BENNETT’S CREEK DIVERSION

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 6

BENNETT’S CREEK DIVERSION

BOARD TO MEET LOCAL BODIES

Another meeting with the Oxford and Rangiora County Councils to discuss finance for the Bennett’s creek diversion scheme will be held by the North Canterbury Catchment Board. This decision was made by the board on Friday after the councils’ difficulties had been mentioned.

The Oxford County Council had advised that it could not finance its share of the scheme under present arrangements for subsidy. It asked that an economic report be prepared. “I hope we will not get frivolous requests for economic reports,” said the chairman (Mr H. B. Anderson). “We have spent a. lot of money in this area on preliminary investigations, but neither council is m a position to participate.” ’ He agreed with the recommenation of the drainage and rivers control committee that the council should meet the cost of the economic report desired: r ‘lsn’t that a charge on our administration rate?” asked Mr W. F. Young. Mr E. J. Stalker said that as the scheme meant more production he thought it should be a general charge. A member asked who would get the report.

“The county councils,” said Mr Anderson. “Then they may have information on which to claim a higher subsidy.” Mr C. S. Ayers, chairman of the committee. estimated that £BOO had been spent so far on this project. An amendment that the report be obtained when it could be fitted in and charged to ‘the administrative rate, was moved by Mr Young. The local bodies, having had attention, might.have to be content with a lower priority, he said. Oxford had been keen at the outset. but Rangiora said it could not finance the scheme, said Mr Anderson. ' A visit to the local bodies might remove the desire for an economic report and get more satisfaction, said Professor L. W. McCaskills Action was deferred until after this meeting.