THE RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 4, 30 July 1874, Page 3

THE RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

(To the Editor of the Clutha Leader)

Sib,—^th^n.eolumna^ofs^^ur-^amifim-p»rai'y;:tho <|&i'utM Hewdd,' correspondence; has of late appeared relative to the planting of willows ori the south-western bank of the Clutha River, where the devastating effects of the currents are more filiing^and apparent. I presume , it would be quite^a futile undertaking to plant willows or ahy^ xother^ shrubs at the river's present point of invasion, without some preliminary steps being taken of etemming the forced of the current which at/the present time lashes; against the bank where the damage is more" fully realised. - Would not a breakwater; constructed fat some of the jutting pointsat:, come distance at oye the bend be a means

of diverging or throwing the currents back to the opposite side, or lessening the force of water playing on this loamy and sandy bank ? Some method of warding off the current at this point is the chief end to.be attained ere yon can plant any treea that can eventually afford any protection to the present undermining process going on.. this scheme has been mismanaged, or the enthusiastic prompters thereof have fallen asleep. Surely it is a glaring Bhame that a matter of such vast importance to the present and future inhabitants of tbe country should, be allowed to pass into/blivion. Where does the remissness lie? yWho are to blame ? Probably the onus will fall on the shoulders of our legislative/councillors, who generally are often very Mttle affected by onr grievances or requirements. It is time the citizens of this advancing town took some definite action in the matter, and push with might and main until some satisfactory results are gained. Tjrconu^tiQn^withjt^^e^^ ment of the country are raoßt closely concerned. / Rail way undertakings are rapidly spreading North arid South ; railway bridges must be erected, and at Balclutha; a ppacious bridge is under contract, which must be paid under the item of public works scheme. Fit. such outlay every settler will eventually have to pay a handsome tax. It will look ratber queer if after tbe bridges and other railway works are completed, to find the' wbole affair rendered quite impracticable by the union of tbe Clutha river on the precincts of the city, perhaps forming a fresh island,. which will bring railway and all other undertakings to a stand still. Tbe Corporation of Balclutha ought to agitate in connection with this matter. It is time something more definite than the planting of willow trees were attained. — I am, &c, Setrleb.