RIVER WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 12

RIVER WORKS.

KAIHU VALLEY PLAN.

HON. R. SEMPLE'S SCHEME.

ESTIMATED TO COST £20,000,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

DARGAVILLE, this day.

A meeting of settlers in the Upper Kaihu Valley, held at the county offices, was attended by Mr. J. G. Coates, M.P., to discuss a proposition put to the Hobson County Council by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. 11. Semple. The proposal is to carry out certain river straightening works and river clearing and widening as far as Mamaranui.

"The most efficient way," said the Minister, "to do the work is by the use of a dragline excavation of adequate capacity, with a gang of a suitable size to work the machine. Using this method the work is estimated to cost £20.000 on the wage basis now ruling. When the work is completed it is considered that at least 3000 acres which are now swamp, having inadequate drainage and being badly subject to flooding t would receive substantial benefit.

"The settlers have indicated their willingness to contribute to the work at the rate of £1 per acre receiving benefit. This basis has certain indefinite features, and in any case the figure of £1 per acre is considered too low, having regard to the very substantial ment that would result from the work.

"[ am prepared to recommend the Government to undertake the work provided that the area that will be beneJited contributes £0500 towards the cost. This figure is just under one-third of the estimated cost of £20,000, and would represent a contribution of approximately £2 for every acre that would receive a major direct benefit. It would he necessary for a special rating district to be considered, and a drainage board should be set up, or else the county council should arrange to undertake maintenance in accordance with the provisions of the River Boards Act."

The settlers are carrying heavy rating liability in order to pay for improvements which were carried out some years ago lower down the liaihu Creek. Mr. Coates undertook to make representations to the Minister of Public Works and other members of Cabinet on their behalf.