LOSS THROUGH FLOODING

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25061, 18 December 1946, Page 6

LOSS THROUGH FLOODING

MARSHLAND FARMERS’ PROBLEMS REQUESTS TO DRAINAGE

BOARD

Losses of up to 10 acres of potatoes and 14 acres of peas in one season were reported to the Christchurch Drainage Board by a deputation of Marshland farmers, whose 15 representatives waited on the board last evening. Mr H. R. Lake, who headed the deputation, said the inadequacy of Horner’s drain to handle all the drainage from the 1500-acre basin in the PapanuiMarshland area was the cause of the trouble, which had been made worse by several factors, including the heavy rains of the last two years and the great growth of building in the district. The present flooding in the district. Mr Lake said, heavily retarded production on some of the best farming land in New Zealand. The deputation suggested that one new drain be dug and other existing ones linked.

Answering questions from members, spokesmen for the deputation said that consideration had not been given to extending the rating area for drainage. The ultimate scheme was to drain the area into the Styx river (which, it was admitted, was not in the board’s area). The chairman of the board (Mr H. G. Livingstone) told the deputation, which, he said, was the biggest numerically ever to approach the board, that it was admitted that the present position was thoroughly unsatisfactory But the cost of removing the flood danger was £3l 000. and this would be too heavv for the sub-district of the board affected to carry, except over a verv long term. e The board was giving consideration to altering its rating system so that one sub-district would—not have to carrv the whole cost of essential, costlv work in its area. Mr Livingstone continued.

“However, we admit every point the deputation made.” Mr Livingstone went on. “The board has recently bought big earth-moving machinery capable of making the big cut required in this job. You can rest assured the board is with you. not only in sympathy. but also in the desire to get this job done.”