APARIMA RIVER

Southland Times, Issue 20641, 13 November 1928, Page 8

APARIMA RIVER

PROPOSED BOARD. A meeting of ratepayers interested in the above was held at Mr Ewen Matheson’s office Otautau on Friday last. On the motion of Messrs Mclntosh and Harris, Mr H. Rankin was voted to the chair. After explaining the considerations which had actuated the conveners in advertising the meeting, the chairman asked Mr Hodges, solicitor, to explain the powers and functions of a river board. Mr Hodges having done so and answered a number of questions asked by various ratepayers, then left the meeting which proceeded to a general discussion of the problem presented by the Aparima river, especially with regard to the erosion of land. It seemed to be recognized by all present that some action should be taken, but there was considerable divergence of opinion as to what practical steps could be taken. Finally Mr Rankin proposed and Mr Saunders seconded a resolution reading, “That a petition be presented to the Governor-General praying that the area mentioned in the advertisement calling this meeting be created a River Board district.” Mr G. Coombes moved and Mr W. S. Brown seconded an amendment as follows: “That no action be taken in the meantime.” The amendment on being put to the meeting was defeated and the resolution carried. The chairman was authorized to take the steps necessary to have the petition prepared, three ratepayers dissenting from the decision of the meeting.