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(2.) To assess the total sum to be derived from each riding or special area benefited in the proportion recommended, and to fix the rates on all properties in each river riding or portion thereof, in the ratios of the benefits to be derived, according to the principles laid down in the River Boards Act. (3.) To submit the proposals to the ratepayers and obtain their authority by poll to raise the necessary loan. (4.) To carry out the necessary work, either by contract or direct labour, in as expeditious a manner as possible. (5.) To maintain, the works efficiently, and to do whatever extra work may be necessary to improve the regimen of the river, in order to secure the fullest protection for their district from floods. (6.) To take all necessary observations and keep records that will assist in the study of the hydrology of the river, changes in its regimen, heights, and duration of floods, &c. The Trust should have all the powers of a local body, and, further, should have absolute jurisdiction over the channel and banks of the river, inasmuch as proposals for all drains emptying into the river, all locks, tide-gates, bridges, ferries, wharves, &c, should be submitted to and approved by the, Trust before being carried out. No planting or cutting of willows to be done except by authority of the Trust. Drainage : Any Drainage Board in existence or which may be formed for the purpose of carrying out drainage-works within the Aparima River Trust District should, before carrying out any such works, submit plans, specifications, and estimates of the proposed works to the River Trust for their approval and sanction. The River Trust might, at the. request of any Drainage Board within the district, carry out and construct on behalf of such Drainage Board any scheme of drainageworks first submitted to and approved by the Trust, in which case the Drainage Board should pay to the River Trust the total amount of the cost of construction of such drainage-works, together with all charges incidental, thereto. The subsequent maintenance of the drainage-works should be carried out and paid for by the Drainage Board. Government nominees : The River Commissioners may be appointed as Government representatives on any other River Trust similarly constituted, and they should report progress to the Minister of Public Works after each meeting of the River Trust. It should also be their duty to see that all necessary data are collected and copies forwarded to the Minister of Public Works, Wellington, for record and future reference. 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 following plans illustrating our report :— Plan No. 1 : Mounted lithograph showing proposed district embracing the watershed of the Aparima River, also showing works constructed and works recommended, and tenure of land, along the. river. (Scale, 1 mile = 1 inch.) Plan No. 2: Longitudinal section showing approximate river - slopes. (Scales- horizontal, 5 miles == 1 inch ; vertical, 100 feet = 1 inch.) Given under our hands and seals, this 31st day of March, 1920. F. W. Furkert, Chairman. Ashley J. Hunter,),, tj, p I, H Commissioners.

Approximate f'osl of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (511) copies ami maps), £20 IBs,

Authority: Marcus K. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. 1920.

Price Is.]