TRANSMISSION LINES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19254, 19 August 1924, Page 4

TRANSMISSION LINES.

DAMAGE TO FARM LANDS. COMPKN& ATT O N ASKED FOR. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 18. In the erection of the towers carrying the electric power transmission lines from Mangahao damage has been caused to the properties of the sottlers through which the lino passes, and a number of those affected waited on the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. J. G. Coates) to-day to discuss with him tho question of compensation. A deputation was introduced by Mr W. H. Field (member for Otaki). It was explained that tho deputation represented the settlers arid members of the farmers’ organisation from the districts extending from Paekakariki to Johnsonville. They all recognised the necessity for the transrnission lines, and that it was unavoidable that some damage should be caused in the erection of the towers and cables, but they felt they had a good claim for compensation for needless damage. The Minister asked whether wilful damage was suggested, submitting that there was no difference between needless damage and wilful damage, but Mr Field said that that was not suggested. Tho Minister referred (lie complaints to Mr A. Gavey (district electrical engineer of (he department), who admitted that, some of the farms had lieen badly cut up. After some discussion itwa agreed that Mr B. Mcxted should act as assessor for the settlers and that the Land Purchase Officer should act similarly as the representative of the department in assessing the damage caused.