Big Scope Likely For Soil Conservation

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32032, 5 July 1969, Page 14

Big Scope Likely For Soil Conservation

There was tremendous scope for soil conservation work in Waipara.Apturi and Cheviot counties, and it was probable that most of the demands for work would be in this category, said the chairman (Mr A. T, Bell) at a meeting of the North Canterbury Catchment Board yesterday. “The. Hurunui and the Waiau.can be wild rivers, but because they largely run through single properties, the local finance for expensive protective works could be a problem,” he said.

Mr Bell was commenting on meetings the board held on June 23 and 24 with the three councils, and said the discussions had been most successful. The three counties, which are awaiting a Lopal Government Commission confirmation of their admission to the board’s district, now deal through the Ministry of Works on catchment problems. The secretary (Mr W. W.

Brough) told the board yesterday that during the transition period, it was suggested that the counties should

continue to apply to the Ministry, but in the case of urgent works, application could be made direct to the board. It was made clear that while the board would carefully consider all applications for work, it did not go out seeking work. A list of works submitted by the Ministry would be considered in ’order of priority. Individuals who wanted works subsidies should apply direct to the board, and where there were groups of people who could constitute a special rating area, the approach should be made through the local councli. The councils were told that the board had not decided on its staff locations in North Canterbury, but a soil conservator would be stationed in one of the townships.

The Chief Engineer (Mr E. B. Dalmer) was asked to report on costs for willow clearance in the Waipara River so. that costs could be apportioned, and a joint inspection by staff and the Ministry of Works was arranged to inspect the Cheviot County Council's plans for protective work on wells in the Hurunui River.