MANAWATU WATERSHED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13648, 16 January 1908, Page 6

MANA WATU WA TERSHED.

CONFERENCE AT -IALMERSTON. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Palmehston North, Wednesday. A conference of all the local bodies within the watershed of the Manawatu and Oroua Rivers took place to-day to discuss the advisabkness of forming one drainage board to control the whole of the watershed. The meeting was convened by Mr. Fitzherberfc, of Feilding, and the Mayor, of Palmerstou occupied the chair. Mr. Fitzherbert explained the chief heads of the scheme, which was roughly to have one large board as a controlling influence over several sub-boards. Ho pointed out that a large board would have a much greater influence, and more chance of getting a- Government subsidy than a number of separate boards, as at present. As to rating, that would have to be on a differential basis, , according to the position of lands in regard to the river. A general discussion on the matter ensued, delegates from all over the district speaking, and a committee was finally appointed, consisting of one delegate from each local body, to investigate the whole question of the control of the two rivers. It was resolved that each local body be asked to vote the sum of £5 towards expenses of such investigation.

A ■ meeting of the committee was held after the general.; mooting, and Mr. Fitzhothert was appointed secretary of the committee pro tern, and instructed to go to Wellington to-morrow ,to interview the Ministers, with a view of obtaining the report of the Government engineer that hasbeen made on the rivers, and also to procure a general report.