RIVER EROSION

Evening Star, Issue 22572, 13 February 1937, Page 23

RIVER EROSION

NATIONAL CONTROL SCHEME NO " TINKERING ” WITH PROBLEM [Per United Press Association.! TNVERCARQILL, February 12. A deputation from the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union this afternoon received an assurance from the Minister of Public AVorks (Hon. R. Semple) that -'he appreciated the seriousness of the problem of river erosion. He was asked to consider the formulation of a. national scheme for the control of rivers and in reply said that steps to this end were being taken. The Alinister criticised what ho termed the “ tinkering ” that had been done in the past, and said that the problem now was a tremendous one of vital importance to the country, and one that would entail a “ staggering expense.” “ 1 have come to the conclusion that no further tinkering with this -problem can be tolerated,” said Air Semple. “ I am satisfied that we have engineers in the Public Works Department who, if they are instructed and given their heads, can do the job thoroughly. One engineer has been detailed to make a special study of it, and I intend to inaugurate a group in his department to complete the surveys from North Cape to Bluff, and to formulate a plan. We have not protected our heritage, but if man has made blunders he can put them right. If we let this go on it will cost ns millions of pounds.” Afr Semple assured Southland landholders that as soon as possible a comprehensive scheme would he formulated and a start made.