THE WAIMAKARIRI PROTECTIVE WORKS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2703, 6 December 1882, Page 3

THE WAIMAKARIRI PROTECTIVE WORKS.

Yesterday, at the invitation of the South Waimakariri Board of Conservators, a number of. gentlemen representing the local bodies interested, proceeded on a visit of inspection to the works which have been carried out by the Board for the protection of Christchurch and the surrounding districts. The representative character of the gathering may be understood from the fact that the Mayors of Christchurch, Linwood, and Woolston graced the scene with their presence. Prior to the inspection of the main works, the party proceeded to Chaney’s Corner, where the Board have been carrying out certain defensive works which have, contrary to the ideas of even the most sanguine, succeeded in diverting the force of the stream from the bank. At this point, as our readers are no doubt aware, very serious damage has been done to the road. The ravages of the river have been to a great extent confined to a circle extending from just off Chaney’s to the bridge. This part comprises what may be defined as a half circle, and the water setting in from the opposite side simply ate away the bank, which was composed of friable clay until a shifting of the road had to be carried out more than once. For some time this was allowed to go on unchecked, until the progress of the river into the bank, and consequently the road, represented a half circle. No very effective means of checking the advance of the liver was devised until the present Board took the matter xa hand, and decided upon putting in a series of groynes. The object of these was to divert the strong flow of the water of the ri’Cr away from the bank through a small sand spit which had formed about half way down the channel to the bridge, am thus relieve the banks from the scour the current. Accordingly this work wrn carried out, and it was this that the vistors were invited to inspect yesterday. To understand fully the nature of tie work which had to be carried out, it is necessary to give the reader some idea d the position of affairs. At a point where the whole force of the river—and that is considerable—impinges on the clay banks of the stream overhanging it, and thus liable to scouring out underneath, the Board have pushed out a groyne, a chain ino umo 20ft above tixe water. This is constructed in a slanting airecnon down stream, directing the flow of the water off the hank. This may be called No. 1, and is composed of manuka, fascines bound together with wiio,_iipo a which earth has heen placed and wilivwt planted, which are now growing vigorously There arethreeof these groynes,all of which are similar in character, the other two being in the bend of the circle already describedas having been made by the river. Alongside of the groynes the bank has been scooped out and willows planted, so as to aid as a defence for the earth, and also as a further diversion of the water northwards. There are three of these groynes, each of which are constructed similarly to the one alreadydescribed, and which have been placed at those portions of the river which the influence of the stream is judged to affect the most. The whole cost of the throe groynes has been about .£3OO, and, judging from wliat was seen yesterday, the work ot saving the remaining portion of land has, to a large extent, been effected. For this good work the present Board are to be complimented, as shortly after taking office they dealt with the very dangerous position of the river, and so far as the works at present executed are concerned, with very T gr«at success. After inspecting these groynes a move was made for the head works. Alter a somewhat wearisome drive over shingle beds and old river courses, the estate of the Board of Conservators was ■ reached. A hee lino across country—and about the worst that can bo conceived for any four-in-hand to pass over was maue under the able guidance of Mr Terrell, who tooled his team of four greys splendidly. Arrived "at a shady place, “Under the weeping willow tree” the luncheon was spread, and the kindly hospitality of the conservators duly appreciated, considering the early start. A very excellent lunch was served, and after ample justice—indeed, doubly so —had been done. His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, proposed the health of their hosts “ The Board of Conservators,” coupled with the name of Mr F. Jones. The representatives of the various bodies could see, if they looked around them, that the members had expended the money at their disposal with prudence and wisdom. He felt sure the works they had seen that day had convinced them that wore it not for the action of the Waimakariri Board of Conservators, they would have to deplore severe losses by floods in the district. The works they had seen were such as reflected great credit on the Board, and he hoped the gentlemen ho saw before him would again be returned to carry on the affairs of the Board. The toast was honored duly. Mr F. Jones, in response, said that the members of the Board were only too glad to have had the opportunity of proving to the members of the various local bodies the necessity which existed for protection in connection with the river. They would now, ho hoped, see that the rates asked from them were not vainly expended. The present Board had worked vory r hard in the matter, and be desired to record his tribute of jiraiso to many members of the Board for the way in which they had worked. In conclusion, he desired to propose the health of “ The visitors,” coupled with the Mayor of Christchurch.

The Mayor of Christchurch briefly responded. A move was then made up to No. 14 embankment, the spot where the last flood threatened much, but was kept in cheek. This was a groyne similar to the ones described, save that it was faced with concrete. The work was doing what was expected of it well. On the road an inspection was made of the trial tube sunk by the City Council in connection with the 'Waimakariri water supply, when it was found to be full of shingle. A pleasant and rapid passage homewards concluded a most enjoyable day’s outing.