DRAINAGE COMMISSION

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 112, 5 February 1926, Page 4

DRAINAGE COMMISSION

SITTING CONCLUDED. “Dominion” Special. Palmerston North, February 4. The commission appointed to inquire into the matter of the Buckley Drainage Board district resumed its sitting at Shannon to-day. Evidence was given by Alex Ross, flaxmiller, at Foxton, R. A. Spiers, flaxmiller, of Koputaroa, and F. F. Herman, Koputaroa, while evidence was also heard from F. C. Hay, engineer to the Manawatu and Oroua River Board. The main objection to the inclusion of the area proposed at present was solely on account of the fact that the objectors were flaxmillers and not dairy farmers. Mr. Hay, in evidence, gave it as his opinion that the best course to adopt would be one embodying a comprehensive scheme following practically the whole distance from the end of the Makerua bank at Shannon to the Whirokino bridge. In answer to a question he stated that the periodical flopding of flax areas could be arranged for at no great cost should the owners in these areas desire it (in the event of the bank: being continued). Further included in the work he considered necessary was the banking of the Koputaroa Stream. He said no difficulty would arise in taking the bank past the railway.

Mr. C. Watson, Wellington, who appeared on behalf of the objectors, addressed the commission at the conclusion of evidence. The commission then adjourned, and it now remains for them to complete their recommendations and reports and to forward them to Wellington.