RIVER WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 23, 28 January 1922, Page 12

RIVER WORKS.

WAIHOTT AND OHINEMTTRI. INCH COST AN OBSTACLE. iß.v Teleitraph. — Special to "Star."l J WKI.LIXOTON. this day. i The Milliliter of I'uhlie Works during the consideration of the Public Workn' Estimates v>ar asked why the report of ! the commission on the' Waihou and j Ohinemuri river- had not lv'en tabled. IHe expressed regret for the delay, but j suggested it would be to the benefit of I local bodies. The report would be presented early no.v week a.s it was now being printed. The commission, he raid, made recommendations the cost of which would be tremendous, and it was a question whether they should stop work altogether or go on. He had the matter before hiij colleague.--, '"lit it »ai not one which con),l be grasped at a moment's notice, a< it meant heavy financial responsibility to Ihe people , who had taken up the laud- concerned. The general principles of J the report hail been approved v.V I Ilia colleagues.-. but when it could be put into operation w;i.s il matter yet to be determined. Mr. Poland: The furtner report in lOl!) the proposals would not coat im>re tlian £300,000. The Minister replied that this report was made when there were no accurate surveys available. Since then the matter bad been more thoroughly investigated and the original estimate luid gone up to £000,000, on which interest and sinking fund would have to lie found. i The cauv<»' of delay in publishing the 11 report was ihU high estimated cost. The ) matter had liecn referred buck to tht' J chief, engineer with the object oi linJing *i-if it would really amount to <-o much. i He had reported that by carrying out f the work in a certain manner and ■ linereHsing I lie mechanical pltmt at a cost jI of about £30.0011 saving* could be. -effected which would I.ring the total • down to £.">( m.OdO. Mr. Poland: The settiers can never 1 pay it. The Minister remarked thai had tin." I scheme been ready when the farming industry was enjoying high prices there I would have lieen no hesitation about j accepting the burden in view of the benefits. Now, lie agreed, the position was different. iVr don't suppose." he added, "that they can pay it all and it is a question huw much they fan pay."