SOUTHLAND FLOOD DAMAGE
GOVERN.M FNT GRANT REFUSED. [per press association.] INVERCARGILL. .July 9. For the first time in the history of the Southland Comity Council, it is claimed that the Government has declined assistance to the council towards the cost of repairing flood damage- to bridges. In March, application was made for a grant for repairing: the damage caused by the floods in February. To-day. at a meeting of the council, a reply was received from the Hon. P. C. Webb, who wrote on behalf of the Minister for Public. Works (Hon. R. Semple), stating that the cost, of repairs was well within the range of the council's finances, and that, the assistance sought, could not he recommended. Mi- Webb's letter stated: “In reply to your application for assistance towards the cost of reinstating the damage caused by the February floods. I have to advise that I have inquired fully into the amount of damage done, and" the state- of your council’s finances, and 1 consider that the cost of the. repairs necessary is well within the scope of yor.r council's finances. 1 regret, therefore, that I am unable k> recommend any further assistance to your council from State funds.’ "It. is the first, time in history, within my memory that, wo have had no subsidy on flood damage to bridges." commented Ct. W. M. Norman. "It is absolutely ridiculous to say that our finances are all right. They do no! know what they are talking about, and we should make a protest.” The chairman (Cr. A. S. lieNaughl): The Minister doos not know anything about our finances when, ho talks like that. Not half of oil)' financial year has gone and already wo have an overdraft at the bank. Cr. Norman: Why should they penalise us like this? The chairman: We should not lake it lying down. A member: W'o have got to. The chairman: No we have not. We should protest and make ourselves heal'd. 11. was decided to inform the Minister that the county was not in a strong position, and to renew the application for assistance.
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Greymouth Evening Star, 10 July 1937, Page 2
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350SOUTHLAND FLOOD DAMAGE Greymouth Evening Star, 10 July 1937, Page 2
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