RIVER BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 7

RIVER BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Svmth Waimakariri River Board was held yesterday afternoon; present—Messrs J. Leslie (chairman), N. K- Bowden. W. P. Spencer, C. H. Gpie, H. E-, Peryman, J. B. Laurenson, A. S. Bruce and J. P. W. Lee. The overseer in liis report stated that there had been no floods and no changes in the course ’of the river since the board’s last meeting. He pointed out that various freeholders were in the habit of using the board’s reserves as cross-cuts, and at least -one complaint had been received regarding the practice- The total cost of work done during the month was £l6O. Sir Scnrvell, the board’s secretary, pointed out that the board’s reserves were fenced, and those using them as cross-cuts would often have to get over the fences. The report was reoeived and adopted. A deputation from the Paparua. County Council, headed by Mr A- Freeman, was received. Mr Freeman said the deputation wished to bring before the board the question of the amount paid by the board for water within the area under tho control 'of the Paparua Council, on the eastern side of the old Selwyn County. From records it had been ascertained, he said, that soon after the construction of tho races an arrangement was come to between the board and the old Selwyn County Council whereby the board was charged only one-third of the usual charges to other consumers. The board’s income had increased very mateiT'llv since then, and he considered that the time had ar-

rived when the matter should be considered. The rent charged to t ordinary consumers was 31 d per act but the board now paid to the coun only one-third of that amount.

After the deputation had withdraw members expressed the opinion th the board should not seek* to gain i unfair advantage over other consume! and that possibly the reduced rate w charged because at the time of its i oepti’on the value of the board’s x serves was verv low.

It was thought that the origin agreement, if existent, might thr< some light on the subject, and the a rotary was therefore instructed to vestigate the matter and report to t next meeting. The Minister of Internal Affn wrote stating with regard to t board’s grant of £2O for peace celebr iions that it would receive the us;i subsidv.