CENTRAL RIVERS BOARD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 135, 24 May 1911, Page 5

CENTRAL RIVERS BOARD

THE FIRST MEETIXO. The first meeting of the new Central Rivers Board was held in the Hawke’s Bay County Council Office at 10.30 this morning. There were present Messrs. D. Jeffares, H. lan Simson, T. Talbot, R. D. D. McLean. G. Purvis, G. P. Donnelly. and Hon. J. D. Ormond. On the motion of Mr. McLean, seconded by Mr. Donnelly, the Hon. J. D. Ormond was elected chairman. His election was supported by Messrs. Simson, McDonald, and Jeffares. The election was unanimous.

Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Merritt, w’ho is ill in bed. -Mr. Ormond, in thanking the board for his election, said he accepted the position hoping and believing that he might be of service. He emphasised the importance of the work they’ had in hand. It was a great compliment to him in his declining years to place him in the position, and he felt with pardonable pride that his appointment would not be unacceptable to the people. He expressed the hope that they would have opportunity to do much good tow’ards the prosperity and progress of the district. He reviewed some of the past history 7 of his work in the province, and pointed out how difficult it was to perform necessary work in the past. He held that it was a mistake to say 7 the old River Boards had not done good work, but the time came when they saw’ it was necessary to have a general control. Hence the introduction of legislation to make central control possiblt. The measure as he first saw’ it was incomplete, as it provided for only half a district. Mr. McLean sketched at considerable length the passing of this Bill connected with river matters. The question, after the Bill was passed, was how to take some decided steps in the matter. The Chairman, in company with Mr. Donnelly, have consulted the Premier, but as he w’as preparing for his journey to England things were not pushed forward at a rapid rate. The chief business to be dealt with at this meeting was to pass a resolution so that work could be commenced as early' as possible. It was stated that if the rain we have had recently had continued forafew’ hours longer the Board would have had to face considerable expense. The Chairman concluded his remarks by hoping that all the members would w’ork in harmonv.

Mr. Donnelly stated that before business was commenced he wished to compliment the Board on the election of Mr. Ormond. He had personally known him for many years, and could testify to his many good qualities. He was convinced that all the members present had assembled to do their best in the interest of furthering the progress of Hawke’s Bay 7. Mr. H. lan Simson stated that he had strongly opposed the Bill, but he was now glad to see that it had become law. He congratulated the chairman on his election. Mr. Talbot hoped that those present would sink all minor differences and that they 7 would all work together for the common good. The Hon. J. D. Ormond stated that he omitted to state that he had telegraphed to the Acting Minister asking for a renort of the Rivers Commission, and had been told that it was decided to hold the matter over, as it needed very 7 careful consideration.

Mr. R. D. D. McLean said that the report had been in the hands of the Government for several weeks, and had not been made public as it was against the rules. ELECTION OF SECRETARY AND SOLICITOR. The following officers were elected :—Secretary ana treasurer, Mr. W. J. Pallet, pro tern. In moving Mr.. Pallet’s appointment, the chairman asked, that the County Council take upon themselves the duty of collecting rates. The motion was seconded by Mr. Donnelly. It was decided on the motion of the chairman, that Mr. Sproule, of the firm of Cotterill and Humphries, who have drafted the bill and taken a keen interest in the work of the River Board, should be appointed the board’s solicitors. GENERAL.

An account was io be opened with the National Bank, and the chairman was authorised to make various financial arrangements. Messrs. McLean, MacDonald and the chairman were appointed to act as overseers, with power to deal with emergencies. THE QUESTION RE ENGINEERS. The chairman stated that he had spent a long time in trying to find where the best engineering advice could be obtained. He had come to the conclusion that a local man with a thorough knowledge of the district should be appointed. Such a man, he thought, possessing the

necessary qualifications, would be Mr. C. D. Kennedy. For the position of outside engineer he recommended the appointment of Mr. George Elliott. This gentleman had much experience in dealing with dangerous rivers and his advice would be invaluable to the board. If his services could not be obtained he would recommend Mr. LaingMeason for the position. If these gentlemen were elected he would recommend that they make, a comprehensive report on the whole of the river district. Mr. Donnelly said that the chairman had evidently 7 made a most careful study of the position, and he was to be thanked for doing so. Mr. G. A. MacDonald strongly supported the chairman’s suggestion. Mr. Simson said that neither the people he represented nor the people that Mr. Donnelly represented w’ould agree to Mr. Kennedy’s appointment as engineer. It would cause friction in both places, still he had pleasure in supporting his appointment.

Mr. R. D. D. McLean said that ! he thought a fresh report on the ’ rivers was necessary. The most' dangerous river, in his opinion, was ; not the Tutaekuri, but the Ngahu- ! roro. Mr. Kennedy was the best) man in the district to advise on the ; river question. ; Mr. Purvis said that there was i much talk about the Inner Harbour ; and the Breakwater, and he thought I that the rivers would affect the ‘ proposed Inner Harbour very con-; siderably. j Mr. Talbot questioned the ap-' pointment but the chairman stated! that he had taken immense trouble • to secure the best men possible and i moved that he be given power to j take the necessary steps towards | communicating with the gentlemen ! referred to. i Further discussion on the matter ! was adjourned. j Mr. Simson moved that any mem- I ber be given power to sign cheques, j This was unanimously agreed to. ! The chairman was given author-! ity to collect all books, papers, i money and belongings of the old! River Board. NOTICE OF MOTION. i Mr. Simson gave notice of motion ! that the next board meeting he! held in Hastings. ' VOTE OF THANKS TO MR. ' LESTER. j Mr. McLean moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Lester for keeping open the Ngaruroro mouth. Mr. : Donnelly seconded- the motion. Considei ation of this motion was! deferred until next meeting. ! This concluded the meeting. !