DRAINAGE WORKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 243, 12 September 1929, Page 7

DRAINAGE WORKS.

SLUGGISH RIVER BOARD. INCREASE IN RATES. The monthly meeting of the Sluggish River Drainage Board was held to-day, Mr F. J. Foster presiding. Also present were Messrs D. S. Coulter, M. J. Ryan, E. G. Print and H. Wilton. Mr C. R. Beattie waited upon the board in connection with the rates levied this year. He said that he would like to have some explanation of the 100 per cent, increase in the general rate. The rates in class B had always previously been id in the £l, but this year Jd was being levied. The chairman stated that the rates had been kept down and now they had an overdraft. Also, the rates collected in past years had not been sufficient to keep the drains in proper order, necessitating the recent loan being raised to restore them to their original condition. To obviate this trouble, they intended to spend more money in keeping the drains in order. Cheap contracts had been the trouble and they had had economy without efficiency. Mr Beattie: The increase is due then to exceptional circumstances. The chairman: Yes. Mr Foster continued that if nothing unforeseen happened the rate would be reduced next year. Mr Beattie stated that he did not consider that the rates were too high for the benefit received, but he had wished to know why the general rate had been doubled. As far ns the special rate was concerned, lie had been quite satisfied for excellent work was being done. The chairman explained that the cost of the survey had to come out of the general account. They had not had any map or plan of the board’s area so that when a survey of the loan area was being made the board had thought . were to get a plan of the whole district. This had also tended to increase the general rate, but the benefit would.be felt in years to come as it would facilitate cleaning operations. As far as the Bainesse area was concerned, the ratepayers there were only paying toi the cost of surveying that portion. It was decided, to write to the Prime Minister pointing out that to finish the necessary improvement work under the £2OOO loan and Government subsidy would cost £4OOO, and asking for an adkltional grant of £SOO should the board find it necessary to expend £4OOO a condition being suggested that ’ the board engage the men through the Department of Labour.