HUTT RIVER FLOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 148, 20 December 1945, Page 6

HUTT RIVER FLOODS

PROTECTIVE WORKS "PLAN

Further river control work to reduce the flood danger in portions of the Upper Hutt Borough is planned by the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, and the proposals were considered at a meeting of the Upper Hutt Borough Council this week. lney advocated a cut about 40 chains long, extending from about 15 chains north of Ebdentown Street to 10 chains north of Pine Avenue. The work would be commenced with the construction of a lOOft-wide pilot cut, which would take a good proportion of each flood and widen itself until eventually it would take the whole flow of the river. From then on, the river would continue down the old 1937 channel. A subsidy of £3200 would be made to the cost of £4800 entailed. . . An item for the provision ot bands Of willows to be planted across the present and old channels which are to be abandoned, is included m the estimated cost. The purpose Ox the willows is to form permeable barriers to allow sufficient flood water through the old courses to deposit shingle but not sufficient to encourage the main How of the river to follow. It was stated that there is risk of severe damage to the works if a heavy flood occurs before thtiy are sufficiently established, but these risks are inherent in practically all river control measures. It was decided that a deputation from the borough council should discuss the work with the district engineer of the Public Works Department.