SUMNER DRAIN PROTECTION

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28985, 28 August 1959, Page 15

SUMNER DRAIN PROTECTION

Suggestions Made By Residents

Improved protection from the sea for the outlet of the main drain which carries all the suburb’s storm water is desirable in the opinion o£ a special sub-com-mittee of the Sumner Residents' Association.

Sometimes in heavy seas there was a considerable bore up the drain which should be carrying storm water out to the sea, the committee reported to the association.

Principal alternative suggestions which it was decided to forward to the City Council and Drainage Board were as follows: — First, extending the drain outwards to the lifeboat harbour so as to obtain more protection from the breakwater.

Second, extending the newlyconstructed breakwater to give nrotection to the present outlet, "perhaps another chain or two." At the same time this would give more protection to the lifeboat and launch harbour. Third, continuation of the new sea wall to the drain outlet to give a more complete protection of the drain.

Heightening

The committee also suggested that a barrier might be erected near the outlet to break the force of the waves pounding on the gate The gate appeared to need heightening as there was a gap of 3ft. from its top to the drain wall through which the sea could go. The report also called for a long-term drainage plan for Sumner which should include an improved drain or an alternative for the carrying sj’stem. A specific need was the raising of culverts in the drain.

The advisability of extending the Sumner sea wall from the clock tower towards the tea rooms at reduced heights down to kerb level has been referred to the acting city engineer and the director of .reserves for further investigation and action, the Town Clerk <Mr H. S. Feast) said in a letter received by the association.