NEW ZEALAND ENGINEERS

Evening Star, Issue 22891, 24 February 1938, Page 12

NEW ZEALAND ENGINEERS

CONFERENCE CONTINUED SAND DUNE RECLAMATION DISCUSSED The annual conference of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers was continued in the University of Otago buildings this morning. There was again a large attendance, which was presided over by the president, Mr J. M‘G. Wilkie. Business was confined to the reading of two papers, but discussion on the first was deferred until the second had been read, because, though'different, the two were allied in substance. The readings were illustrated by slides and diagrams. The first paper, entitled, ‘ Tidal Flat and Sand Dune Reclamation,’ was presented, by Mr L. C. E, Malt, A.M. Inst.C.E., of Wtangarei. He was followed by Mr T. H. F. Nevins, A.M.Inst.C.E., of Westport, who read a paper on ‘ Erosion at Westport Aerodrome.’ The discussions which followed were opened by Mr F. M. Corkhill, M.Sc.. 8.E., M.lnst.C.E., of Invercargill, who spoke of reclamation work being done on estuarial lands owned by the Invercargill City Council, lying between the Bluff railway line and the New River estuary, and between the Awarua railway station and Woodend. Mr Corkhill showed numerous slides which indicated the seriousness of the situation created by wandering sand dunes, some of which had destroyed large totara forests. As a result of years of work the progress of these dunes had been checked. Experiments were being carried out with the planting of afforestation stretches. Several members spoke in the discussion which followed, and attention was drawn to the economic aspect, it being contended that the cost of reclaiming waste areas in some districts would not be repaid by final results. Others defended the measures, asserting that any land reclaimed must in time be worth considerably more than any sum initially expended. Discussion was still taking place when business was adjourned. This afternoon members were taken on a tour of inspection of, reclamation and sandhill work in and around Dunedin. To-night the .president will deliver his address and the presentation of medals will be made.