Delay alleged over erosion on Rakaia

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33516, 23 April 1974, Page 13

Delay alleged over erosion on Rakaia

; Delay by the North Canterbury’ Catchment Board ini 'dealing with erosion by the: Raikaia River was alleged in a discussion by the Elies- ■ mere County Council at its meeting yesterday. In a letter to the council, Mr L. A. Christey said that the river had changed its course at Dobbin’s Ford, the main access to Raikaia Island, and there was a danger of the river coming over the bank, with nothing to stop it. Could the council take action? : The County Clerk (Mr W. S. K. Drew) said that he had telephoned the board’s Chief Engineer (Mr J. A.. MacDonald), and had been told to write a letter. The board should do something about it and not wait for a letter, said Cr L. H. Johnson. “That’s ridiculous.” he said, when the chairman (Mr W. E. Walker) also said that the board wanted a letter. “Since our last meeting, a lot more land has gone,” said Cr P. J. Abbott. “When this was told to the chief engineer, he said an engmeer would make an inspection, but so far, nothing has been done.” The council decided to write asking the board to take urgent action. Hut standards.— The transfer of a hut site at the Rakaia mouth was granted by the council on condition that the hut on it is demolished within three months. ' ! Cr W. F. Reese said it should be routine for the council to check on hut standards when i transfers were to be macle.

fit was decided to make a surivey of all huts on council I reserves. Car-parking.— Pressure ■ should be put on to see that more off-street car-parking space was provided at the Leeston Hotel, said Cr G. A. H. Atkinson. The council decided to ask for immediate action. Lighting.—The council questioned a proposal by the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board to install 11 new street lights at the Selwyn huts, and decided to make an inspection to determine now many lights should be put in.