THE WAIMAKARIRI.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16215, 18 May 1918, Page 2

THE WAIMAKARIRI.

PROTECTION OF NORTH BANKS.

The Hon. Sir William Fraser, Minister of Public Works, was waited upon yesterday by \ deputation, representing the residents of the Eyre county, on the subject of the protection of the lands on the north banks of the Waimakariri from tho effects of floods in the river. Ihe deputation consisted of Messrs A. J. Rich, R. 0. Dixon, and Robert Powric. The proceedings were more or "ess conversational fn character. Mr Dixon, the spokesman oil behalf of the deputation, apologised for the absence of the Hon. D. Buddo, M.P.. and Mr F. G. Horrell, chairman of the Evre County Council. The Minister stated that the Government's policy was that there should be one controlling authority in respect of a river from its mouth to its source; but ho recognised a difficulty in the oase of the Waimakariri owing to the existence of the South kariri River Board, which had done much work and possessed certain endowments. He agreed with the view advanced by the deputation that protective works were necessary on the north banks, especially in view of the comparatively large.ajseas of land which had been washed away on the north banks. As preliminary steps the Minister advised that,the deputation should get levels in respect of the area north of tho .Waimakariri endangered by the possibility of floods, and should also compile information as to the rateable value of such area. Such information would be necessary to convinco Parliament. It might be necessary to appoint a Royal Commission to go into the matter. Mr Dixon said that tho information would be obtained. He mentioned that in addition to tho necessity for some local authority having control of the north banks of the Waimakariri there was also necessity for tho control of the Eyro river and the north branch of the Waimakariri being under similar control. j