RIVERS DISTRICT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 145, 4 June 1936, Page 5

RIVERS DISTRICT

Committee Continues Its Inquiry

TARADALE’S CASE

The Government committee’s inquiring into rating and boundary questions as affecting the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board district continued its sitting yesterday afternoon.

The Taradale Town Board, whose case was presented by the chairman, Mr J. Williamson, strongly opposed the suggestion that the Taradale town district should be made a subdivision of AVard No. 2 and that there should be a redistribution of members m that ward.

The Town Board suggested that the allocation of rates for the various wards should be as follows:—Ward No. 1, 12 per cent; Ward No. 2, 50 per cent; Wards Nos. 3 and 4, 26 per cent; AVard No. 5, 12 yer cent. “According to the commission set up iu 1919, the allocation of rates was no doubt fair at that time, but conditions have changed considerably since then,” said Air Williamson.

“For instance, in the case of Napier, the Rivers Board submits that th i boundaries should be extended. This naturally would mean its proportion of the rates should be increased. Moreover, the increased area will in future become closely settled and, in consequence, will benefit from the great protection afforded. Apart from this, there is the general benefit devised by the whole district. Napier participates in this.”

In regard to Wards Nos. 4 and 5, he added, the Taradale Town Board felt justified in suggesting an increase in their allocation, because the proposed works on the Ngaruroro were mainly for their protection and that of AVard No. 3. Further, the scheme was incomplete, as there appeared to be no provision made for protection at Roy’s Hill, where, according to practically all reports and scheme brought forward, there was a decided danger point. DEFINITELY OPPOSED. “We are definitely opposed to any alteration in the basis of rating unless sanctioned by a poll of the ratepayers of the Hawke’s Bay rivers district. “AVe are of the opinion that the present method of following the policy of the Hawke’s Bay County Council in regard to basis of rating should be discontinued.” In conclusion, Mr Williamson said that his board offered the following suggestions for the committee’s consideration:— 1. That owing to the increased area of 7100 acres in No. 2 AVard occasioned by the earthquake of 1931, another member should be elected for this ward. This would balance the voting power between the northern and southern por'tions of the district. 2. That the Government take over control and maintenance of the rivers as a national undertaking.

Mr Morling (for the Rivers Board): Your district very much desired the Tutaekuri diversion, I take it? Mr Williamson: Yes.

Consequently, you will be generous enough to acknowledge that the diversion has given your district tremendous advantages?—“Yes.” And I take it that you can sleep comfortably in the knowledge that you are free from inundations by floods?— “Yes.” That being so, I can’t see why you object to the rating percentages.— “AVe feel that our load of 60 per cent is too heavy.” You will recognise the principle that river protection gives special benefits, especially in regard to improvements on land?—“Yes.” IMMUNE FROM FLOODS. Mr Holilerness (for the Hastings Borough Council): I take it that Taradale is now immune from floods?— ‘‘Yes.” Is the position, then, that, now that you are safe, you don’t want to contribute any more?—“Hardly that.” Would you like the Tutaekuri to be put back where it was?—“No.” Well, then, be honest. Is the position this: Because you are now immune from floods, because or tne Tutaekuri diversion, you don’t feel that you should contribute as much towards the works as you used to? (No answer). I’ll leave you to think it over. The submissions made by Mr Williams were endorsed by the clerk of the Taradale Town Board, Mr W. J Jarvis, who went into furthei details to support the Town Board’s snggrs tions. To Mr lloldernuss, lie sud he dil not know what particular benefit Hustings would get from the Rivers Board's proposed works, but he estima’.i.l that Hastings would derive a genera! benefit. Mr Holdnrness: !~o you consider tne whole district should subscube to these works?—“Yes.” You agree that Tara bile’s position has been very much improved by the Tutaekuri diversion ‘•Yes.’’ Being safer, you think you can afford to reduce your contribution?- Yes.” Shouldn’t Hastings 'also be reduced, because it is safer? -‘•Well, is it safer?” AN “OLD MAN” FLOOD. Don’t you think Hastings is safer to-day by reason of. the works of the Rivers Board, of which you were once chairman?—“lt must be safer from small floods, but not from ‘old man’ floods.” Have you ever seen an ‘old man' flood?—“Yes. The 1897 flood. That one flooded parts of Heretaunga street and Nelson street.” Can you prove it? At this stage Mr Jarvis produced a photograph which, according to its cap tion, showed the corner of Heretaunga and Nelson streets, Hastings, under water as a result of the 1897 flood.

Mr Maddison: That photo was taken before there was any drainage in Hastings. Mr Iloldorness: There was evidence at the 1919 commission to establish that no flood water ever came up to the Hastings borough boundary. Mr L. Harris, a member of the Hawke’s Bay Rivers’ Board, and also

a ratepayer, said in evidence that he advocated individual representation of wards on the Rivers Board.

As far as rating in the Nos.. 2,3, and 4 wards was concerned, Mr Harris favoured rating on capital value.. At this stage the session was adjourned until 10 o'clock this morning.