DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6441, 22 January 1924, Page 3

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

RANGITAIKI LANDS APPOINTMENT OF ARBITRATOR RECLASSIFICATION SCHEME An intresting official pronouncement is made by the Government in regard to the Rangitaiki lands. The Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910, did not provide for the reclassification of the lands for the purpose of rates, and, at the request of a large body of ratepayers, legislation was passed last session, authorising a reclassification.

The first classification was made shortly after the commencement of the drainage operations, when it was obviously impossible to determine to what extent they would affect the various properties in the area. It is now' considered that the work has progressed sufficiently far to enable the classification to be more accurately determined. Under the original Act, the lands were classified under three classes, and arbitrators were appointed to grade them, as follows: (a) Lands that will receive direct benefit therefrom; (b) lands that will receive less benefit therefrom; (c) lands that will receive only indirect benefit therefrom. '

In the 1923 amendment, a fourth class was added: (d) Lands that will receive only an indirect benefit therefrom, but which, on account of their situations or physical conditions, should not, in the opinion of .the arbitrators, be classified under (c). This was added, in response to representations, and the Government hoped that, upon a reclassification of the area, it would have the affect of apportioning the rates more equitably.

New regulations now authorise the ratepayers to call a meeting and appoint an arbitrator. Upon receipt of advice that this has been done, the Government will appoint its arbitrator, who, if. necessary, shall appoint some disinterested person as umpire, to decide points in dispute.