RIVER BOARDS OPERATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7263, 20 October 1910, Page 5

RIVER BOARDS OPERATIONS

COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

la moving the second reading of the Elver Boards Amendment Bill, Dr. Findlay explained that the main purpose was to protect hoards from oppressive claims lor damage allegedly resulting from their operations. At the proper time he would aelr the Council to alter clause 4 (providing extended lime for making claims fop compensation for damage) and to put it back into the shape in which it was introduced into the Lower House, Tim law originally gave one year to make claims for compensation, but the Jiou.-n had altered it to two years. The ol.iUf” as it stood was a vicious provision which would he used, or abused, for the ,purpose of making boards pay sum® of money they should never bo railed upon to pay. Boards would be lulled into a false sense of security if two years couM elapse before claims were made. The result of leaving the clause as it now was would he that hoards would * rd their financial existence greatly imperilled. Kb believed that the clans? was nut in for private purposes. Xi certainly was not one that the Government in nnv wav favoured- • ... The Koh. C K. Hill* (Wellington! said he did not think that the period!

wa.s ico long, as no damage might arise during tho first year. A success'! on of speakers supported this view, but Dr. Findlay strongly urged the inadvisability of leaving the clause as it blood. Tho second reading was agreed to on the voters and the Bill set down for committal today. The Council rose at 4.35 o’clock.