TAIERI PLAINS DRAINAGE

Evening Star, Issue 18332, 20 July 1923, Page 4

TAIERI PLAINS DRAINAGE

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS OUTLINED. [From otm Parliamentary Reporter.} WELLINGTON, July 19. The Minister of Works has written to Mr J. M. Dickson (who presided over the recent conference of Taicri representatives and departmental heads to consider plans for permanent relief from flood damage) tho following statement of tho Government’s proposal : —■

With reference to the damage done on tho Taicri Plains, and applications for assistance, I have to advise yon that the Government will assist as follows

(1) Damages to existing work, amounting to £7,ooo.—These have been fully reported ou by the District Engineer in consultation with tho board. I believe tho total estimated cost of repairs is £7,000, The Government will find £1 for £1 on this expenditure, and it is understood that tho board will carry out, and is, iu fact, now carrying out the work-; The £1 for £1 subsidy will ho paid on tho samo basis as other £1 for £1 grants. (2) In connection with the major question of protecting the plain a,gainst future floods, the Government has agreed to find half the cost of the scheme up to an estimated coat of £150,000, the intention ct the Government being that it will carry out the works, and that when these are nearing completion tho wilt then raise its quota and repay Dio Government. To enable this to bo done tho board is, as early ns possible, to take a poll of its ratepayers, which poll will be (if successful) tho board’s authority to raise £75,000. But 'it is not the intention of the Government that tho board bo required to pay this £75,000 until (as indicated above) tho works aro approaenmg completion. I trust this supplies tho information which you desire. (Sgd.) J. G. Coates, Minister of Works.