FROM SWAMP TO FARMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 677, 31 May 1929, Page 18

FROM SWAMP TO FARMS

WOODLANDS DRAINAGE SCHEME BOARDS CONSIDER AMALGAMATION (Special to THE SUN) HAMILTON, Thursday. The principle of amalgamating the various drainage boards operating in the Woodlands drainage swamp was affirmed at a conference today between representatives of all the boards concerned and Mr. A. G. Harper, officer in charge of local government, Internal Affairs Department, and Mr. R G. Macmorran, chief drainage engineer, was held. Mr. L. R. W. Reid presided. Mr. F. A. Swarbrick, solicitor to the boards, said that what was wanted was some form of legislation which would enable the amalgamation committee to combine the various interests and allocate the cost of a comprehensive drainage scheme. Mr. Harper suggested that legislation should be promoted giving the Government power to publish a notice giving the boundaries of the catchment area. Ratepayers on lands that did not drain into the catchment area would have the right to lodge objections. On the question of finance, Mr. Harper said he appreciated the ratepayers’ point of view, but pointed out that amalgamation would be necessary before any loans could be considered. The main point, he said, was to secure united control so as to deal with the main outlets. A committee consisting of Messrs. Harper, Macmorran, Swarbrick and Reid was appointed to draft proposals for legislation.