, in reply, said lie was sorry, but there were no funds out of which he could make a grant, nor could lie promise to lend it. What the Chairman would

♦ THE WAIKATO RIVER WORKS

MAY HAVE TO BE STOPPED.

FINANCE REFUSED BY PREMIER.

like was that Mr Konsington should be sent up to see how much they were entitled to. They wanted to plant the willows now, and if it was put off until after the winter it would not only be suspending the work for three months; it would be putting it off for eighteen months. The Premier suggested that the members should raise the monoy on a joint-and-several. They would remember that lie (the Chairman) had obtained an overdraft of £4OO, and he did not think it right to go over that. There was over £IOO clear to collect in rates, and they were entitled to spend this money on the works. The wages for tho month would be about £l4O. Mr Walker said it would cost about £IOO to complete the wall, and if it were not competed perhaps all the work done would be wasted. Mr Ballard : Wo can't pay wages if we haven't the money. Mr Glass explained that there was no overdraft at the present time, but thej r had liabilities to meet. If they stopped work now they would stop indefinitely. The Premier suggested they should get an overdraft against the rates. Mr Dean : But on account of what wo have told the people we cannot strike a rate. Mr Ballard said Sir Joseph Ward knew all the circumstances—the benefits that would accrue, the lower cost of keeping tho railways aftor the drainage was completed and so on — and he suggested that Sir Joseph Ward be written to asking him to explain the whole position to Mr Mackenzie. 1 his suggestion was approved, and it was also decided to write to all the members of this province asking their assistance. After some further discussion Mr Deane moved " That tho Hank be asked to advance another £200." This was resolved. The Chairman : There is ample security, of courso. In addition to the plant, we have £IOO of rates. " What will we do then, carry on till July 6 ?" Members : Yes. July 6 is the date of the next ordinary meeting.