THE RIVERS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18149, 12 August 1924, Page 9

THE RIVERS.

CONSERVANCY, BOARD BILL CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT SOLICITED. A deputation waited on the City Council last night fo enlist the support of the Council towards the Bill, now being promoted, to vest the control of the livers Avon and Heathcote m a Conservancy Board. The deputation, which represented the committee set up at a recent public meeting, consisted of the Hon. W. Russell, and Messrs W. H. Nicholson (Mayor of Sumner), J. Gamble (Mayor of New Brighton). B. Riley Heathcote County Council), Dr. Chilton, Messrs A. 11.I 1 . "Wright and K. a. Owen. ~ The Hon. G. W. said a copy of the Bill had been sent to every member of the Council. ine committee hoped the Bill would be passed during* the present session ot Parliament. Very little had- been done to improve the rivers, and public sen- ; timent was now aroused as to t£6' necessity for something to be done. Public bodies exercised a specialised control, and that was the reason why it was proposed to create a new body to undertake the control and improvement of the rivers. Mr A. F Wright said the deputation felt that the City Council would be friendly to the Bill. The rivers had been neglected for too long. Ine work proposed to be done would be of great- benefit to Christchurch and the surrounding districts. He hoped that no objection would be taken to the creation of a new bodv. The Drainage Board was already charged with ! very important and very difficult I duties, and the river improvement i work could better be -undertaken by • a new Board. The Tights of the i Drainage Board and other bodies relative to the river, were to be maintained unimpaired. The Sumner Council and the New Brighton CounCil, and the Heathcote Council had already extended their support to the Bill Cr. A. McKellar asked how, it was proposed to get rid of the debris which at present ran into the river. Mr Wright said that nothing would be done without competent advice. No detailed scheme had vet been formulated bv the committee. Cr. H. T. Armstrong asked if the new Board was to have rating powers. The Mnyor replied' that the Board would strike a levy as the Domains Board did. Or. W. H. "Win For said it would ocst the city thousands of pounds if they could not discharge the sidechannels and storm-water sewers into the river, as was done at present. Mr Russell said the point _ was what would a local body do if it did not have the river to discharge siltinto? The committee did not think the river should be used as a place to deposit silt and rubbish. There was no objection to storm-water sewers discharging into the river. Cr. E. H. Andrews said he feared that' difficulties might _ arise regarding the special provisions in the Bill relating tb the Harbour Board. .> , , Mr Russell Baid it was not desired to create anv hostility with the Harbour Board. The committee were quite willing that the special provision i relating to the Harbour Board should also extend to ihe City. Council if desired. Cr. 0." W. B. Anderson asked if the proposed Board v* cmld assist the creation of a metropolitan Board or

"Works later. , • Mr Russell said the deputation could not stieak for the Board. . Cr" E H. Andrews asked if tne City Council was to be relieved of the Dresent river-bank '.responsibilities. __ Mr.. A. F. Wright said it was quite probame that the City Council might wish t<y retain the present river-bank reserves. If ftot, the Board would be willing, no doubt, to take the reserves over. , •_ The Mayor said the cost of maintenance of the present river-bank reserves could he made, a . ■ttiatter of arrangement between the Council and deputation had withdrawn the Mayor said that out of 17 members on the Board the City would have rtine. That was only proper, for the city would' contribute 80 to 90 ceut. of the - cost of the work to be underP. Agar moved that the platter be referred -to the Finance and Works • Committee to . consider the report., He said the question was a bi<r one, for it involved, an additional expenditure of from £BOOO to £9OOO by was seconded by Cr. F. R„ Cooke, who said there should be no occasion to set up a new body. Cr W H. Winso'r said, the matter shouid be referred to a special committee. If the Council did not proceed carefully, it might be lauded m a huge expense. He moved &s an amendment that a special committee be set up to 'examine ttie Bill and report. The amendment was seconded by (Jr. E. MeCombs, who said the powera nsked' for 1 might be exercised by the Drainage Board or the City Council. She appreciate the pubho spirit disulavea by the of the Jiill. Cr W E. Leadley said he believed there was work for the new Board to do, although it was regrettable that another body should be required. Cr. C. P. Agar agreed to accept the amendment setting up a committer to consider the Bill ana K, Archer said he hoped the i mpre3sion would not be. created tha I the Council was opposed to the idea of river improvement. The rivers were in a shocking state, and somebody should be" the necessary powen to do what was wanted. The Council agreed to set up a special committee consisting of the chairman of the various Council committees. - -