RATES FOR DRAINAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 9

RATES FOR DRAINAGE

THE HIKUBANGI AREA MANY APPEALS PENDING ' ACTION BY SETTLERS [by telegraph—own "WHANGAREI, Friday Settlers in the Hikurangi swamp draiiiage area mot to-day to consider the formation of a settlers' association, ns result of the recent action of the Government in. levying a rate over the area. The work was first commenced some years ago. The total capital cost as at March 31, 1933, was £319,571, which amount included £85,547 accrued interest. The land affected is 22,780 acres, upon which there are about 300 .settlers. The Hikurangi Town Board is also included in the area. Recently the area was classified by the Government with a view to striking a rate. Next week over 100 appeals against 'the classification will be heard by Mr. G. N. Morris, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court, Whangarei. It is expected the sitting will occupy a week. Mr. It. Nesbic, chairman of the Hikurangi Town Board, who presided at today's meeting, said that some weeks ago a deputation went to Wellington, and presented a petition to the Minister of Lands protesting against the striking of a rate at present. It asked that the Town Board be classed as a separate rating area*, and also that a reduced capital value be placed on the whole area. The Minister gave a most sympathetic hearing. Last year the Minister gave a definite undertaking that no rate would be struck before 1934-1935, said Mr. Nesbit, and that he would in the meantime appoint a commission to examine the work done, and the ability of the settlers to pay tho rate. The commission would also consider the advisability of classing the Hikurangi Town Board as a separate area. However, the commission had not yet l>een appointed. A number of speakers were in favour of forming a settlers' association, but the matter was deferred until February 16. The existing committee was eirv powered to act in the meantime and to meet the Minister should he arrive ia the district before the next meeting.