CATCHMENT RATING

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27990, 9 June 1956, Page 10

CATCHMENT RATING

INDIRECT BENEFIT CLAUSE

FARMERS TO STUDY OBJECTIONS

The indirect benefit clause inthe Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act gave the catchment boards very wide powers, said Mr R. Harris at the provincial conference of the North Canterbury district of Federated Farmers yesterday, moving a Springston branch remit “that Federated Farmers request the Government to delete from the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act the clause giving power to classify for rating on the ground of indirect benefit.”

“In Springston, after our successful appeal, we were not rated, but we are still classified and can be rated under the indirect benefit clause,” said Mr Harris. "The first we will know is when we get the bill.” Federated Farmers had been consulted on the introduction of the clause, said the Dominion secretary (Mr A. P. O’Shea). "You must remember that it works both ways.” Mr D. G. McGrath said that the indirect; benefit clause could well apply to the whole of the country. Everyone benefited from flood control. On the motion of Mr H. R. Williams remit was passed to a committee ?• tbe executive, with a recommendation that it be referred to the Dominion council.