MORE WORK THAN STAFF

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 142, 28 March 1946, Page 3

MORE WORK THAN STAFF

POSITION OF CATCHMENT BOARD START, ON MANY SCHEMES DELAYED “We can use more staff to rope with the volume of work; we are not overstaffed at present,” said the chairman (Dr. (P. R. Woodhouse) at a meeting of the South Canterbury Catchment Board yesterday when consideration was being given to a report on the progress of works presented by the chief engineer (Mr G. R. Milward). “What distresses me is the length of time that elapses before we can get anything done,” Dr. Woodhonse added. “We have to be careful, too, that we do not get into trouble which would involve claims for compensation.” i

Three-quarters of the work in the Ashburton watershed, the control and clearing of the Ashburton River had been completed, reported Mr Milward. The work was being done by the Public Works Department, the estimated cost being £77,000 and the subsidy £5 for £l. Half of the maintenance work on the Ashburton river had been finished, the Board’s agent for this job being the Ashburton County Council. The estimated cost was £3OOO a year and there was no subsidy. Investigations would be made when staff was available of a special rating area for the river control scheme in the Hinds watershed. The estimated cost was £42,000. A subsidy of £ for £ would apply to the. Ashburton-Hinds drainage scheme being carried out by the Board. The estimated cost was £SO,000 and 2 per cent of the work had been completed. Mr Milward also dealt in detail with a large number of smaller works which the Board contemplated or on which a start had been made. tligh-Country Burning “The only way to prevent the damage caused.by burning in the high country is to stop 90 per cent of it, ’ declared Mr M. S. Turton (Ashburton). “Until all the catchment boards are on their feet, I would like to see binning prohibited unless a permit is first obtained from a catchment board.

The chairman; We could frame such a by-law, but any by-law by us can be vetoed by the Minister if he so desires. We have the authority to make bylaws and in the near future I hope we will have a copy of our provisional bylaws before us. “It is a big question,” said Mr O. v. Kirke. “Rank growth is a menace to sheep when the fire danger is present. The only course is to burn it under supervision before the sheep aie allowed on the area. Sometimes we have to burn for safety. To prohibit burning would be to prohibit the use of the land.” Mr Turton: I did not suggest prohibiting burning entirely; I would like to see permission required first. The meeting made no decision.