LAKE ELLESMERE DRAINAGE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21865, 19 August 1936, Page 5

LAKE ELLESMERE DRAINAGE

PERMANENT OUTLET PROPOSED

LANDOWNERS WHO BENEFIT MUST SHARE IN COST

“Frankly, gentlemen, I do not think you would do any good by coming to Wellington and waiting on the Minister for Finance, for Mr Nash is quite dogmatic on the point—and I agree with Kim—that, if by the expenditure of public money you improve the property of section-holders, then they should contribute a percentage of that added value of that land to the nation that makes that increment possible.” In these’ terms the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) addressed a deputation from the Ellesmere Lands Drainage Board and farmers interested, which waited upon him yesterday, with a request that the scheme for the construction of a permanent outlet at Lake Ellesmere be proceeded with. Mr Semple explained that the Government was so anxious to put the work in hand that a certain sum had been provisionally set aside for the purpose. The Government realised the urgency of the job, but unless a reasonable contribution was forthcoming from the landowners affected, the Treasury would not come to their assistance. A big principle was involved, an-1 he felt sure that the Minister for Finance would not budge from the stand he had taken. A Selfish Attitude

It was pointed out by the deputation that the difficulty arose out of the inability to create a special rating area, because of the reluctance of some of the property-owners on the higher levels to agree to rate themselves for a scheme which they, held was of more direct benefit to farms more contiguous to the lake. The Minister said he gathered that the position of farmers near- the lake level had been aggravated by the drainage from farms on the higher level, the owners of which were disinclined to agree to the creation of a special rating area. This was a pretty selfish attitude. These “high and dry” farmers had got rid of their troubles by shifting them on to their less fortunately situated neighbours, whom they were content to “keep in , the mire.” Mr Semple reiterated that the Treasury wanted to know what cooperation the landowners affected were willing to offer towards financing the balance of £30.000 required for the undertaking. He suggested that the Drainage Board circularise its ratepayers, explaining the whole position and pointing out that the Government was anxious to do the work, provided they did their part. Meanwhile, he would discuss the matter again with the Treasury. * Lake Forsyth Outlet The construction of a permanent outlet for Lake Forsyth, together with improved reading facilities incidental to the scheme, was urged by another deputation of setlers, mainly from the Kinloch and Little River .districts. Thg total cost of the scheme was estimated at £15,000. Mr Semple said that it seemed to him to be a very desirable work, the only issue at stake being, the question of finding a fair and equitable basis for financing the project The basis of contribution was discussed at some length and the* deputation agreed to put before the parties interested certain proposals made by Mr Semple which would involve handing over to the Government certain endowment rents until a suggested cash advance of £2500 had been liquidated, the local bodies concerned to find a further sum of £SOOO which, it was stated, was available for the project. Of the balance of the money required, the Highways Hoard Would, said the Minister, find £2OOO and the Public Works Department the remainder. Mr Semple explained that if the scheme was financed in the foregoing manner, there would be no need to tinker about with a special fating area. ■