REACH EROSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20639, 20 August 1941, Page 2

REACH EROSION

ALARM AT WAINUI REQUEST BY RESIDENTS A certain amount of alarm is felt at Wainui Beach regarding recent erosion that took place during heavy easterly weather, and an application was made by eight ratepayers to the Cook County Council to-day for assistance in the erection of protective works. The council, however, decided in take no action. “The recent stormy weather has clone enormous damage,” stated the letter, “and where before there was a genjfle slope to the beach there are now small precipices which are really dangerous and particularly so to children. We believe that the -taking of sand from the beach is a contributing factor, and although we understand the Marine Department and your council have both forbidden this, it is Till going on, and therefore this can be stopped, even if prosecutions have to be taken. The letter suggested protective works, such as a low retaining wall, and added that the residents were prepared to meet some of the cost, perhaps by the formation of a special rating area. The chairman, Mr. W. G. Sherratt, said .that the responsibility was that of the Wainui people. The acting county engineer, Mr. .1. Gunn, reported that the taking of the sand had had no ill-effect, but it might be advisable to prohibit the taking of sand in case any undermining of the bank resulted in future. Mr. S. T. Gray said that erosion had taken place a number of years ago, but Ihera was seldom any ill-effect. The beach was always changing, and with certain winds the beach was built up again. The council received the letter and report.