FLOOD LOSS IN THE TAIERI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20706, 2 May 1929, Page 13

FLOOD LOSS IN THE TAIERI.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l was very pleased to road the letter by " Onlooker ” in the Daily Tiroes of April 30. It is time somebody wrote in the interests of the Taieri people. The primary producer is supposed to be of large financial assistance to New Zealand * m every way. If the hardships of some of the people and what they have to contend with were generally known sunwise would be experienced that they do not die of broken hearts. It is quite true that some of the farmers are practically ruined and that they were grievously affected two years ago. At the last meeting of the Trust, members . spoke of taking ’ action against thos-a who have not paid their rates. Now these rates are enormous.and ~ are To be increased next year. The people of feouth Taieri get more than their share of other people’s drainage. - It comes from Waipori. Maungatua, Mompna, and Central Taieri. The newly-made drain or small river is supposed to carry the drainage alpng through Henley. It will be like the Leith, a raging torrent in time of flood. I am afraid it will need more than one pumping station .to take the volume of water away quickly enough'to benefit the southern area. There will be a number'of vacant -farm houses before vpry long. I would like very much to draw attention to the treatment received by the Education Board leaseholders. At one flood time the board allowed their tenants to go rent free for a time. 7 ' It was a splendid example that the board set. Some, of the mortgagees make huge profits out of the farmers, and the banks make large grants to public affairs, but give never a thought for the poor struggling farmers. It is not with them, a case of “ help them that Irelp you.” It.is about time the people on the Taieri woke up and formed a ratepayers’..association.. I think those: of them- who have suffered so badly are an- 1 titled to flood relief as well as sufferers in town. It is not a matter of linoleum, etc.; with'them;' but one- ’of- their- bodily existence. I am sure Mr Ansel! would do his best if-be were informed of . the real state-of things.—l am, etc,, .V-.v ■ -.- Looker-on;. Henley, April 30. .