RIVER CONTROL PROBLEMS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21865, 19 August 1936, Page 4

RIVER CONTROL PROBLEMS

PROTECTION AGAINST FLOODS MINISTER VISITS ASHLEY The problem of river protection was not confined to the Ashley district—• it was one that faced the whole of New Zealand, and would have to be tackled from a national standpoint, said the Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) to a deputation of property owners in the area inundated by the recent floods in the Ashley river. The deputation waited oh him at Rangiora yesterday. Hitherto, piecemeal and unscientific methods had been used in dealing with the problem, said the Minister, whereas what was needed was a concentrated study of the habits of the rivers, and the accumulation of scientific knowledge as to the proper means of controlling them. In stating that the farmers concerned desired information about compensation for land that had been enclosed by stopbanks, Mr R. Macdonald said they had not been definitely informed as to whether they would receive any payment or not. Mr A. M. Carpenter said that the recent floods had caused considerable damage to a wide area of valuable land; stock had been lost and crops ruined. Some of the landowners were of opinion that the material being used in the construction of the stopbanks Was hot strong enough, and they would like the Minister to investigate the matter. A National Matter In his reply, Mr Semple said that the Land Purchase Officer would visit the district shortly, to make valuations and estimates of compensation. Each case would be considered on.its merits, and the amount of compensation to be paid to the farmer would be determined ' accordingly. Time • would not permit him to make an inspection of the work during his present visit. The matter was under review, with the idea of adjusting any weaknesses in the construction of the stopbanks before the job was completed. The work which was commenced long before, the present Government took office, had already cost £109,000, and it was estimated that a further £BO,OOO would be spent before it could be completed. Mr Semple added that the Government regarded the problem of river protection so seriously that it was considering the establishment of a special engineering department, to concentrate on the subject, along with the question of erosion caused by the sea. Public Works Camp Visited During the day Mr Semple visited the Public Works camp at Ashley and met with an enthusiastic welcome from the 200 men who are employed there on river protection work. Briefly addressing the men, the Minister appealed to them for their full co-opera-tion hi the work they had undertaken, and declared a holiday for the remainder of the day. The Government was doing its best to grapple with the problems of the day, he said. The Government was not infallible, and it counted upon the co-operation of everyone to help it in the work it had set otit to accomplish. The men at the Ashley camp were doing their bit —their returfts showed that. Help for Maori Settlement , While at Rangiora, Mr Semple appealed to the Rangiora Borough Council for co-operation in a scheme to provide adequate drainage for the Maori settlement at Tuahiwi. The present condition .of affairs was a menace to the health of the settlement, and it was imperative that improvements Should be made immediately. As the natives did not have the necessary money, the Government would,, said; the Minister,-Jbtoyide a portion of the finance if the Borough Council would do its share. ‘ ' Mr R. Macdonald assured the Min* ister that the question would receive consideration at the coming meeting of the council.