RIVERS CONTROL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 47, 7 February 1928, Page 5

RIVERS CONTROL

COMMITTEE SITS IN NAPIER MB. N P. ERIKSEN'S EVIDENCE. EXPERIENCES OF 40 YEARS IN FLOOD AREA. The investigating committee, consilting of three engineers, enquiring into the question of controlling the Hawke’s Bay rivers, continued their sittings at Napier this morning, when considerable evidence as affecting the position of Napier was offered. Mr. N. N. Eriksen, farmer at Greenmeadows, who was first called to give evidence, stated that he had been in the district for 43 years. For about 40 years he had lived in the close vicinity of the Tutaekuri overflow at Papakura. He had been living in the middle of the whole flood area, and ho doubted if any other settled had experienced so many floods, although others had lived in the district for a longer period. During that time he had seen great alterations in the contour of the country. During his experience the overflow had risen fully twenty-five feet. He could remember when it was verylow, it being almost impossible to ride across it. After every flood meetings of settlers had been held to discuss remedies, but so far they were still only hoping for something to be done. The question of flooding had given old settlers, like Mr. W. Nelson, a great deal of thought in the hope of arriving at a solution. As a layman he considered that the Ngaruroro should be streightened from the Pakowhai Bridge. He was sure that the residents in Taradale, Greenmeadows, and Mecanee would never agree to any form of spillway at “The Pines.” They did not like it as it was a tricky scheme, although it might bo safe, but they would not take any risks. The Tutaeknri river had never given any trouble except in 1924, when it broke its bank through its own forces. This breach he attributed to the .king up which occurred at the dissington bridge which, when swept away, let down a great volume of water. The whole trouble other than that _ wi th the Tutarekuri had been caused by the Nganiroro coming in across above Chesterhope. He did not think that any scheme would adequately deal with such a flood as that of 1897, when the whole countryside was flooded. He personally saw a house floating down to the sea, and also two large haystacks. Mr. Eriksen pointed out that it was a matter of great importance to the Hawke’s Bay County Council as to whether‘the river was put through the wash out or through the Waitangi. The Council, in spending a large sum of money on a new bridge, wanted to be assured that it was to be in the right place. To Mr. Holmes: He did not think that there would be rough water in the Tutaekuri to enable it to keep it's mouth clear. To Mr. Vickerman: He had no reeord of the floods, but there was one year that he could remember when there was a flood every fortnight. NAPIER’S ANXIETY. Mr P. F. Higgins, representing the Borough Council, said that Napier s mam anxiety was the possibility 7 >’t directing more flood waters towards Naper than which came through normally. The people of Napier were most apprehensive that such a scheme was being suggested to the board. Mr Climie had submitted a proposal known as “The Pines’’ scheme, which he condemned as being wrong in principle. He understood that a modified scheme was now being considered whereby all average floods would be dealt with. It seemed to him that such an overflow would have to deal with all floods, including maximum floods. I’he chairman said that he did not think that Mr Higgins had a clear view of - The Pines’’ proposal as submitted to the committee. He explaned that the amount of water that would go down the overflow would depend upon the depth of the flood and the height of the spillage. It was proposed that the river as at present. should take its full capacity, which might mean that in mauy floods it would not have to function I Mr Higgins expressed fear that the proposal might not work out so well in practice. The chairman: Well, what do you fear will happen? Continuing. Mr Higgins said it was thought that the flood menace to Tadailale and Napier would be grea-ly increased by the diverting of the flood waters from the Ngaruroro into the Tutaekuri. The latter river itself offered a menace that was quite great enough. He hoped that the fullest consideration would lie given to the proposals as affecting Napier in particular. Speaking unofficially a a member of the Harbour Board Mr Higgins said that the board was considering certain reclamation proposals, it being stated that 50 acres a vear were needed for Napier> expansion. The only area available for this was the Harbour Board s endowments, and for the successful reclamation of this it was vital that the Tutaekuri should be diverted out to tiie Waitangi. Witness stated that he was farming for some time at Clive, where be was harassed by constant flooding. In conequence of certain works carried out to the river mouth b- Mr C. D. Kennedy, these areas had been almost immune from flooding. The improvements effected had been a signal success. The population affected bv flooding was onlv a little less than a third of that of Hawke's Bay. and naturally the floods were of great moment to them. DIVERSION OF TUTAEKURI FAVOURED. Mr J. C. Bryant, also representing the Napier Borough Council, raid that he wished to voice the feelings of the Napier people regarding “Th’’ Pines” scheme or any modification of it, on the grounds that the Tutaekur was a sufficient menace to the lowly - ing areas without the addition of flood waters from the Nganiroro. Extra waters put into the Tutaekuri would constitute a positive menace. He did not wish to criticise it from an engineering point of view leaving that to the committee. The d stribu tion of the flood waters pro rata and the straightening of the Nganiroro was a question which would appeal to the Napier people. To Mr H"lmes: He agreed with the diversion of the Tutaekuri which he considered, was an. urgent, need*

