FLOOD PROTECTION

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 189, 8 May 1931, Page 5

FLOOD PROTECTION

Appeal to River Board

GETTING WORK DONE

Matters concerning erosion at “Avalon,” Taita, and at Manor Park golf links, were before the Hutt River Board at its meeting last night. Mr. J. Stellin is to be thanked for the suggestions he made for river protection at Taita, and to be Informed also that they will be given consideration. Appreciation was expressed by the Hutt Valley Delevopment Company at the chairman’s (Mr. F. Hewer) attitude concerning the Manor Park flooding, and his suggestions (subject to his board's and the engineer's approval) for Improved protection. Anxiety was expressed by the Manor Park Golf Club at a statement that the board looked on the area as a flood relief area, and it asked that protection be accorded it, even if it involved the board going a mile beyond its jurisdiction to do necessary river work. So far as Mr. Stellin’s property was concerned Mr. Chapman wanted’ to know if any protective works there were to be merely for the benefit of the private individual, or in the course of the carrying out of the board’s policy. If the former he would oppose anything being done, but if the -latter he would give any recommendations his support. 1 “The work," said the chairman, “is for the purpose of getting the river in a defined channel in accordance with the board’s policy.” So far as the Manor Park Golf Club was concerned the chairman said he had visited the. locality in company with Mr. W. H. George, Mr. W. T. Neill, and Mr. E. Palliser, and they had made several suggestions: (1) That for about five chains on the western banks where erosion had taken place, a belt of willows should be planted; (2) that a boom groyne be erected there if found necessary; (3) that a long stone weir be built to stop the worst of the flood. The board’s - engineer, Mr. Siadden, agreed with the willow work being carried out, but he did not think a stone weir was necessary until they had seen what effect any small floods had at the point. In any case the board had not a sufficient staff to do much work there for some time. The chairman pointed out that the golf club was repared to see to the carrying out of the willow work, and Mr. Siadden said he had no objection, provided that the flood flow was not Interfered with. It was mentioned that it was not correct to say that the board could go a mile beyond its jurisdiction. It could only be under certain very unusual circumstances and by getting special authority.

To a statement from Mr. Mitchell that the Development Company and the golf club should be informed that the board could not assure them of protection against a repetition of Good Friday’s flood, the chairman said they were quite aware of that.