D.—7

4

determined onslaught. These should be backed by willow work also. The slackening of the current due to the willow's will induce the deposit of silt and debris, and thus gradually the banks will be built up by natural processes, while the bed being narrowed may be expected to sink somewhat, so that in time all the land between the new-formed stream-boundaries and the present banks will become flood-free and fit for use. To guard against such damage as would occur if the river got behind the new banks through a local breach it will be necessary to erect protection at intervals transversely to the general course of the river between the new banks and the old. At present it is valued just for such rough grazing as it contains at .£2 per acre, and when properly protected and planted for a few years with some such growth as lupins should become considerably more valuable. Even if only used for the growth of willows or other timber for firewood it would serve a very useful purpose. From information supplied to me by one settler it appears that there is a good market for willow firewood at remunerative rates. When the new banks have been decided on, the area of this land up to present banks, if beyond the lines of the original freehold, should be vested in the adjoining owners at a price to be fixed if necessary by arbitration, while any land which it may be necessary, by reason of straightening, to include in permanent river-bed should be paid for at prices to be similarly fixed, using the moneys obtained from the surplus land mentioned immediately before this. On this river very successful work has been carried out by Mr. McDonald, of Orari, and In: lias expressed himself as prepared to construct further protective works out to the lines which may be fixed by the Government as the final permanent bank, always provided that he is not expected to proceed immediately to a completion, but is allowed a reasonable time to work progressively, and has the reclaimed land vested in him as suggested above. This seems a goed offer, and should any of the other settlers be prepared to do similarly they might with advantage be allowed to do so, taking care, however, that there is some guarantee that the work will be done within a reasonable time and in accordance with a system which has the approval of the Department. The case of Mr. McDonald possesses peculiar features in that the erosion of his land would have only a small effect on other settlers (through unduly widening the river-bed); also if the river overflows its banks along his land, which it can only do to a limited extent, the water only damages his land and returns to the river within a short distance, owing to the configuration of the ground; and also he has already carried out such effective work that during the past twelve years no erosion has taken place along his river-bank. One of the chief questions in connection with this protective work will be the financial one —who is to pay, and how much 1 I think that when the surveys above referred to are completed it will be possible to lay down what lands are vitally affected, which affected to a minor degree, and which are only consequentially affected. These lands should be then rated in accordance with the degree of their interests to provide security for a loan to carry out the work. As the county as a whole must indirectly benefit by any extensive improvement in the rivers and consequent improved productivity of the lands, it should out of its general funds provide a portion of the necessary money. Also, as the Dominion as a whole will benefit in a still more indirect manner, the General "Government might with propriety assist, especially as the Crown owns certain lands within the threatened or damaged areas which would not contribute through the general rates. Before rates were actually struck prospective ratepayers would, of course, have an opportunity of being heard. The fact that the Upper Orari River Board's area is already classified as first, second, and third class for purposes of rating should make matters easier. The value of the land within the present river districts is roughly £1,000,000. Should there be any. hitch in the County Council immediately proceeding with the necessary surveys, the Government might undertake the same on the understanding that the cost was recovered later from the moneys raised for purposes of executing the work or from the Government's subsidy thereon. When the survey and collection of information is completed the Public Works Department should draw up a general plan of works which will be necessary, with sufficient detail plans to enable an estimate of the cost to be arrived at. The necessary money having been raised, the work could be carried out either by the Department or by the county (provided they employed a qualified engineer) under the general supervision of the Department. It may prove necessary as works proceed to somewhat, modify details, of the work, but this should be done only after the circumstances and fresh designs have been approved by the Department. In conclusion, my opinion, is that even if it cannot be actually shown by figures that the immediate enhancement of the properties will equal the capital cost necessary for the works of preservation and restoration, nevertheless the duty devolves on the local authorities, and more so on the General Government, to see that the lands of the Dominion are not allowed to be destroyed while there is still a chance to save them at reasonable cost. Further, it must be recollected that if delayed the necessity for remedial measures will become more acute and finally imperative, while the cost of same will constantly increase. This is very good exemplification of the old adage, " A stitch in time saves nine." T have to thank the gentlemen who met me at Orari, and also at various points along the lines of my investigations, and assisted me with local information and otherwise, and those particularly who at considerable inconvenience to themselves met me at an informal conference at Temuka and thoroughly discussed the matter. F. W. Furkert, Inspecting Engineer.

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