RIVER BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 5

RIVER BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Spilth Waimakariri River Board was held yesterday afternoon; present—Messrs J, Leslie (chairman), N. K. Bowden, W. P. Spencer. C. H. Opie, H. B. , Pefyman, J. B. Laurensou, A. S. Bruce and J. P. W. Lee. ■

The overseer in his report stated that there had been no floods and no changes in the course 'of the river since the hoard’s last meeting. Be pointed out that. various freeholders were in ,the habit of using the hoard’s reserves as cross-cuts, and at- least one complaint had been receive*’’ regarding the practice- The total cost of work done during the month was £l6O. ' Mr Scarvell, the board’s secretary, pointed out that the board’s reserves were fenced, and those using them as cross-cuts would often have to get over the fences.

The report was received and adopted. A deputation from County Council, 1 leaded by Mr A. Freeman, was received. Mr Freeman said the deputation wished, to . bring before, the board the question of the amount paid by the board for water within, the area under the control ’of the Paparua Council, on the eastern, side of the old Selwyn County. From records it had been ascertained, he said, that soon after the construction of the races an arrangement was come tP between, the board and the old Selwyn County Council whereby the board was charged only one-third of the usual charges to other consumers. ■'The board’s income had increased very materially since then; 'and he considered that the time had arrived when the matter should be reconsidered. The rent charged to the ordinary consumers.was 3£d per acre, but the board now paid to tbs council only one-third of that amount. After-the deputation had withdrawn members expressed the. opinion - that the board should not seek to gain an unfair advantage over other consumers, and that possibly the reduced rate was charged because at the time of its inception the value of the board’s reserves was verv low. •

It was thought that the original agreement, if existent, might throw some light on the subject, and the secretary was therefore instructed to investigate the matter and report to the next meeting. The Minister of- Internal Affairs wrote with regard to the board a grant of £2O for Peace celebrationsvphat it would receive the usual subsidy^