Less Government Money For Catchment Board

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31362, 6 May 1967, Page 14

Less Government Money For Catchment Board

In view of the economic position, efforts should be made to keep expenditure within the allocation of Government funds, the North Canterbury Catchment Board decided yesterday.

The board was told that this year’s allocation was £103,000. Last year, the board had a subsidy allocation of £lll,OOO. In the circumstances, the finance committee reported, it was not considered appropriate to seek local support for an increase.

Financial considerations were also taken into account by the soil conservation committee, when it reported that approval should be given to the .1967-68 run and farm plan subsidy estimates. The board decided to write to all occupiers of properties where subsidised farm improvement plans are In force, asking for an indication as to the extent the occupiers will be able to carry out this year’s programmes. The chairman (Mr R. M. D. Johnson) said that there was £27,000 to £28,000 available in subsidy. The board did not want to find later in the year that it was but of the ques-

tion for some farmers tocarry on with the work. The board’s officers were asked to discuss with Government departments, such as the State Advances Corporation, the possibility of doser liaison when dealing with properties on which farm plans were under consideration.

Two Tai Tapu farmers told the board that they did not wish to go on with farm plans for financial reasons. Water Authority.—Told by the City Council that It would proceed with Its application for an independent underground water authority for the metropolitan area, the board decided to tell the council that it was maintaining its objection. “Differences appear to be irrecondiable,” said Dr. W. R. Holmes.

Creek Plao—The second week in June was suggested for a meeting of Oxford county ratepayers to discuss the Frahm’s Creek diversion plan.