PALMERSTON RIVER BOARD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 72, 18 December 1928, Page 3

PALMERSTON RIVER BOARD

FUTURE WORKS CONSIDERED. Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, December 17. The Palmerston North Hi ver Board met to-day. Mr. A. J. Graham presided. The chairman stated, before the engineer’s report was considered, that since the previous meeting of the board members had made an inspection of the protection works and were impressed with the operations being carried out. Mr. J. Batchelar said that the work carried out by the engineer on the upper portion had amply warranted the expense. It appeared as if the cut were necessary to let the water away quickly. The engineer recommended that the river should be diverted by means of a, y cut near Mcßae’s Bend and that th?..groynes there be extended to direct the flow of the current more into the proper channel. It was proposed to erect groynes along the bank at Mr. Hopcraft’s property for about ten chains, erect groynes at Cliff Hill and place about ten chains of fascines along the bank by the Esplanade. Open boom groynes were to be constructed at the racecourse. Mr. W. L. Fitzherbert was doubtful as to the necessity of the cut. It was in the nature of an experiment. The board could not see the outcome. Erosion could easily occur, if the cut were put in, where erosion was least desirable. ~ , Mr. M. A- Elliot said the engineer was in favour of two cuts to let the water away. The engineer explained that something would have to be done to . relieve the pressure on the lower reaches. It would be a big problem., to handle. , , . Mr. Fitzherbert suggested that an up-.; ner cut be made, also the extension of the groyne. The lower cut could be held over in the meantime. The engineer’s report was adopted with. _ these recommendations. When extending the compliments of the season to the engineer the secretary and the treasurer, the chairman said. the engineer was their expert and the results achieved were such as to justify their confidence in him. The fact that the bank account had been £1093 in debit a year ago and was now £l2u in credit was due to the efficient work of the board and showed sound administration.