LAND DRAINAGE LAWS.

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1913, Page 2

LAND DRAINAGE LAWS.

SECOND READING OF AMENDING BILL. WELLINGTON," Sept. 5. The second reading of the Land Drainage Amendment Bill was moved by the Prime Minister. In doing so, Mr Massey explained that the amendments proposed were sought by county councils and drainage boards throughout the Dominion. The chief of these amendments were the increasing of the power of such bodies to levy rates in excess of the present limit of six farthings in the £, power to levy rates on different lands in proportion to the benefits they received, and to alter drainage area boundaries. He believed the Bill, if it went on to the Statute Book, would result in a considerable improvement of the law on the question of land drainage. Several members expressed the opinion that some limit should be ulaced on the rate-levying power. Mr Young, who said he represented a district in which there were no fewer than seven drainage boards, heartily endorsed the amendments contained in the Bill, which was read a second time.