SETTLERS AND DRAINAGE RATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14927, 27 February 1912, Page 9

SETTLERS AND DRAINAGE RATES.

« AN INDIGNATION MEETING. [rnoji ota own cobrkspondent.] Aka Aka, Monday. The new Public Hall, recently erected by the enterprise of the residents of this flourishing dairying district, was the scene one afternoon last week of a largely-at-tended meeting of ratepayers, with an urgent and well-defined grievance. About a. year .ago the association formed for the purpose of draining the low-lying lands, 20 miles further up tho Waikato River, sought to have tho Aka Aka district, or part of it, included in the ratable area which was to provide the funds for deepening the river and letting out the waters cf the Whangamarino and other swamps. The landowners of tho district, who have by tho exfiendituro of years of work and money, gained for themselves a most satisfactory drainage system, stronglv objected to be rated for a project that, it was contended, could not by any means benefit them, and petitioned the Government to that effect. To this petition the reply was returned that it would be duly considered at the proper time, but although tho Drainage Board twice wrote, no reply was vouchsafed by the Minister whose Department was concerned. A few days ago demands for the payment of rates for the quarter ending March 31 next wero made, and the result was the meeting. Mr. Hull (chairman of the Drainage Board) presided, and nearlv every person affected was accounted for. Three delegates were appointed to confer with the River Board and endeavour to come 10 some amicable arrangement, Failing this all those present pledged themselves to resist by every means in their power the enforcement of the claim for rates, and, if no other nay of escape offers, to demand from Parliament a legislative means of avoiding their payment.