MANAWATU DRAINAGE BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 398, 16 May 1922, Page 6

MANAWATU DRAINAGE BOARD.

The initial meeting of the new Manaivatu Drainage Board was held this morn in" when there were present: —Trustees A. Lancaster, P. J. Small. N. P. Nielsen. D. Prouse, l>. Oollis. .1. Collis and E. Wood. Mr Wood was re-elected chairman and Mi K. W. L'oimcli treasurer and returning offi-

cer. The financial statement showed that the new board would commence operations with a credit baluixe a) the bank of £437 18s. li was decided to appoint Mr Com an overseer to the board and that the appointment of an engineer be held over in the meantime. A long discussion ensued on the classification of the board'.- rateable area. It was pointed out tli.it ilie old Aorangi Hoard had rated on the capital value, and (.ho previous Mamnvalu board on the unimproved value, while the new board, which con.bincd these both, would have ro decide on what basis its rates were to be levied. Trustee Small suggested that it would be a much mote equitable and easier system to strike the rates on an acreage- basis, but it was explained that: this would be impossible as it was contrary to the powers vested in drainage boards. It was then resolved that, a committee consisting of the chairman, Mr Connell and the board's solicitor be set. up to go into the matter of the classification of the district, and the possibilities of having the Rating Act amended in order that tlie board could rate on the acreage basis, if ii so desired. Mr F. it. Cooke was appointed solicitor. It was resolved thai the board meet on the lirst Monday in each month.