HAURAKI DRAINAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20312, 20 July 1929, Page 18

HAURAKI DRAINAGE.

UNITED BOARD'S AFFAIRS. WORKS AND LOAN MONEYS. [ny TELEGRArn. —own correspondent.! NGATEA. Friday Tho Hauraki United Drainage Board met this afternoon, tho chairman, Mr. 11. U Hicks, presiding. The Hauraki Plains County Council requested preventive measures in connection with tho flooding of Horohia Road by tidal waters over-topping the stop-bank. On tho motion of tho chairman it was resolved to ask tho County Council to prove tho obligation of tho board to keep tidal waters off county roads. Referring to a request for a subsidy of £IOOO, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands, mentioned that subsidies approved for the board amounted to £8240 on loans amounting to £15,500, which was equivalent to a payment of slightly over £1 for £2 on all works completed or proposed to date. "I understand," said the Minister, "that the board still has some tmportant works to complete, but my officers consider thero is ;i tendency to propose works with a view to eveniug up the loan expenditure in the various works within tho drainage district without sufficient regard to tho yaluo of the improvements." The Minister requested the board to take stock of its position and submit tho following information:—(l) The completed works carried out with loan moneys and the expenditure on each work; (2) the details of the present commitments showing expenditure to date and the estimated cost to complete: (3) showing definitely what works are proposed out of loan money and the estimated cost of such works The chairman said the Minister apneared to be confusing grants with sub sidies. It was resolved 'o ask for further details on this point Five Huirau Road settlers petitioned for the erection of a stop-bank to prevent the Waihou River flooding their holdings. The chairman stated that the Hon E A Ransom, Minister of Public Works, had visited the locality many months ago and his reply was long overdue. It was decided to ask the Minister to authorise n responsible official to again discuss this Work with tho settlers. Tho Valuer-General intimated that a revaluation of the county was being undertaken. It was resolved to hold a special meeting on Monday, July 29, for the purpose of compiling by-laws.