SELWYN RIVER CONTROL

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24446, 21 December 1944, Page 6

SELWYN RIVER CONTROL

CONFERENCE YESTERDAY SURVEY TO BE MADE BY CATCHMENT BOARD To discuss the problems of the building up of the bed of the Selwyn river by shingle, the measure of erosion to the banks, and the relative dangers to low-lying farmlands near the river, represervatives of the Ellesmere, Springs, Wairewa. and Malvern County Councils and the North Canterbury Catchment Board conferred yesterday, and it was agreed that the board should be asked to make a survey of the whole river to formulate a plan for its control, and that a further conference be called to discuss suggestions submitted in the Pte* l - - ~ Mr W. Machin (chairman of the North Canterbury Catchment Board), who presided,- said that the board controlled four rivers—the Ashley, Waimakariri, Selwyn, and Rakaia rivers—and that there were authorities for two of these. There was no one single authority for the Selwyn river, which ran through parts of the four counties. From time to time landowners in these counties had complained of soil erosion, and had suggested remedies, and it was the duty of the board to see that something was done. Present and Future Danger “Our council feels that sufficient present and potential danger exists to justify detailed examination of the river,” said Mr A. Anderson (Ellesmere). “In Ellesmere the position is not Immediately serious, and there is a possibility of more urgent attention being required in the. Selwyn county. It appears to us that'the growth of willows and gorse, combined with the building up of the bed with shingle presents a menace that should be investigated without delay. The property-owners concerned have attempted to protect their land, but we think that control over the whole riverbed, and a planned system of protective work would reduce the damage from this cause. “In 1932-33 a move was made to have the willows removed from the riverbed from Coe’s Ford to Lake Ellesmere but, as . satisfactory agreement could not be reached by the interested parties, the rroject lapsed,” Mr Anderson continued. “At the Main South road the riverbed has risen considerably within the last'4o to 60 years, and it is thought by residents in that locality that this is contributing to the wet conditions of farm lands nearby. Opinions have been expressed that the high level of the Selwyn riverbed contributes to the flooding of Irwell creek, but no doubt this will be determined when a survey is made. "We are of the opinion that effective control and improvements cannot be financed or carried out by the four counties, and the problem must be tackled as a national concern.” Mr Anderson concluded. “The _ Ellesmere County Council is not seeking an immediate start on improvements, but desires the position to be investigated thoroughly as soon as possible, and a lopg-term programme of works commenced.” "Some Action Shonld Be Taken” Mr B. P. Bailey (Springs County Council) said that shingle was being carried down the river, and the bed was filling up. About 20 years ago at the Selwyn Huts the water was 12 to 14 feet deep, but it could be walked through to-day. “We are in no immediate danger, with the exception of one or two points, but we think that the time has arrived when some action should be takeb to establish a body to carry out a scheme of dredging or clearing the riverbed.” he added. The Springs Countv Council had not approached the Government to do any work, as landowners had helped themselves byjbuilding up banks, but if this was continued the river would be higher than the surrounding land. Mr D. W. Westenra (Dunsandel) said that the river could be stopped from overflowing on to land in his area by willow trees, although stoo banks were needed. The work could be done easily if labour were available, he added. , ~ Other speakers outlined the condition of the river in their respective areas, after which the district engineer of the Works Department (Mr Grant) produced aerial photographs of the river, stating that undoubtedly the riverbed was building up. “I do not think there is anything we can do to the river to -stop the shingle coming down, but we should try to rive the river as clear, a passage as possible." he said. The chairman mentioned that the financial aspect of the scheme was a big consideration, and asked those present f whether they could agree to a special rating scheme to maintain any plan for the control of the river, or whether contributions from the four councils represented would be preferable. ‘T would deprecate at this stage any strong suggestion that this was not our responsibility but that of the Government," he said, adding that it was possible that a Government subsidy could be obtained. It was agreed to consider the financial aspect of the scheme when the suggested programme was submitted.