5

D.—6c

(c.) Wherever the flood-levels are above the natural bank of the river, stopbanks must be erected where none exist, or existing stop-banks must be raised as required. The grade level of stop-banks to be aimed at should be not less than 2 ft. above the flood grade. These stop-banks need not be made along the edge of the cleared channel, as this would necessitate their being of considerable height ; they can, however, be kept back on the higher available ground. The width to be cleared, which is to be regarded as the minimum width within which the river can be reasonably controlled, is indicated on plan No. 1, and no stop-banks should encroach within this width, though, as before stated there is no particular advantage to be gained by moving the levees on to this alignment. Though floods appear to have been passed for many years through the road and railway bridges, the rise in floods in this locality appears to indicate that the width to which the river is confined is somewhat scant. The present banks from the lower ends of Sections 12507 and 4019 are undoubtedly too close together, and it would be far better to face the position and move them back in order to leave an adequate channel, rather than to attempt, by raising very high levees, to keep the river within the extremely restricted limits now apparently aimed at by the landowners. 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. The only drain age-works required are those in the Ciandeboye Settlement, and these are not in any way rendered necessary as a direct result of the foregoing recommendations. Being of quite a minor nature, they need not be dealt with in this report; suffice it to say that your Commissioners found in some cases one settler unable to drain his land by reason of the fact that his neighbour lower down was not facing the position satisfactorily. A Eiver Board with the powers also of a Drainage Board would soon rectify this matter. Eeeerence No. 5. (a.) To furnish estimates of the cost of such remedial measures as you may recommend should be talcen for the effective control and improvement of the said river and its banks. The estimated cost of the remedial measures indicated in the foregoing recommendations is £6,000. (b.) To report 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 Geraldine County should be the 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. As certain parts of the county will derive a direct and. substantial benefit, those portions will, of course, be specially rated under the graduated system as laid down in the Eiver Boards Act. (c.) To report your opinion as to what matters, if any, should be adjusted, by legislation. Your Commissioners are of opinion that no legislation is necessary other than such as may be required to vest the control of the river-bed in the County Council, with power to sell or lease to adjacent owners such portions as are not required for the permanent channel, either after such portions have been reclaimed or in their present state. (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. This point is practically covered by our remarks under clause (b), wherein your Commissioners recommend that the whole of the river should be under the control of the Geraldine County Council, which should, for the purposes of this control^ have the powers not only of a Eiver Board, but also of a Drainage Board.

2—D. 6c.