SIMILAR DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 23, 28 January 1937, Page 7

SIMILAR DISASTER.

"POSSIBLE IN N.Z."

Mr. Semple Sounds a Note

Of Warning.

MANAWATU RIVER RISK.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

PALMER&TON XORTH, this dav.

"We have to tackle the problem of thousands of acres being washed out to sea," said the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, in reply to a deputation seeking State action to prevent erosion of the Rangitikei River below Bulls.

"We cp.nnot allow it to continue. We've read what happened in America. Mv -study of the rivers of the Dominion makes me think the same is not impossible in Xew Zealand."

He said he did not desire to be called a fatalist or a scaremonger, but in his opinion the Manawatu River carried a certain terrible risk. If , K ,t dealt with methodically and scientifically the trouble would hot be confined 'to the Manawatu and Rangitikei. A good deal of the trouble was man-created. There had been ruthless destruction of timber on the hillsides without an afforestation policy for replacement.

The Minister considered proper control of rivers so difficult and costlv that it should never have been thrown overboard by nationally responsible authorities to drainage boards and county councils. There should have been comprehensive schemes embarked upon after scientific investigation. Every man had looked after his own patch and emptied his Mater on to others. The Minister did not blame him.

Mr. Semple referred to the stationing of a Public Works engineer at Palmerston North, who would make a special study and survey of the Manawatu River, also give attention to the Rangitikei River. The Government was conscious of its responsibility. Meanwhile, to stay the trouble temporarily, measures would be considered.