TAIERI RIVER TRUST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19218, 8 July 1924, Page 2

TAIERI RIVER TRUST.

A meeting of the Taieri River Trust was held at H/cnley yesterday, when Mr R. T. Sadd occupied the chair. A number of deputations was hoard regarding compensation for land which will be affected by the new embankment scheme. Various difficulties were mentioned, but tho Chairman pointed out that only certain small areas would bo involved within the next four years. —Mr Smith pointed out that the electric power and light system would be affected.—Assurance was given that local people would receive (irst consideration as regards labour. It was decided to deepen tho ditch down Miller’s road, the settlers to put in all necessary crossingsMr Probert’s suggestions with respect to tho contour channel were held over. With regard to Mr Miller’s water supply, it was decided to put in a six-inch steal pipe, with a vaivo. The Engineer reported that there had been several instances during tbe past month when the trust’s outlet boxes had been interfered with. He said that it was rot right that settlers should take matters info tlveir own hands, and it was time something was done in connection with tho matter.—On the motion of the Chairman, it was decided to put the matter in tho hands of the police. ihe proposal dealing with the control over a certain proportion ot tho water it tho Waipori dam by tho trust, regulating the flow of water in flood time, was agreed to, and it was decided to submit a copy of tho engineer’s report on tho subjoik to tho Taiori County Council with a view to obtaining its approval and having an agreement arrived at as soon as jjossible. ' It was decided to call for tenders for the removal of willows from tho river bank from Mill Creole to tho lake. Mr Blackie moved —“ That the trust purchase all lands between tho proposed new' embankment and tho river, such lands io be offered to the present occupiers at 6 per cent, on tlic capital value, and the trust to havo the right to enter on and to do all tho work which is necessary to carry out and complete the scheme. The lessor or occupier is to bo able to purchase the freehold of all lands at a price to bo fixed by arbitration on tho completion of tho protective works.”—Tho motion w'as carried. It was also decided that it bo a recommendation to the Public Works Department that all purchases of lands should be handled by the land purchase officer. Tho engineer was instructed to draw up a plan of all tho public drains in tho district. Messrs Fleming and Kempshall brought up tho matter of a depression of tho bank on tho contour channel, between Ross’s and Lyall’s.—lt was decided to leave tho matter in the hands of tho Public Works engineer