EPIDEMICS OR DRAINAGE WHICH?

Bruce Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 43, 4 June 1917, Page 5

EPIDEMICS OR DRAINAGE WHICH?

(To the Editor), 1 Sir,—All. interested Burely recognise that something should 03 done to remove the willows, blackberry, etc., that are obstructing the flow of watpr in the Tokomairiro River. I recently inspected the river, and ea« tiuiate the loss of fall during flood time is at least one inch to the chain for 100 chains from the Tokoiti bridge wards, As time goes on matters will become worse, and the sooner definite action is taken the better. The question arises: Who should bear the cost of getting the necessary work done ? In this connection I would suggest that all those whose properties drain into the river, or into waterways leading thereto, are users of the river, and consequently dependent on the river and waterways for their drainage, and should be taxed for the maintenance of them Should there be properties that would benefit more than others under a system of drainage, then the properties within the drainage area should be classified, and rated accordingly. There are, perhaps, those who hold the antiquadated idea that when they get the flood or drainage waters off their own properties their responsibility ceases. No property holder is asked to make or maintain the public roadway adjoining his property, nor should anyone be expeoted to keep and maintain waterways that are used by the public, Praotioally all Toko, dißtriot, and probably part of adjoining districts, should be declared a drainage area. A drainage district is more suitable for what is required here than a river district, as there are a number of waterways which require attention, and possibly new ones require to be made. During the recent flood a volume of water found its way into the Borough of Milton, There being no adequate provision made for bucu flood waters getting to the river, consequently portions of the town were flooded with water from pro* perties the owners of which do not contribute one shilling towards providing suitable waterways and outlets for their drainage, Part of this drainage is, 1 understand, from land on whioh the born ough nightsoil has been deposited—enough to raise an epidemic; if not, the publio to take immediate action. -I am, etc. Pro Bono Publico.