D.—6e

4

As in the case of the Orari River, the lands to be rated should be classified in accordance with the River Boards Act, the bulk —if not the whole —of the rates being drawn from an area to be fixed by the County Council after a. full investigation as to the lands likely to benefit. (c.) To report your opinion as to what matters, if any, should, be adjusted by legislation. Your Commissioners are of opinion that the only matter requiring legislation is the vesting in the County Council of the beds of the river—not only the present bed, but such width as is found to be necessary to adequately carry the waters to be dealt with ; this land to be acquired under the provisions of the Public Works Act, in any case where it is not possible to reach a mutual understanding between the landowner and the County Council. (d.) Generally, to report your opinion on all matters a/rising out of or touching the premises, including the question as to whether or not one or more competent authorities shall be appointed to control the whole or any portion of the said river, and what statutory powers should be possessed, by such authority. This question is answered by our recommendation that the Geraldine County Council should be the authority to control the whole of the river and its banks, and for this purpose the County Council should have all the powers of a Drainage Board. This our report, which has been unanimously adopted, we have the honour to respectfully submit for the consideration of Your Excellency, together with the transcript of the evidence taken by us in the course of our investigations, and the original Commission, dated the Bth April, 1919, and Warrants dated the 22nd July, 1919, and the 17th February, 1920. Given under our hands and seals this sth day of March, 1921. F. W. Furkert, Chairman. Ashley J. Hunter,[Members of F. C Hay, J Commission.

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