PAPAKURA SETTLERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 146, 5 June 1936, Page 6

PAPAKURA SETTLERS

Opinions on River Control Question “We Papakura settlers have never had any protection from floods; so floes it seem fair that we should pay V'J per cent, of the rates and Napier and Hastings only 8 per cent.?’’ asked Mr E. Sear, a Papakura settler, when giving evidence at the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board inquiry. Ho suggested that, if any alteration in representation were needed, a further representative should be appointed for Ward 2, which embraces the Taradale, Meeance and Papakura districts. “I have been a settler at Papakura for 22 yea's,” he said, “and we havs never had any flood protection.” The chairman, Mr A. J. Baker: The position as to flood protection is quite well understood, Mr Sear. Continuing, Mr Sear recalled past floods, sometimes when his house was surrounded by water five feet deep. “Our interests are identical with Taradale’s,” ho said. “If any alteration in representation is needed, wo suggest a further representative for Ward 2. That is al] that is required.” Ho was strongly in favour of tho suggestion that the Government should take over the whole problem of the rivers. He added: “What we need is one central Government to take ower all local-body work; one lawyer instead of a whole lot (Laughter). Finance through the Reserve Bank free of interest, free of debt. Tkit’s the whole solution.” |