D.—l

APPENDIX F SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SOIL CONSERVATION AND RIVERS CONTROL COUNCIL The Hon. Minister of Works, Sib, — In accordance with the requirements of section 33 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941, the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council lias the honour to submit its second annual report for presentation to Parliament. The report covers the period Ist April, 1913, to 31st March, 1944. General The Council met on six occasions during the year, but, by reason of the limitation of war conditions on finance, staff, and man-power, has not been able to pursue a very active policy. Considerable attention has been given to general administrative detail, and in so far as construction work is concerned this has in the main been restricted to the authorization of urgent river protection and maintenance works of a local nature. Catchment Districts The following catchment districts have been constituted in terms of section 34 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act: — Manawatu, embracing the whole of the catchment of the Manawatu River, and including the catchments of all streams to the south, notably Otaki River and Ohau River, down to and including the Waikanae River. Hawke's Bay, comprising the catchment of all rivers from the Waikoau River in the north to the Porangahau River in the south, inclusive, the main catchments included being the Tutaekuri, Ngaruroro, and Tukituki Rivers. Nelson, the inclusive catchments of the Waimea, Takaka, and Aorere Rivers, being the whole of the counties of Collingwood, Takaka, and Waimea, with the exception of that portion of the latter county which drains into the Buller River. North Canterbury, the inclusive catchments from the Kowhai River in the north to the Rakaia River in the south, but excluding part of Banks Peninsula, the main additional catchments being of the Ashley, Waimakariri, and Selwyn Rivers. South Canterbury, extending from the southern boundary of the North Canterbury catchment district and including the catchments of all rivers to the south, notably the Ashburton, Hinds, Rangitata, Orari, Opihi, and Pareora Rivers, down to and including the Waihao River. Wairarapa, comprising generally all the country draining into the Ruamahunga River, together with the coastal strip between that catchment and the East Coast. The Council has adopted the policy of submitting its proposals for the formation of Catchment Boards to the local authorities concerned and subsequently meeting their representatives in combined meeting to discuss the matter fully. In each case a unanimous decision to proceed has been given. Soil Conservation Districts Action in connection with the constitution of soil conservation districts has been held over pending the drafting of regulations for the administration of such areas. These regulations are of necessity of a far-reaching nature and have been the subject of much careful thought and consultation, and it is expected to have them completed shortly. Central and District Committees Meetings of the central and district committees have been held from time to time, and the Council wishes to acknowledge the keen interest shown by committee members and the many helpful suggestions submitted. Approval was given during the year to the co-option of up to three local farmers for service on each' district committee, and the practical experience brought to the committees by these appointments is proving of considerable value. Technical Information Much work has been done in connection with the planning of an adequate system of taking observations and the recording of statistical information. Further work has been done on the collation of technical data. Much useful information is available, but it is evident that there are still very wide gaps, particularly in respect of hydrological records.

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