FLOOD PROTECTION

Evening Star, Issue 23335, 3 August 1939, Page 14

FLOOD PROTECTION

WIDENING THE LEITH PROGRESS OF IMPORTANT SCHEME WORKS PROGRAMME OF HARBOUR BOARD Commenced in 1935, a scheme of major importance to the city, involving the removal of the danger of the Leith flooding, is expected to be completed before the end of the year. The work of widening the canal between the railway bridge and the outlet of the Leith is almost finished, and the Otago Harbour Board is now making preparations to lay the concrete flooring. It is expected that when the stream is running high, coinciding with abnormal tides, there will be no danger in the future of the Leith overflowing its banks in its upper reaches where houses are in close proximity. The work of widening the canal became more complicated nearer the outlet. Following the completion late last year by the city corporation of the Anzac Avenue bridge, the Harbour Board linked the two sections below and above this structure. When the scheme had progressed to the extent where the railway bridge was encountered, the widening of the bed of the Leith was slowed down to enable the Railway .Department to lengthen the bridge spanning the stream. This portion of the work is now finished, and all that remains to complete this important scheme is the section between the bridge and the outlet. SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT RECLAMATION. Following negotiations with the City Council, the board is to proceed with the reclamation of another portion of the southern endowment, the area depending on the success of drainage. The dredge Vulcan has been brought to Dunedin from Mussel Bay in preparation for this work. Down there the pumping of spoil from the Otakou has resulted in a large portion of tidal land being reclaimed. The Vulcan is to be overhauled before she is commissioned for this scheme. PROGRESS OF NEW WHARF. When the Birch street wharf is completed there will be provision for two berths for overseas vessels. The engineer of the Harbour Board (Mr J. M‘G. Wilkie) informed the ‘ Star ’ today that the last section of the new wharf will soon be finished, and it is expected that the structure will be in use in three months. The decking for most of its length is ready for the laying of tracks by the Railway Department. ERECTION OF GOODS SHED. To provide more facilities for storing cargo, a new shed is being erected along the Rattray street wharf, a commencement being made with its erection on Monday. Piles for the foundation are being driven at present. The construction is to be an extension of P shed, and it will be 190 ft in length and 40ft in width. The stonework of the Mole hag withstood the heavy seas lately exceedingly well, and it has been responsible to an extent for a gradual increase in the depth of the new channel. The direction it is taking is 20deg east of north. The present channel is maintaining its depth. '