FLOOD PROTECTION

Evening Star, Issue 16777, 4 July 1918, Page 4

FLOOD PROTECTION

THE NEEDS OF SOUTHLAND. | SIR WILLIAM FRASER'S VISIT. . Sir William Eraser, Minister of Public Works, returned to Dunedin last night from his official visit to Southland, where he inspected the damage caused by floods at various places, and discussed with local authorities" the necessity for protective works. The Minister first visited Gore, and spent a day there looking at the diffeernt places where the river recently broke in, and parts that threaten to be a menace under heavy floods. The surrey of the area was ! completed by the departments'.! officers, and i the plans of tha proposed works prepared just before trio Minister arrived at Gore, and ho thus had a full opportunity of discussing with the local authorities and his engineering staff, including Mr C. J. M'Kenzie, the whole position, and the necessities of the town in reispect to flood protection. All tho details of the proposed works have not yet been finally determined, but a measure of protection will bo given without delay. This immediate work will be done at the upper end of the town, above a railway culvert, and it will provide temporary relief and afford protection against the moderate floods. The money for this work is available, and is provided by the local authorities. Later on a start will be made on more substantial protective works, including tho widening of bridges and the construction of permanent embankments. The full scheme of protection will probably run into about £IB, COO. It is recognised that substantial protection must be given, and the plans are designed to that end. Meanwhile, temporary protection will be provided as quickly as possible. Sir William also visited Mataura, and had a talk with the Mayor and councillors about protective works and the question of ways and moans. Later he drove down to Wyndham, where the same trouble from floods has been experienced from the Wuimrhaka and the Mataura Rivers. He held a conference with the County Council. On Saturday tho -Minister left Edendale by train for Invercargill, and at the latter town met the local authorities in the afternoon and discussed with them matters in connection with the new Estimates. The policy ci concentrating only on essential public works is still being vigorously maintained, and must be so maintained so long as the necessities of war hold first claim on the Dominion's financ.al resources. The Minister has found that local bodies recognise tho position clearly, and are readyto accept in good spirit the unavoidably inensured policy of the Government in respect to public works expenditure. On Tuesday the Minister visited Otautnu and conferred with the County Council as to the needs of the district. He returned to Dunfii'in last night. To-day Sir William attended to departmental questions, and received several private deputations. Sir William, who is accompanied, by his private secretary (Mr J. 11. M'Alister), leaves Dunediii on Saturday morning for Wellina'ton.