WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26491, 4 August 1951, Page 2

WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

FLOOD DAMAGE INSPECTED TOUR BY CATCHMENT BOARD A considerable amount of repair work on the banks of the Waimakariri river was found to be needed when, members of the North Canterbury Catchment Board made an inspection of the river from Halkfitt groyne to the crossbank yesterday. The board had also noted with concern the amount of stock on the banks and the damagp caused by it, said the chairman (Mr H. B. Anderson). A system of natrolling the banks was discussed. The board went first to the Halkett groyne and saw the damage to the head of the groyne. Damage done by stock to the poplars planted in surrounding land was also inspected. The rope protection on the south bank of the river was 'found to be in need of repair. Damage done by rabbits and the subsequent windblow in the lateral stopbanks was inspected and repair discussed. As soon as conditions were favourable the seepage in the one mile and a quarter crossbank near Harewood would be stopped, said the chairman. There were two points where old channels were causing this seepage. At the end of the crossbank damage had been done in the May flood and a channel had been cut in by the river causing a dangerous and awkward spot, said Mr Anderson. This damage could only be repaired when the river was at low level.

The two willow groynes which had been put in bv the Waimakariri River Trust in 1936 were found’to be in need of repair. One esoecially was showing signs of rapid collapse, said Mr Anderson.

Repair of the bouler groyne at Shipleys was considered by the board to be a matter of urgency. Repair work on this should go ahead immediately, the board decided. The river had receded from the point and work would besin on Monday.