RIVER BLOCKAGES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 142, 20 June 1929, Page 14

RIVER BLOCKAGES

Nb; ; GREAT DANGER

REPORTS ON/DAMAGE

Advice has been received by the Public 'Works Department from Mr. May, the District Engineer for Nelson, who is at Murchison, that the dam across the Matakitaki River consists of silt, clay, rock, and bush. The extent o£ Hie crest of the dam is half a mile across, and the thickness three-quaiters of v milo, the depth being approximately 40ft. T.he engineer states that he articipates'that-the dam will gradually be cut down as the water fills up be-, hind, but a- sudden discharge is unlikely.

The road'bank abutment span of the Matakitaki River Bridge, near Murchison, has been broken back, and it is anticipated that the span will be destroyed when the dam overflows.

It is reported that the blockage in the Buller River below Murchisou is ur.w free, but blockages exist in the; Maruia,Eiver (two), tlie Matiri River, and one at Six Mile.

"Earthquakes and slides, continue," stated the advice to the Department yesterday aitcrnoon.

In a t'mrher message, the Distiict Engineer says that ho has inspected the slip, dam in the Matakitaki Eiver above Murchison.. A'large body of water has been ponded; bnt the engineer considers, that .its release will be gradual. As rain was falling, however, it was expected that this would add to the trouble. Arrangements have been made to keep the road between Glenhope and Murchison open, but the damage has been very extensive. At 4.13 p.m. yesterday, Mr. May telegraphed: "Reported Maruia Eiver flowing past both blockages. No great danger. Flow increasing to flood volume." Large gangs have been put on by the Public Works Department to clear away the slips between Westport and Inangahua, and it is expected that the load VriU be opened in two or thice days. Mr. Johnson, the District Engineer on the Coast,.advises:—"Extensive slips reported on Dublin, terrace section, and fuither damage on Arthur's Pass. Details as to full 1 extent of damage not vet available."