FLOOD CONTROL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20568, 30 May 1941, Page 4

FLOOD CONTROL

WAIPAOA ESTUARY CUT THROUGH SPIT RIVER BOARD POLICY SPREADING THE BURDEN Stating that the Poverty Bay River Board was anxious to secure early action on the Public Works Department's scheme to make a cut through the sand-spit at the mouth of the Waipaoa River, Mr. W. C. Pilmer, chairman of the board, stated at the annual meeting on Wednesday that ratepayers of the board’s area would do their share of meeting the cost. He asked for co-operation from all concerned. and pointed out that the residents in the flood area were not the only ones who would benefit by the control of floodwaters.

The meeting dealt with correspondence from the district engineer. Mr. O. G. Thornton, on the plan to cut a new passage for the river through the sand-spit at Muriwai. It had been decided, said Mr. Pilmer, to contribute £6OO towards the cost of this work, and this would mean a levy on the property-owners in the board’s district. He had been surprised, he added, to note a- certain critical attitude on the part of the Cook County Council, from which the board had a right to expect a co-operative' spirit, at least. Offer of £6OO Towards Cost

At present, he said, the board was awaiting a reply from the Minister of Public Works as to whether the offer of £6OO towards the cost of the diversion was acceptable. Until that reply was received, no good purpose would be served by the board forcing matters. However, he thought that other local bodies, and particularly the county council, might settle their own policies with regard to the river and flood control. It was recognised that while property-owners in the flood area were the chief sufferers by floods, widespread disruption of transport and much material damage was done by floods, and this should weigh with the council. The council’s own engineer, he added, had made a report on the matter which should carry some weight. During recent years, Mr. Pilmer stated, the district had been spared from the effects of a really serious flood. That did not mean, though, that immunity would continue indefinitely. Actually, the deterioration of conditions at the mouth of the Waipaoa River had made the prospects of a serious flood much worse. This matter was giving everyone concerned a great deal of worry. Willows in River Bed The meeting received reports regarding the trimming of willows on the banks of the river, and Mr. C. F. Tietjen suggested that men be employed during January'or February to clear willows from those parts of the river-bed which were too wet to work in in the winter. The suggestion was approved, and noted for future action.

Reference was made by members of the board to the valuable assistance given by Mr. T. L. Earnshaw during his term as postmaster at Te Karaka in advising settlers on the lowlands of the course of events in the high country in flood-danger periods. The chairman stated that during many periods when floods threatened, Mr. Earnshaw had kept the board and the settlers advised of developments in the upper reaches of the river. It was decided that a letter be sent to Mr. Earnshaw, expressing appreria* tion of his co-operation. Those present at the meeting were Messrs. W. C. Pilmer, chairman, W. Clark, A. R. Judd, J. Turner, and C. F. Tietjen. Mr. Pilmer was re-elected unopposed for a further term as chairman, other members complimenting him upon his administration of the board's affairs.