I).—6e

10

(b.) To report in the case of each river what area or areas of land should be constituted a district in respect of which a rate may be levied to secure and pay the interest on and provide a fund for the repayment of any loan that may be raised to carry out any river-improve-ment works which you may recommend should be undertaken. The area which should be constituted a district in respect of which a rate may be levied to secure and pay the interest on and provide a fund for the repayment of any loan that may be raised to carry out the river-improvement works recommended herein by your Commissioners is that defined in the First Schedule to the Rangitata River Act, 1918. (c.) To report your opinion as to what matters, if any, should be adjusted by legislation. The Geraldine County Council should be constituted a River Board for the purposes of this river, and in order that it may have control over both banks of the river its boundaries should be altered so as to include sufficient of the Ashburton County to bring this about. It should not be necessary to absorb more of the Ashburton County than the first row of sections bordering the river. It must be quite clearly understood that no river rates should be levied on these sections unless some work was done from which they would benefit. Legislation may not be necessary to bring this about, provided there is no opposition from the people who would be affected by the change of boundaries. Legislation should be enacted laying it down distinctly that no other organization shall have any control over the river, or shall have power to construct any works within its boundaries, and which might be likely to affect its flow, unless the works have been approved by the Geraldine County Council acting in its capacity as the River Board. (d.) Generally, to report your opinion on all matters arising 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 or portions of the said rivers, and what statutory powers should be possessed by such authority. As indicated under reference (5) (c), your Commissioners are of opinion that the Geraldine County Council should be constituted a River Board, and in that capacity should have sole control over the whole of the river and its banks. Your Commissioners further recommend that the duties of the Geraldine County Council, as the controlling authority with respect to the river, should be clearly set out as follows : — (1.) To keep a record of all damage done in its district by flood-waters. (2.) 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. (3.) To have detail surveys, plans, estimates, and specifications made for carrying out the necessary protective works in the district. (4.) To forward annually a statement of works, with plans, to the Minister of Public Works, Wellington, for reference and record. This our report, which has been unanimously adopted, we have the honour to submit for the consideration of Your Excellency, together with the transcript of the evidence taken by us in the course of our investigations. Given under our hands and seals this 31st day of July, 1920. F. W. Furkert, Chairman. Ashley Jno. Hunter, j Members of F. C. Hay, ; Commission.

Approximate Cost 0/ Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (5-10 copies), £8.

By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l92o.

Price 6d.]