FLOOD DANGER

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1934, Page 5

FLOOD DANGER

TEREMAKAU RIVER Breaking Into Orangipuku LOCAL BODIES DECIDE TO ACT. The question of the Teremakau River breaking its banks and joining the Orangipuku River at Inchbonnie, has been raised by the farmers in that district, as we l ! as by the Member for the District (Mr J. O’Brien), and public bodies for a number of years, but up to the present time little notice has been taken of their representations. The position has now become so serious, however, that the Public Works Department have taken the matter up with the local bodies in the district, with a view to having some protection works carried out. The following circular letter from the Public Works Department will explain the position as it now exists:— ‘‘As you are no doubt aware the Teremakau River has for many years been threatening to break through into the Orangipuku River near Jacksons. A recent inspection has shown that the Teremakau River is now flowing hard against its right bank and the position is such that a small rise in the Teremakau is sufficient to allow a heavy overflow into the Orangipuku. It appears that there is a serious danger of the Teremakau breaking through its banks at the overflow, thus allowing a considerable portion of its flow to reach the Orangipuku and from that stream to flow into Lake Brunner, and the Arnold and Grey Rivers. Should this occur, damage to farm lands and to public works would certainly follow. After a careful study had been made of the whole position it was decided that the construction of works to cut off the overflow was justified, and necessary. Proposals for works estimated to cost £1.445 have been, prepared and placed before the Minister of Public Works who agrees that it is desirable that the work should be carried out and that the Unemployment Board should be approached for a sum of £5OO towards labour. Of the balance of £945 the Minister has agreed to find half, but has intimated that the other half will have to be found by the local bodies affected. I have therefore been instructed to approach the local bodies concerned and ascertain if they are willing to contribute a sum of £470 towards the cost of the work. Tt is considered that the local bodies that might be adversely affected by the threatened overflow are: Greymouth Harbour Board, Grey Valley .Power Board, Grey County Council, Greymouth Borough Council. T should be glad if your Council would confer at an early date with the other local bodies mentioned above and decide what contribution each is prepared to make.—R. R. Dawber (Acting-District Engineer). ” The scene of the erosion was inspected yesterday morning by a party consisting of Messrs R. R. Dawber (Assistant Public Works Engineer). R. Simmers (P.W.D.), H. Higgins (Acting County Engineer), A. J. Fairmaid (Grey Borough Engineer), S Trotter (Grey Electric Power Board Engineer); D. C. Milne (Grey Harbour Board Engineer). A. Rothery and P. Ryder (settlers threatened by the erosion), and the following members of the Grey County Council; Crs. G. Blair (chairman), J. Ryall. TT. G. Carter. J. Mulcare. A. McDonnell. A. Robinson and M. Keating (Clerk). Tt was obvious that all present were surprised with the extent of the erosion. and the small piece of land left •between the two rivers. The Orangipuku. whose bed is lower than that of the Teremakau, is now less than a chain from the main flow of the latter. A rise of two feet in the Teremakau is sufficient to allow a large overflow into the Orangipuku. and large quantities of silt have been deposited on the bank between the two rivers. Although not serious in normal times, a flood in the Teremakau at any time in the future will have serious consequences for the settlers in the Tnchbonnie district, and. in all probability, for the whole of the Arnold and Grey Valleys. The land be.tween the two rivers has been reduced by three chains in a little over six months, and the river is now cutting through low, soft country, covered with light hush and scrub. As a remedy, it is proposed to erect a substantial stop-bank along the line of the erosion, and a heavy groyne to turn the Teremakau river back into the channel on the old Christchurch road side, and away from the Orangipuku. The matter was discussed by the Grey County Council last evening, at their monthlv meeting. Cr. J. Ryall opened the discussion by asking tho chairman (Mr G. Blair) if he had any idea of what action the other local bodies intended to take. He said that, personally, he considered that it would be advisable for delegates frojn the County to meet them, and if they agreed Io go on with the work, the County should find their proportion of the cost. He moved that the Chairman, the Acting-Engin-eer and Cr. Robinson (member for the Riding) be appointed representatives from the Council to a conference with the other local bodies, to be held as soon as possible. Cr. Robinson: There should be no delay. We have all been up there today and we know what it is like.

Cr. Ogilvie: Should we shoulder a quarter of the proposed cost? Cr. Mulcare: I think that we are lucky to get off with a quarter. The Chairman: I think they really expect us to find one third. Cr. Robinson said that the road and the Orangipuku River bridge had to be considered. If the rivers joined, the road would be flooded, and the bridge would probably not. be of any further use. The Chairman: Do you not. think the settlers who are immediately affected should contribute something towards the cost? Cr. Mulcare said that he did not think that it was wise to stress that point. The settlers were pretty well down and out. and could not afford it. Cr. Robinson said that he considered the settlers would certainly contribute something if they possibly could. Cr. Mulcare suggested that the delegates to the conference he authorised to spend the same amount as any other local bodies. Cr. Robinson: I think the work should be pushed on at once. The longer we hold off the worse it will be. Another flood, and it might be in a Or. Ryall said that Mr Dawber had

said that the position was much worse than it was on his previous visit. Cr. Byall’s motion was carried, the conference to be hold this evening. At last evening’s meeting of the Greymiuth Borough Council, the Mayor (Mr J. W. Greenslade) stated that the Borough Engineer (Mr A. J. Fairmaid) had prepared a report on the. matter of the erosion of the Teremakau with the Orangipuku River. He. understood the County Council vas appointing three delegat.es to consider the matter at a meeting tonight. Tho whole matter, he understood, was worthy of consideration. It was decided to hear * the Engineer’s report in committee, -when the matter would be discussed, and delegates appointed.