WAIKATO SCHEME

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30192, 25 July 1963, Page 14

WAIKATO SCHEME

Govt. Agrees To Pay (N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON. July 24. The Government has agreed “in principle” to pay the equivalent of the special rate levied on unoccupied Crown land as a contribution towards financing the lower Waikato river control scheme.

This was announced by Mr F. S. Beachman. Commissioner of Crown Lands (South Auckland district) at today’s sitting of the commission of inquiry into financing the scheme. He explained, however, that the equivalent of rates should only be paid in respect of Crown land which would be suitable for development. No sum would be paid for areas unlikely to be capable of development or ponding areas, an example being Lake Waikare.

This would amount to about £l9OO. but depended on the present classification for these lands being upheld. In the case of 16 farms let by the Crown on a special licence, the Crown would still pay its share if the farmers walked off, Mr Beachman said. (At least one farmer has declared his intention of abandoning his land). Of the 11.000 acres held by the Crown in the floodstricken areas of the lower Waikato, about 2000 to 3000 acres would be capable of development, he said.

Under cross-examination, Mr Beachman said the Crown would ‘pay by way of voluntary contribution to the scheme. His department was thanked by the Waikato Valley Authority for its attitude;