DRAINAGE SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22866, 22 October 1937, Page 14

DRAINAGE SCHEME

POWEKS FOB BOARD INQUIRY BY COMMISSION BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICT ALLOCATION OF THE COSTS [l! V TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday Tho decision of the Government to appoint a commission to investigate certain questions relating to the metropolitan drainage scheme propounded by the Auckland City and Suburban Drainage Board was the subject of comment bv the Minister ot Internal Affairs, the Hon. AY. E. Parry, in an interview to-day. He said it was hoped to have the personnel of' the commission announced within the next few days. The inquiry would open in Auckland some time next month. "The Drainage Board decided some time ago to proceed with a comprehensive scheme for the southern area," ■the,. Minister said, ''but certain constitutional and administrative matters have to be settled. The board has asked the Government to appoint a commission for the purpose of determining the boundaries of the proposed Auckland metropolitan drainage district, the form of administration to bo followed, and the allocation of the cost of* the scheme and of administration among the local authorities concerned . "Jhe board has decided to confine its activities to the districts on the. southern side of the harbour, and as a result residents of the north shore boroughs will not be concerned with the proposed inquiry." After the commission had investigated all the matters referred to it, the Minister continued, it would report to Parliament, and its findings would - be forwarded to the board to assist it in the framing of a local bill. After the commission had reported full responsibility would rest with the board, but when the anticipated local bill came before Parliament it would be referred to the Local Bills Committee, which would hear evidence submitted by interested parties. It was hoped that the whole position would be settled in a satisfactory manner.