PROTECTION FROM FLOODS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 51, 10 February 1911, Page 7

PROTECTION FROM FLOODS.

DRAINAGE OF MAHORA SOUTH. The want of a proper system of drainage for carrying off flood waters during heavy rains has always been a cause of discomfort and loss to the Mahora South settlers. and they have long been agitating for an improved drainage system. Coming events are said to ‘cast their shadows before,”

and in view of the steps which are now being taken the sufferers from flood damage in the past may now look forward to some immunity in this respect. The Chairman of the Hawke’s Bay County Council (Mr. T. Mason Chambers) and Ur. T. E. Crosse, member for Use Heietaunga Rid-

ing. motored to the settlement yesterday afternoon to meet settlers for the purpose of discussing the i est method of draining the surrounding land. The meeting was held at the re-

sidence of Mr. George Purvis, and about ten settlers were present. Mr. Chambers apologised for the absence of Mr. C. R. Pollen (Commissioner of Crown Lands) and Mr. I). H. McMillan (District Engineer), both of whom had prior engagements.

A report on the proposed work was prepared by Mr. I). H. McMillan. and was placed before the meeting.

In his report the Engineer says inter alia:—”A portion of the Mahora and Raureka settlements are bounded on the north-east side by Southland drain, and the low-lying lands in both settlements depend wholly on this drain to carry off storm water during heavy rains. The whole area through which the drain passes is 5000 acres.

“The cause of the storm water flooding Mahora is that the drain is not of uniform capacity, being only 2 feet deep in places where it has a uniform width of 6 feet. In other places it has a capacity of over 60 square feet. Trees shedding their leaves, and branches, as well as the roots, retard the flow of the water.” Mr. McMillan considers that the most effective way of getting rid of storm water from Maraekakaho road northwards, would be to cut a new drain along that road from the corner of York road, for a distance of 40 chains, and turning south along the Ngaruroro riverbed for a distance of 20 chains to where it will join the stream which flows along the old bed. The cost of this work would be approximately £866 10.

' From the Maraekakaho road to ' the Borough Boundary at the north ’ end of Mahora. a distance* of 101 chains, the Engineer recommend- | ed that the drain be widened to a j minimum width of 9 feet by cutting ■down both sides, utilising the spoil | for banking up on either side I wherever a depression in the sur- ’ face of the ground may occur. This J work would entail an additional ex[penditure of £2Ol 3 ! If the foregoing recommendaItions are given effect to there would be little or no trouble with storm water in either Mahora or Raureka settlements. By diverting the water by the proposed new cut into the old Ngaruroro river-bed. there will be no further flooding of the land between Mahora and the railway line, as it is the water from Mahora. Frimley and Karamu that causes the trouble.

Dealing with the Tomoana division of Mahora North, the Engineer considers there are sufficient drains in the settlement to carry off any storm water likely to accumulate there, if the existing drains are cleaned out and kept clear of roots, weeds, etc. The cost of putting these drains in order, and of widening the drain along the south side of Pakowhai road is estimated at £75.

A long discussion of a conversational nature took place, and the settlers were unanimous in approving of the Engineer’s report with some modifications. It was decided to hold a further meeting on a date to be fixed by the chairman for the purpose of conferring with the Engineer on some details in the proposed scheme.

After going over the proposed route of the new drain, the settlers took the opportunity of bringing several minor matters dealing with roads, etc., before Mr. Chambers, who promised to have them attended to.