DRAINAGE PLANS

Southland Times, Issue 24113, 30 April 1940, Page 2

DRAINAGE PLANS

To The Editor Sir, —Your report this morning of my remarks on the drainage of the Makarewa Valley does not convey my full meaning. The facts are these. I had heard that Mr Semple had made a statement to the effect that owners of properties through which tributaries to the Makarewa ran would contribute to work done in drainage scheme. This statement, coupled with that of Mr Clearwater, who said that Mr Semple was going to have special legislation prepared" to deal with these drainage schemes, prompted me to ask Mr Clearwater if the statements I had heard were true. I also asked if the proposed special legislation referred to this matter and also if the scheme was to be a comprehensive one and would cover the necessary work on smaller creeks too. The law as I understand it at present seems fair. A settler can be charged according to the actual benefit received from the scheme. I contend that when a settler buys a farm he takes the responsibility for the water which naturally runs through his property. When he carries this responsibility he should not have to bear the cost of work done miles below, from which he received no direct benefit.— Yours, etc., A. G. DIACK. April 27, 1940.