DAMAGE TO LAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 August 1924, Page 5

DAMAGE TO LAND.

ELECTRIC POWER LINES. SETTLERS’ COMPLAIN. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 18. In the erection of towers carrying electric power transmission lines from jViangahao damage has been caused to the properties of settlers through which the line passes, and a number of those affected waited on the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. J. G. Coates) to-day to discuss with him the question of compensation. The deputation was introduced by Mr \Y. H. Field, M.P. (Otaki), and it was explained that the deputation represented settlers and members of farmers’ organisations from the districts from Paekakariki to Johnsonville. They all recognised the necesity for the transmission lines, and that it was unavoidable that some damage should he caused in the erection of towers and cables, but they felt that they had a good claim for compensation for needless damage. The Minister asked whether wilful damage was suggested, submitting that there was no differenece between needless damage and wilful damage, hut Mi’ Field said that that was not suggested. • The Minister referred the complaints to Mr A. Gavey (district electrical engineer of the Department), who admitted that some farms had been badly cut up. After further discussion, it was agreed that Mr Bert Mexted should act as assessor for the settlers, and that the land purchase officer should act similarly as the representative of the Department in assessing the damage caused.-