Represeenting the Napier Chamber of Commerce, Mr W. Harvey stated that the expansion of Napier depended upon the control of the rivers. He related at length the plight of the settlers during the 1897 flood. The Na pier people he said, were very much preturbed at the spill-way proposed by Mr Climie for the Ngaruroro joining with the Tutaekuri at its most vital point. To the Chamber it ap peared to be a better policy to improve the Ngaruroro in its present bed rather than to divert a portion of its flood waters into a smaller river. The proposal of Mr Hay top rovide an overflow at Whakatu appeared to them as one that would afford an adequate solution to the question. Mr Harvey then referred to the work done by Mr C. D. Kennedy at the mouth of the Ngaruroro several years ago. He pointed out that the mouth of the Tutaekuri was practically ail small holdings, being chiefly daiying and fruitgrowing. Represeenting the Napier High School Board. Mr W. L. Dunn said that the board’s property was affected by a serious flood last July and the board naturally, was very interested in the matter of flood control. One of the reasons why the board acquired the site was because there were sev era! suggestions of dealing with the Tutaekuri river. As a result of the last flood the board secured expert advice and in reply to a* question as to what degree of p:«,ection they could expect if works were carried out the board was informed that unless the river was diverted or the mouth in the Inner Harbour was put in ordei they would be in trouble again after one or two floods. His board was desirous of seeing the river diverted out to the Waitangi as it was felt that any dredging in the Inner Harboui lagoon would only afford temporary relief. “THE PINES” SCHEME OPPOSED. They too, were opposed to “The Pines” scheme as it was felt that in addition to the Tutaekuri it would offer a great potential danger. He thought that a channel might be provided to enable, the waters of the Tutaekuri being taken southward in times of big floods. INDEPENDENT CONTROL. The next witness was Mr. G. F. Clapcott, engineer to the Napier Borough Council. He was of th© opinion that the control of both rivers snould be carried out independently. He then quoted calculations taken oi the 'Tutaekuri during the March flood of 1924 at a spot a little below the junction with the Mangeone river, which showed that the flood was of very considerable magnitude. He did uot favour rhe waters of auothei river being permitted to enter what might be termed a fully charged river bed. He favoured the straightening of the Tutaekuri as suggested by Mr. Hay. The Tutaekuri diversion, to him. seemed to meet the position quite well. Once put into effect attention could then be given to the strengthening of the Ngaruroro banks. Most of the flooding seemed to be from the Tutaekuri when great volumes of water came down very suddenly. Mr Clapcott suggested that in cas© of blocking or of partial blocking ot the mouth with shingle, that provision should be made for a bi-pass into the Inner Harbour. In view ot ~ie big floods in this river he was of me opinion that it should be dealt with on its own and not complicating matters by bringing waters from another river. Every effort would have to be made to keep the river running down the centre of its bed instead of wandering from side to side. Mr. Clapcott then raised the ques. tion of the feasibility of permitting a certain quantity of water still going down the present channel to pass Meeanee into the Inner Harbour lagoon. He admitted that water could be retained by means of tidal locks. The public were desirous that the present features should be retained as much as possible. The question of an outlet through the shingle beach and its maintenance was one of importance. No doubt, he said, it would be gone into bv those designing it. Mr. Clapcott again stressed the point that the Tutaekuri was the greater source of danger as regards floods. In connection with the Ngaruroro, he said the 1897 flood was always quoted. It was true that serious flooding occurred but he did not consider that the same was likely to occur again on account of the vast amount of work that had been done. Mr. Baker: Won’t you agree that both of the rivers are so interwoven that unless they are dealt with together it will only spell failure as far as the ratepayers are concerned in connection with a loan. Mr. Clapcott: I agree that an} 7 proposal put to the ratepayers should deal with both rivers at once. It would not be necessary to carry out the works to both rivers simultaneously; that which is most urgent could be done first. Owing to the flooding in the Tutaekuri there, is no doubt that this river should be put right first. TAKING OF BORES. Mr. P Scullin, overseer to the Hawke's Bay Rivers Board, then gave evidence as to the taking of bores in the diversion channel for the Tutaekuri. stating that he was satisfied that the material was such as would be eroded by the river. He could remember having noticed the Ngaruroro mouth moving northwards before the 1897 flood, it being then a narrow deep channel Mr. Scullin then referred to the safety mouth that was put in between the river month and the Wasiiuuf in 1924, and which functioned most successfully. He theu proceeded io quote the flood levels of the various big floods. To Mr. Vickerman: Th© Clive people thought a great deal of the groin put in at the Ngaruroro mouth. It was put in purely because it was a necessity and not. as far as he knew, just to be a sop to the Napier people because the mouth was considered to be working northwards. The bed of the Ngaruroro was rising, although spits of shingle would form and disappear again. Mr C. T. Tutlersal, farmer at Pakowhai, stated that before the south bank was put up he remembered being flooded twice in the month of February. He pointed out that during the July flood last year stock were taking refuge on 'ingli areas near the edge of the channel, which was pratieally in the centre of the overflow. This had been built up by various floods, being now much higher than the country outside the banks. Small floods seemed to deposit as much as a big flooit in- th* ducnnnJ „ ©wing. to-

