FLOOD REPORTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 303, 4 October 1946, Page 2

FLOOD REPORTS

INCORRECT BROADCASTS CRITICISED GATCHMENT BOARD (“Guardian” Reporter) Criticism of incorrect information regarding road states ■ and river levels being broadcast during periods of bad weather was voiced at a meeting of the South Canterbury Catchment Board at Timaru on Wednesday, and the engineer (Mr G. R. Milward) was asked to prepare a scheme, to overcome that trouble, for submission to next meeting.

“Reports of the recent flooding were not issued from this office,” commented the engineer, “and any radio announcements given were apparently supplied by the Automobile Association. It has been observed, from newspaper accounts, that some control authority to give authoritative information regarding the intensity of possible flooding is desirable. The board should be that authority, and I would be glad to receive some direction as to desirable action for the future.” Mr Milward recommended that the matter be taken up with the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council to ascertain their views. It appeared to him that all reports relating to the possible heights of floods on roads and farm properties should go through this office before being broadcast and that the public should know that-all such information could be obtained through the board.

Mr C. V. Kirke contended that broadcasting stations were there for the benefit of the public and should not broadcast anything but the most up-to-date information. During the recent flooding, a broadcast at 9 p.m. was identical with one at 3 o’clock, yet there had been a complete change during the intervening period. Some Source Essential The chairman (Dr. P. R. Woodhouse) stressed that some source of definite information was essential.. Records were kept at many points of the district and it could be made a responsibility on them to advise the broadcasting people, through the board or in some other way. While on his way back from Dunedin on Thursday, stated Mr J. R. A. Haweridge, he heard over the radio that the road from the south was still •blocked. Actually this was after he had traversed part of the bad section and he had no trouble in getting through. “What I object to,” emphasised Mr Kirke, “is this broadcasting of wrong information and so causing needless anxiety to persons interested.” , “The engineer could ascertain levels in the rivers,” said the chairman. “I wished to suggest that all reports should go through the board," pointed out the engineer. “Why not have markers on piles at all bridges?” asked Mr R. Buick. “Then travellers could see at a glance what the - position is, and it would make the securing of information for broadcasting a very simple matter.” The engineer was then asked to prepare a scheme for submission to the next meeting, and it was further decided to get in touch with the broadcasting authorities.