CLUTHA RIVER PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 23354, 25 August 1939, Page 7

CLUTHA RIVER PROBLEM

BILLS TO PERMIT TRUST TO FUNCTION [From Ode Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 25. An unusual position has arisen over the empowering legislation required by the Lower Clutha River Improvement Trust. One amending measure was introduced, but two more have been hurriedly introduced, Mr Roy in the House to-day securing suspension of the Standing Order which prohibits the introduction of local Bills after a certain date following the session’s opening. He stated that the River Trust had been reorganised and had appointed aa engineer, hut had found that in order effectively to function quickly, further powers were needed. The position wa« very urgent if the trust was to function, and it might be possible for the Local Bills Committee to group these Bills. Mr Fraser (Acting Prime Minister)’ offered no objection to the suspension of the Standing Orders, stating that the Government was prepared to facilitate the passing of any measure likely t» give the trust power to deal effectively with the problem, though he had doubt whether the trust could do so in view of the very serious problem which had developed. Mr Parry; There is no new development. Mr Fraser added that iii the interests of the people in the district, including the residents of Balchitha, tha problem must be ctealt with fairly comprehensively. There were many river problems, but the Clutha he, considered particularly pressing. Mr Roy, replying to the Minister of Internal Affairs, said there had certainly been a new development.. “ The engineers are having a mighty fight with the forces of Nature.” The result of motions passed by the House is that three Clutha Bills, go before the Local Bills Committee, which may consolidate'them.