WOODLANDS SWAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20601, 27 June 1930, Page 16

WOODLANDS SWAMP.

AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL. SCHEME FURTHER ADVANCED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON, Thursday. After a long discussion at a meeting of the Woodlands Swamp Amalgamation Committee to-day it was resolved, on the casting vote of the chairman, Mr. A. E. Geo, to ask the Governor-General to constitute the Taupiri drainago district as defined in the comprehensive drainage scheme, prepared by the Lands Department. The result of the meetings of settlers at Gordonton and Orini, held to discuss amalgamation, was referred to by Mr. Gee, who said the ratepayers had failed to grasp the significance of amalgamation. It was quite evident that at Orini there was an antagonistic element. Many of those present did not come to listen to an explanation of tho scheme, but simply to block vote against it. The speaker deprecated these unfair tactics.

A resolution from the Mangawara Rivor Board was read recommending that the scheme bo postponed pending an alteration to the rating system to an acreage basis.

Mr. B. W. G. Rutherford suggested that a postal ballot be held to ascertain the views of all the ratepayers, but tho committee's solicitor, Mr. F. A. Swarbrick, said there was no rating roll, and tliero was danger of many ratepayers being disfranchised. The rating system, said Mr. Swarbrick, had been a stumbling block to many settlers. The committee had spent very little money, but had obtained an enormous advantage in tho plans and report prepared by the department. Thero was moro chanco of obtaining rating on tho acreage basis in an amending clause to tho Taupiri Drainago Act than in general drainage legislation. Soveral members advocated delay until the rating system was altered, but Messrs. Geo and W. N. Speedy urged that tho constitution of the district be proceeded with.