WEIR FOR THE AVON

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 14

WEIR FOR THE AVON

♦ IMPROVING BOATING FACILITIES BEAUTIFYING ASSOCIATION CALLS TENDERS Tenders are being called by the Christchurch Beautifying Association for the construction of a weir across the river Avon between Montreal and Antigua streets. The weir will raise the level of the river one foot immediately behind the dam and the water-level will be affected as far back as the United Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club’s pavilion. Most important of all to boating enthusiasts it will deepen the very shallow stretch of the river near Riccarton avenue. The weir will be built to specifications laid down by the Christchurch Drainage Board, and the construction will be under the supervision of the board’s chief engineer, Mr J. Cullens. Of jarrah timber, the piles will be driven six feet below the bottom of the river-bed, so that there will be no repetition of the trouble with the temporary' weir erected last, year, when the water eventually found its way under the obstruction and scoured out deep holes in the bed. The total length of the structure will be 62 feet, and there is provision for a runway and landing stage at one side to facilitate the passage of boats. Alternative tenders are being sought, and it will depend on the amount of money available whether the association will have a timber or a scoria “apron” on the downstream side of the weir. The purpose of the apron is to break the fall of the water and so prevent scouring, but, by producing a foaming cascade effect it will add to the appearance of the weir. The Christchurch Beautifying Association hopes to have the weir electrically illuminated but this will also depend on the funds available. Tenders close on June 16. and it is expected that the work will be begun with little delay.