RIVER BOARDS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19770, 7 November 1929, Page 15

RIVER BOARDS.

AMENDING LEGISLATION. 1 [THE rSBSS lp«dal B«rrlet ] WELLINGTON, November 6. A consolidation and revision of the existing law relating to land drainage and river protection was introduced into the House of Representatives by Governor-General's Message to-night. Briefly explaining the measure, the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. Mr ile la l'errelle* said that the Bill had been prepared with the object of bringing the law on the subjects up to dat<\ nnd making it more workable. It was not proposed to proceed furth-'r with the Bill this session, but is had been introduced with the idea of enabling the provisions to be carefully considered during the recess bv River Boards. Drainage Boards, and others interested. 'ln the first plnce it is intended to equip the Boards with greater powers than they now have." the Minister added. "In particular. Board* may be formed which arc both Land Drainage and Riv«r Boards, and thus exercise the dual functions which are now exercised by Boards separatclv. The administrative provision* been great It altered, [ and are made ni*>rc in keeping r ith tfiose pertaining to County Councils The preparntion annually of n ratepayers' roll has given Drainage Boards reuch ror-.+rn. This is intended to be altered so ?hat it may be prepared triennially only. so as to be avail- | nWf for the ->rdinarv General F.lect t'<w. The date for the Genera! KWf tions lias been .dtere.l. Th»«c will nil jhe held on the third Wednesday in I Mav triennially j '•The provisions respecting the rla&sif firation on lands for ratine purposes * hare been completely revised, and are i ti-w in a form whir!) will greatlv assist J Board*. If is rmlised that the exist - I ini? pre in ntnnv instances ! oitite unwnrk.i' ?•• It is hoped that I River and Drainage Boards and j '.'hers int.-re-ted will take fldvantace | t*f the opr>or*un : tv afforded of care-f>-l!r considering r )'f provision* dnrintr ttbe" recess. 1 will He verv glnd to reI reive nrtv ««-«-f»r«tions aimed nt imnrorine the R'H. and tending to make : if easier f«T these Boards to earrr out f tbesr orwratiTs i" dra'nin" lard* and [ lands from flooding." r Ri" a-as read n first tirrv