CONTROL OF WATER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31359, 3 May 1967, Page 11

CONTROL OF WATER

Rescission Move

An objection by the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority to metropolitan local bodies forming themselves into an underground water authority had been made when several members had been absent, and should be withdrawn, Mr D. B. Rich (Waimairi) said at the authority’s meeting yesterday. He was told by the chairman (Mr E. J. Bradshaw) that rescission of any motion required written notice; and eventually agreed that he would give this.

“The matter was sprung on us before,” said Mr G. D. Hattaway (City Council). Several members had left the meeting when it was introduced under general business. Therefore the matter should be heard again now. The meeting was properly constituted with a quorum of members, and he could not accept that he had been out of order, Mr Bradshaw said. “I make no apology’ for introducing it at the last meeting,” Dr. W. R. Holmes (North Canterbury Catchment Board) said. “The nonvoting members have little enough they can do and say. Surely they can bring up something in general business that they regard as of regional significance and importance.”

He objected to any suggestion that he had waited until members had left before Introducing the subject, and added: “If we have achieved nothing else than suggesting that members should not leave before a meeting is finished then we have achieved something.”

The Catchment Board would vehemently oppose the formation of the proposed water authority of local body representatives, he said.