THE RIVERS PROBLEM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8539, 20 March 1908, Page 5

THE RIVERS PROBLEM.

A meeting of' -tfec general committee appointed in connection with tho proposal to take definite steps respecting the overflow waters of the Manawatu, Oroua, and Pohangina rivers was held at the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. There were present the Mayor (Mr R. Essex), and Messrs Voss, Bryant, Venn, Hunt, J. G. Wilson, B. Gower, H. Greig, G. Kendall, Matheson, and S. W. Fitzherbert. Correspondence was received from the " Palmer st-on North Borough Council, stating it had no objection to tho proposed Royal Commission on grounds specified. It was reported that the Feilding Borough Council and tho Horowlienua and Kair&nga County Councils had each voted' £5 to preliminary expenses. Mr Fitzherbert moved the adoption of the report of the last meeting's proceedings. Mr Wilson stated that since the last meeting' of this committee his Council had' instructed him that unless some resolution was passed accepting the classification of the River Board or Drainage Act, they were not prepared to go on any further. Mr Wilson also suggested the desirability of eliminating from the resolution passed at the last meeting the words "area to be rated" and tlie addition of the words "and lands taken in be classified according to the Drainage Act" He moved an amendment to that effect. Mr Venn said ho was in favour of what Mr Wilson had suggested exccpt with regard to tho suggested classification, which he said would not meet their case. Mr Wilson's amendment was seconded by Cr. Voss. Mr S. W. Fitzherbert said he saw no reason why the amendment should not be supported. Ho was confident he was expressing the desire of the whole conference that it was the general belief that all lands to be rated should benefit and be rated in proportion to- the benefit received. Tho amendment was carried, and the report from the last meeting as amended was adopted. On Cr. Venn's motion, a division was taken, all present being in favour of it oxceptM essrs Venn and Gower. The Makerua Drainage Board's representative, Mr Greig, did not vote. Ori~ the motion of Mr the original committee set up was appointed a standing committee to keep in touch with the Commission, Mr Wilson representing the Manawatu County. It was decided to make a levy of £l upon local bodies represented to meet current expenses. On Mr Wilson's motion, seconded by Mr Venn, votes of thanks were accorded the Mayor and Mr Fitzherbert for services rendered, and the Borough Council for the use of the Chambers. Tho secretary was authorised to prepare and forward a petition to the Governor, in the namo of the delegates, praying for the appointment, of a Royal Commission in the terms of the resolution adopted. It was further decided that as soon as the secretary was informed of the appointment of the Commission and its fir9t day of meeting that tho committee meet again.