RE THAMES HARBOR BOARD.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 222, 1 October 1887, Page 2

RE THAMES HARBOR BOARD.

The following circular letter has been forwarded to the Chairmen of the various Local Bodies interested, and others, by th« Chairman of Ohinemuri County Council • 20th Sept., 1887 Sin, — With reference to the Proclamation extending the boundaries of the i 'lliamea Harbour Board District; and asHUiuing that your district is as utrongly j oppos d to it as ours is, I would respectfully mnice a few suggestions witu the view of having the present position of affairs altered. As the matter now stands, the Ohinomuii County Council has appealed strongly to the Government, asking them to rescind the above-mentioned proclamation, which appeal, if successful, will leave the second proclamation in force, making the Ohinemuri County a Uiver District, with jurisdiction vested in the Council This of course will not affect the position of other local bodies or those portions of the river which were originally in Thames Harbour District. However, since that application was sent, fresh information shows that there is a strong feeling all through the Waihou and Piako districts, that the whole of the rivers in the Thames and Piako Valleys, with their other affluents, should be taken from under the jurisdiction of Thames Harbour Board and vested, as far as river conservancy is concerned, in an elective body, ii respective of the local governing bodies already in existence. If this is the true feeling of the \Uiole valley, I do not think this County will oppose it, altiio(ii>h believing that th<-y were practically isolated in tlieir desiie to escape from the control of the Thames, they have already taken action with regard to the river within their own boundaries. 1 would ask you, therefore, by publio meeting or otherwise, to ascertain the feeling of your district, and inform me which of tiie following courses is pief erred. 1. For each Local Bo ly to act iudi'iHMidently for its own interest ; or 2. By fo-ic. rtcd action to male a .strenuous cllo:t to have the control of the whole of the W.tihoti ami Piako Kivt-rs with their affluents, removed from jurisdiction of Thames Harbour Board, and placed under the control of an elective body irrespective of County or other boundaries. Should your district decide in favour of the latter, would you either have a representative appointed to meet and discuss with others at Paeroa (being most central), what concerted steps can be taken to further our views, or otherwise furnish me with a full statement of the wishes and views of your district, so that they may be considered with other suggestions that may come in. I would urge on you that no time be lost, or the action that this County has taken in its own interest mil) be prejudiced by the delay. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obodient servant, Frederick Cock, Chairman Ohinemuri County Council,