THE WAIMAKARIRI

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18676, 27 April 1926, Page 8

THE WAIMAKARIRI

PROTEST AGAINST EYRE DIVERSION. DANGER FEARED. Although tho Waimakariri River Trust's plan for the controlling of the Waimakariri was rejected by the ratepayers, the Trust secured the necessary majority for its plan to divert the waters of the Eyre into the big river jubt above Coutts Island. There is much anxiety concerning the consequences if the Trust should go on with the Eyre diversion, and a is being signed for presentation to tho Trust. The petition.' sets out: "1. That your petitioners aro ratepayers whose respective properties aro in tho Waimakariri River Trust district. "2. That your petitioners view with alarm and apprehension the diversion of the river Eyre into tho Waimakariri river at Eyreton, some ten or twelve liiiles above where its present outlet joins the Waimakariri river, particularly in view of the facts set out in paragraph 3 hereof, and your peti- | tioners are of opinion that the danger of the flooding to the properties on Coutts Island and Kaiapoi Island will be considerably increased hv the diversion of the Eyre river at the point proposed. "3. That in view of the major scheme brought forward by the Trust in connexion with the diversion of the Waimakariri river not having been sanctioned by the ratepayers of the Waimakariri River Trust district, your petitioners are of opinion that the dariger which the Trust apprehended in the event of such major scheme not being carried into effect mav be largely increased and exaggerated by the works now proposed to be done From an intimate knowledge of the river over a long period of years, your petitioners consider that the banks at this Particular point. and (or) the bed of the river below this particular point are not more than sufficient, even if sufficient, to carrv the present waters of the Waimakariri river, and the diversion of the Eyre river at the point proposed will throw an increased burden upon the bed of the Waimakariri river, with, it is considered, consequent enhanced danger to the properties of your petitioners."

The petitioners therefore pray "that the work of the diversion of the Eyre liver into the Waimakariri river at the point mentioned, or at any point other than its natural outlet, should be deferred until such time as any modified scheme in connexion with the problem of dealing with tho Waimakariri river, consequent upon the ratepayers refusing to sanction tho scheme put before them on April 14th instant, has been further considered and decided upon by your Trust."