THE HIKURANGI SWAMP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 10

THE HIKURANGI SWAMP

The Minister of Lands -was obviously surprised and disturbed by statements made to him yesterday concerning the Hikurangi swamp drainage scheme. Settlers whose land would be liable to a proposed special rate appeared before him to protest against it being levied. They asserted in effect that the scheme had been a failure, that in spite of ]3 years' work, and the expenditure of more than three times the sum originally estimated as the whole capital cost, settlers had received little or no benefit. The Minister was incredulous, as he naturally would be, and declared his intention of seeking further information. The allegations of the settlers recall what the National Expenditure Commission said about this scheme. In its report it stated: —"There will be a very large loss in connection with the drainage operations on this area, and after reviewing the prospects we recommend that the works be closed down immediately, as there is no justification for continued expenditure of money on this scheme." The commission also urged that investigations should be made immediately with a view to levying rates at least for the maintenance of existing works, "provided that it can be demonstrated that the land has received, and will continue to receive, some benefit from the works." It may be that a connection exists between the way in which the levying of a rate was recommended and the attitude the settlers have now adopted; but the position as put to the Minister fully warrants the course he suggests. There should be inquiry, and urgent inquiry, into the situation at Hikurangi. If it is as represented by the commission and the neighbouring landholders, work should be stopped without hesitation. Even in the best of times continued capital expenditure on work likely to produce nothing but loss would not lie warranted. It is far less justifiable under present conditions.