being less current. He was not very much taken with “The Pines” scheme when it was first suggested, but ho could not say very much about it as he had not considered it to any extent. He thought that it might be practicable if there was sufficient money to spend. THE NGARURORO MOUTH. The next witness was Mr W. W. Smart, a member of the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board representing the Bukahu ward. Dealing with the mouth of the Ngaruroro ho said that it was being repeatedly blocked until the groin was put in some years ago. It had been of great service as the mouth had only been temporarily blocked on one occasion since. Good work, he said was done by the board for five years' following the adoption of the 1919 scheme in clearing obstructions from the river beds. At the Waitangi he thought it would bo a mistake to confine the waters between banks unless they were a good distance apart. As most of the seas during the floods came from the outlieast and the banks would be mostly made of sand, he was afraid that they would wash away. He did not consider that a mouth at the washout would bo satisfactory as it would bo difficult to maintain. The board had turned down "The Pines” scheme, while a large number of the ratepayers had petitioned against it. Ho considered that it would only convert a lot of valuable country into a river bed. The ratepayers of Pukaliu would undoubtedly support a scheme for the Ngaruroro. He then expressed the opinion that Mr Hay’s scheme ol stop-banking would be acceptable to them. To Mr Vickerman: Mr Smart said that he thought protection could be overdone. Ho pointed out that in March, 1924 the Tutaekuri went over at Moteo. The waters certainly swept some fences away, but did a great deal of good in leaving large deposits of silt on the land. BOARD’S MEETING. Mil. J. A. MILLER RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN. At the outset of the ordinary meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Rivers’ Board this morning, Mr. J. A, Miller was re-elected chairman, when there were present:— Messrs. G. Purves, T. Donovan, W. G. Jarvis, J. Clarke, W. W. Smart, P. W. Heljyer, J. McDonald and G. Latham. OVERSEER’S REPORT. The overseer (Mr. P. Scullin) reported having completed work on the Raupere bridge and the repairs to the bank near the flood-gate. Fencing and repairing Donnelly’s bank and clearing at Holden’s had been carried out in December. For the past month work has been devoted in the Taradale-Meeanee district, where fencing, repairing banks, and putting in small groynes had been carried out. A bend in the Ngaruroro at Whakatu had also been taken off. HAUMOANA’S TROUBLE. The Board’s attentton was drawn by the Haumoana Beach Improvement Society to the condition of the river bank at the mouth of the Tuki Tuki river. The society explained that the river was washing away por* tions of the reserves. Protection work had been done, but not completed. Mr. G. Purves thought that the ; matter might be attended to as the i reserve was going to be a spot of in- : terest to the community. , • The chairman stated that on his last visit he had seen spoil ready for filling in. Ho agreed with the sugi gestion that a visit be made to the i locality. i It was decided that Messrs. Miller and Hellyer and the overseer inspect the site. TUTAEKURI RIVER’S BANK. A request that the Board repair the breach in the stop-bank of the Tutaekuri River protecting the area surrounding the High School was received from the Napier Borough Council. “I don’t understand how it is that the bank has broken; it is unusual for one of our banks to do that,” commented Mr. Smart. The chairman explained that the bank was erected by the Harbour Board, and that body might be responsible. Mr, Jarvis disagreed with this latter view, contending that if there was any danger then the Rivers Board should attend to the matter. “The matter requires a thorough investigation,” stated the chairman, “as a bank might have a very detrimental effect on the waters of the upper reaches.” He suggested that Messrs. Latham and McDonald and himself inspect the locality. It was explained by Mr. Latham that the portion in question was between the Meeanee bridge and the Inner Harbour. He thought the Investigation Committee would have to discuss the question of regaining control of the banks and that particular stretch. On the suggestion of Mr. Jarvis, the committee appointed was authorised to carry out any small works. PUMP TO BE GIVEN TRIAL. In accordance with his notice of motion, Mr. W. W. Smart moved that the Board purchase a centrifugal pump to work in conjunction with the tractor in widening and deepening the lower reaches of the Ngaruroro River, In support of his motion, Mr. Smart suggested that a committee be appointed to go into the matter and arrange for a trial of the pump. The machine would greatly assist the work of clearing bends in the river and making the banks. The chairman agreed with the suggestion, which was carried, stating that if the pump was a success, then it would be additional means of improving the carrying out of the work efficiently and expeditiously. WAITANGI WASHOUT BRIDGE. “I think wc would b« well advised to stay our hand until after the rivers investigating coninuttf* has concluded its deliberations.’* stated Mr. W. G. Jarvis when the question of a 1U ’ W bridge over the* Waitanai washout was mentioned. An agreement with the County Council was tabled and it ws this that drew forth the statement from Mr. Jarvis *‘Tlie matter cau be held over until the next meeting, provided the County County realises that we ore not endeavouring repudiate our liability,' stated tie chairr.xm. A resolution as outlined was oar-