WOODLANDS SWAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20229, 13 April 1929, Page 13

WOODLANDS SWAMP.

SOLVING DRAINAGE PROBLEM BOARD OF INQUIRY WANTED. UNIFORM CONTROL APPROVED. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Friday. Further progress in connection with the proposal to drain the Woodlands swamp was made at a conference of drainage boards operating in tho area to-day, when a resolution asking tho Government to appoint a bynrd of inquiry to investigate the details of a comprehensive scheme was adopted. Delegates representing the Woodlands, Tauhei, Freshfield, Matopo, Eureka and Hillside Boards were present. Mr. W. N. Speedy presided. Mr. Speedy said the proposal to amalgamate the drainage boards in tho Woodlands swamp area had been before the boards for the last four years, and it was time something was done so that a uniform and concrete scheme could be presented to the Minister when he visited tho district. If there were any objections to the comprehensive drainage scheme these offered no obstacles to the amalgamation of the boards. Amalgamation Imperative. Mr. N. G. Cribble considered that it Was imperative that the amalgamation of tho boards should bo brought about, and ho suggested that a board of inquiry should be set up to ascertain the scope of the district, the basis of rating and valuation, finance, and the actual details of some scheme which would best serve Lhe combined district. Mr. G. Williamson pointed out that one of tlio chief points in favour of amalgamation had been that (ho Government had declined to grant subsidies until amalgamation had been brought about. Subsidies had been granted to the Hillside and Mangawara Boards, so that that point did not now apply. The chairman explained that there were special circumstances connected with the subsidies referred to. Tho Government's attitude remained unchanged. Mr. F. W. Seifert said tho facts that bo many boards had been set up and had been operating for so many years showed that the drainage of the area was desirable. He was satisfied that the small boards were economically conducted, but ho considered the system was wrong and that the small boards could not deal with such difficulties as boundary drains, outfalls and flooding of adjacent areas. Ascertaining the Cost. Mr. A. H. Waring said the first thing to determine was what the scheme was going to cost the district and the individual ratepayer, and what subsidy the Government would grant. Mr. S. Gubb movod and Mr. Chapman seconded "That this meeting of representatives of tho Woodlands, Matopo, Tauliei, Hillside, Eureka and Freshfield Drainage Boards requests the Government to immediately set up a competent board of inquiry to fully investigate a comprehensive scheme of drainage for that area covered in the Government report on the Woodlands swamp, or any amendment thereof. That the board be asked to define tho boundaries and engineering details, the financial 'costs and the allocation of the basis of rating representation for the proposed area. With the information wc have at present this meeting accepts the principle of one control, as advocated in the Woodlands swamp report." The motion was carried. Jjrr. W. J. Bridgeman (Woodlands) did not vote, as he thought a committee appointed by a previous conference to consider the cost of the scheme should have an opportunity of bringing down a report. It was decided to solicit the support of other local bodies in the district when making representations to the Minister.