CONTROL OF RIVERS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30085, 20 March 1963, Page 12

CONTROL OF RIVERS

Development “Haphazard”

•‘lt is time some local body took over full control of the Avon and Heathcote rivers so that there could be uniformity of development," said Mr M R. Carter, at * meeting of the Christchurch Drainage Board last evening. "At present there is haphazard development There is no boc’y better fitted to assume control than the board ”

Discussion arose on a report on a complaint by Mr S E. Mair, whose property runs on to the Avon He said he could not understand comment that the Avon was vested in the board tor drainage purposes only Tha‘ the drainage of the river near his property was not efficient was evident by the collection of debris.

Mr Mair's first approach concerned waterway encroachment. said Mr H F Page, the chief engineer (operations) This was not a question of drainage, but the board had an obligation to ensure that the river did not become offensive because of surface debris. When the works committee recommended that the engineer be authorised to instruct river staff to undertake any reasonable work in the area to remove the complaint. Mr T. D. Flint said blat more than an individual complaint was involved The whole policy of control of rivers, particularly the Avon, one of Christchurch's main assets, needed examination. The board accepted a suggestion by Mr Flint that the works committee investigate and report on what was considered desirable as the board’s responsibilities for the banks and waterways of the Avon and Heathcote rivers.