'MANAWATU AND OROUA RIVERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2090, 16 January 1908, Page 2

'MANAWATU AND OROUA RIVERS.

FORMATION OF DRAINAGE BOARD ADVOCATED.

Prose Association.

PALMERSTON N., Jan. 10.. A conference of all the local bodies within the watershed of the Manawatu and Oroua. rivers took place to-day. to discuss the advisability of forming one Drainage Board to control the whole of the watershed. The meeting was convened by Mr. Fitzlierbert, of Feilding. The Mayor of Palmerston occupied the chair. Mr. Fitzkoibir; explained the chief heads of the scheme, which was, roughly, to have one largo Board as a controlling influence over several sub-boards. He pointed out that a- large Board would have a much greater influence, and more chance of getting a Government subsidy, than a number of separate Boards, as at present. As to rating, tbit would have to be on a differential basis, according to the position of lands in regard to the river. A general discussion on the matter ensued, delegates from all over the district speaking, and a committee was finally appointed, consisting of one delegate from oich local body, to investigate the whole question of the rivers. It was resolved tl'it each local body be asked to vote the sum of £5 towards the expenses of' such an investigation. A meeting of the committee was hold after the general meeting, a.nd Mr. Fitzlierbert. was appointed secretary of the committee pro tom., and iiistructedto go to AVellington to-mor-row to interview Ministers with Hie view of obtaining the report of v the Government Engineer that has been made on the rivers, and also to procure a general report.