1).—6

14

loaded. The present channel-outlet into the old north branch is to all appearances sufficient for a fairly good flood-discharge, and it is highly probable that relief to Kaiapoi can be better and more cheaply obtained by judicious stop-banking to a sufficient height along both banks of the lower portion of the old north branch. These stop-banks should be kept a good distance back from the river-banks, so as to ensure ample width of waterway for flood-discharge. At the same time steps should be taken to remove all willows and vegetation from the channel. Reference No. 4. To ascertain the nature and extent of any drainage-works that may be required, and the best method of carrying out such works. Your Commissioners are of the opinion that, provided the main rivers Waimakariri and Ashley, also the Eyre and Cust, are controlled within definite channels, the existing system of drainage is, generally speaking, adequate, and only requires to be kept in repair and extended as circumstances require. The exact nature and extent of any future drainage-improvement works which may from time to time be required should be defined by the controlling body recommended under reference No. 5 (d). Reference No. 5. (a.) To furnish estimates of the cost of such remedial measures as you may recommend should be taken for the effective control and improvement of the said rivers and their banks. Your Commissioners estimate that the works herein recommended for the present effective control of the river and its banks will cost approximately the sum of £124,000. (b.) To report, in the case of each river, what area or areas of land should be constituted a district in respect of which a rate may be levied, to secure and pay the interest on, and provide a. fund for the repayment of, any loan, that may be raised to carry out any river-improvement works which you may recommend should, be undertaken. The area recommended to be constituted a district in respect of which a rate may be levied to secure and pay the interest on, and provide a fund for the repayment of, any loan that may be raised to carry out the river-improvement works recommended by your Commissioners is the whole watershed of the Waimakariri River and its tributaries up to the railway-crossing on the lower gorge, and including all the territory at present controlled by the South Waimakariri River Board : the whole as more particularly delineated on plan No. 6 attached hereto. (c.) To report your opinion as to what matters, if any, should, be adjusted by legislation. Your Commissioners consider that the whole of their findings, as set forth in this report, should be enacted in special legislation to be called " The Waimakariri River Improvement Act." (d.) Generally, to report your opinion on all matters arising out of or touching the premises, including the question as to whether or not one or more competent authorities shall be appointed to control the whole or any portion of the said river, and what statutory powers should be possessed by such authority. Your Commissioners consider that there should be one River Board to control the whole of the area indicated under reference No. 5 (b), which Board should take over all the assets and liabilities of the present South Waimakariri River Board. Your Commissioners consider that for the purpose of carrying out the works described generally in their recommendations under reference No. 3, and ensuring their proper maintenance in the future, also for the proper control of the river and for the better protection of the interests of the whole community, one controlling authority should be appointed. This controlling body should be called the " Wai-