EROSION IN WAITAKI RIVER

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23496, 26 November 1941, Page 8

EROSION IN WAITAKI RIVER

WAIMATE COUNCIL CONCERNED Erosion in the Waitaki river which threatened Kurow and Hakataramea and the bridges connecting the two townships, was referred to by Cr. A. N. Hayes at a meeting of the Waimate County Council. Cr. Hayes said there was only a shingle bank between the river and Kurow, and the river, whichever way it swung, would damage the expensive bridge. The bridge was the main outlet fer traffic from the northern end of the county and it would be serious if anything happened to it. The county engineer (Mr W. P. Black) said the Railway Department had spent thousands of pounds in maintaining the bridge, and now the county- council was faced with the same problem. The trouble now being experienced was probably created by the erection of the hydro-electric works, which sent the water over to the Canterbury side, turning at an acute angle, with consequent danger to Kurow. The Main Highways Board had made a grant of £4OO to protect the bridges, but that sum was not sufficient. A resolution was carried requesting an inspection by the main highways engineer. The county clerk (Mr J. L. saiid that with the county solicitor he had drawn up the following charges for--the Downlands water supply:—

Stock supply 9d an acre, household supply £3 15s, garden supply *£• hptels £5, schools £2 10s, sheep £1 10s, cowsheds £3 15s. The charg for water supplied by meter wool be 2s for 1000 gallons. The counc had to find an annual charge of and in computing the cons H?EaH charges 10 per cent, had been adue to cover administration and costs. The charges would be alle each year by resolution of the council It might be possible to reduce t» charge of 9d an acre next year. *“r charges were adopted. r*:-