River Control

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 265, 7 November 1941, Page 7

River Control

MANAWATU-OROUA BOARD The Manawatu-Oroua River Board met yesterday, there being present: Messrs. J. Callesen (in the chair), W. S. Carter, S. Parsons, H. Seifert, W. Jackson, H. J. Lancaster, R. J. Law, W. H. Barrow and B. G» Gower.

The chairman reported that, in company with Messrs. Carter and Farquhar (engineer) he had attended by request a meeting in the Moutoa Hall. A considerable number of ratepayers were present and a comprehensive survey of Moutoa flood troubles took place. A number of matters had been put forward in which something was desired done. A full discussion had taken place on rating. Undoubtedly Moutoa was in an unenviable position in this respect. The loss of rates on the flax area, amounting to nearly £BOO this year and £450 last year, together with a high rate on the remaining rateable area, placed Moutoa subdivision in a very serious position. Further, the loss of the rates placed a heavier burden on the balance of the board’s area. Moutoa would receive the most benefit from the Whirokino cut when it was completed, and he suggested that the Government be urged to have this pushed on as fast as possible. In connection with the Moutoa rates, correspondence from the Treasury was placed before the meeting and the comment was made by members that there now appeared a possibility that the Government would pay the rates on the property it had taken over.

Certain remedial work in the Moutoa area was authorised, and other proposals were held over for consideration. An offer was received from New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles, Ltd., Foxton, to lease at Is per acre, with right of purchase at £5 per acre, the area of land owned by the board at Moutoa point near Springs. Members termed the offer ridiculous, the chairman pointing out that the board had paid £32 an acre for the land. The writers are to be informed that their offer is not acceptable to the board.

Advice was received from the Public Works Department that the sum of £BOO (£1 for £1) appeared on this year’s Estimates for work at Parekawai Point. If the board proposed to carry out this work, proposals should be submitted for consideration. The meeting asked the secretary (Mr. R. H. Spencer) and the engineer (Mr. H. R. FaiVjuhar) to look into the financial commitments of the board, so that consideration can be •given to Parekawai Point if possible. A deputation from the Sluggish River Drainage Board waited on the board, seeking the installation of a floodgate on the Main Drain at Rangiotu. The engineer was instructed to report on the matter*