Minister Inspects Rakaia Flooding

Press, Volume C, Issue 29437, 13 February 1961, Page 10

Minister Inspects Rakaia Flooding

A full report on the flooding in the Rakaia Huts settlement and surrounding districts will be called for by the Minister of Transport and member of Parliament for Selwyn (Mr McAlpine).

Mr McAlpine inspected the flooded area on Saturday in a jet boat owned by Mr A. S. A. Thompson, of Rakaia, and spoke with some of the hut-owners and farmers affected by the river’s sudden change of course six weeks ago.

“I am not an engineer, but I would say it will be a tremendous job to get the river back to its old course,” said Mr McAlpine after he had seen the large gap in the south bank through which a major portion of the river is now flow'ing. He said he would ask the Minister of Works (Mr Goosman) whether a subsidy could be obtained. “However. I don’t think it will be a question of money.” he said, "I think the real problem will be in carrying out the work.” Mr McAlpine said he would ask Mr Goosman if engineers of the Ministry of Works could inspect the area and make out a report. “The only thing I can do is to recommend the Government to do something,” he said. One of the hut owners. Mr A. Loach told the Minister that if the settlement was closed because of the river, it

would be a big loss to the country. “Many persons visit the area in the week-ends and holidays—in fact it is a very popular place indeed.” he said. Hut Owners’ Fund Asked by Mr McAlpine whether the hut owners would be willing to contribute to the cost of re-diverting the river. Mr Loach said about £BOO had so far been collected. There are about 50 hut owners in the settlement. In addition there are also many sections. “The owners of these are frightened to build until they can be sure the river won't flood them out,” he said. A farmer in the district, Mr M. Dolan, said all his paddocks along the river terrace were useless at present. The river flows through Mr Dolan’s property for about three-quarters of a mile before fanning out into the settlement.

Mr McAlpine was told that the Ashburton County Council will discuss a report on the flooding at its meeting next Friday.