EROSION PROBLEMS AT SUMNER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23559, 10 February 1942, Page 6

EROSION PROBLEMS AT SUMNER

♦ GROYNE IN MONCK’S BAY SUGGESTED DISCUSSION BY BOROUGH COUNCIL The problems of erosion were again discussed by the Sumner Borough Council at its monthly meeting last evening. A proposal was made that a groyne be built in Monck's Bay to form natural protective banks. Cr. C, G. Burgess stated that erosion on the sand spit at Shag Rock was proceeding at an alarming rate and that ultimately someone would have to assume responsibility for the damage caused by sea flooding. He proposed that a short groyne be constructed in Monck’s Bay to build up a sandbank protection. The Mayor (Mr J. E. Tait* said that he was opposed to constructing groynes in the bay. It was doubtful if the responsibility rested with the council. Even a small groyne would, cost at least £IOOO. Cr. Burgess: I cannot see that it would be so costly. The sea is carrying much sand at this point, and even a small groyne would cause the depositing of quite a lot of sand. It was decided to postpone further discussion until more information could be obtained. E.P.S. Subsidy The council‘decided to approach the Government for a subsidy on money already spent on E.P.S. equipment, before January 1. A letter was received from the National Service Department, stating that the Government was prepared to pay a subsidy of £2 for £1 on all necessary E.P.S. expenditure as from January 1. The Mayor said that a number of local bodies had spent a great deal on their E.P.S. organisations, and it seemed unfair that those who had shouldered their responsibilities should be penalised. In his report the engineer fMr George Harper) said that there were still 15 men employed under Scheme 13. One man had been released for military duties. In replv to a question by Cr, L. Gant, the Mayor said that from a total of about 60 men the number employed under the scheme at Sumner had been steadily reduced to the present figure. Although the borough appreciated the assistance these men gave, if appeared to him that it might be possible to have them used for light, military duties, thus releasing younger and fitter men for more urgent jobs. They were willing workers and nave an excellent service. It was reported that building permits to a value of £2546 had been issued in January. The engineer submitted an estimate for a floodgate at Monck’s Bay. the intention being for the council to share the cost with the residents concerned, Cr. Gant said that he was familiar with the trouble being experienced there from the floodwaters banking up against tidal water, and he considered that the floodgate would be useless. The council decided to go more fully into the matter. It was stated that the sum involved was about £3O, and the number of properties affected 12,