Catchment Board Constitution Opposed

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 61, 13 March 1943, Page 8

Catchment Board Constitution Opposed

The constitution of the proposed Manawatu Catchment Board which is to be set up under the Soil Erosion and Rivers Control Act was objected to at a meeting of tho Pohangina County Council. Cr. N. H. Moar said it seemed to him the representation on the board had not been worked out on a very fair basis. Palmerston North had two representatives, tho Manawatu County one, and the combined counties of Pohangina, Ofcoua, and Iviwitoa one. He failed to see how Palmerston North deserved two representatives and the Manawatu County one. If the board were formed on its present basis the majority of tho members would come from one end and they could make the rating anything that suited them. The chairman (Cr. S. J. Strahan) said he thought the three combined counties were entitled to more than ono representative. Comparing their position with that of Manawatu on a valuation basis they were one-third above that county, and 'an area tho counties totalled 808 square miles compared with 264 for Manawatu; in fact the Pohangina County alone was only five square miles below the Manawatu figures. He was definitely of tho opinion that the three counties were entitled to at least two representatives. The clerk was instructed to prepare data which could, be placed before the proposed meeting of local bodies to consider the scheme, and ho and the chairman were appointed to attend the meeting.