PROTECTING BANK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 200, 7 August 1928, Page 5

PROTECTING BANK

TO BE ERECTED NEAR OTATARA REALIGNMENT OF PRESENT BANK RIVERS BOARD’S DECISION The Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board to-day agreed to a proposal for a realignment of the Taradale-Meeanec bank near Otatara, involving the erection of 38 chains of new bank costing £290. The new work was recommended by the overseer as it would, he said, give better protection to Taradale and Greenmeadows, while the intervening area between the present and the proposed new bank could greatly be improved. Mr. G. Purves did not favour the erection of the new bank, as he considered that a double row of poplars would in time trap considerable quantities of silt and afford the same protection.

Mr. H. R. Clark: It is a real bad corner and the work wants doing. There are plenty of trees there now, but the silt is not being deposited where it is wanted. Whenever a big flood comes along the water rises almost to ths top of the banks. While this condition lasts the river will continue to be a menace to Taradale. Mr. Purves: I still think a double row of poplars would do just as good. Mr. Clark: It is all poplars now, and the water scours in many places. Mr. J. A. Miller: As there already is a bank the proposed work may seem a luxury, but the money will be very well spent. Resides giving added protection to Taradale it will greatly improve the area between the two banks, which will become a great asset to the Board. MR. JARVIS PLEASED Mr. W. G. Jams: I am very pleased to see the members are favourable to the proposal, which is by no moans a new thing. To erect the proposed bank near the stream will give it a straight alignment and will greatly add to the protection afforded Taradale; in fact, it will make it quite safe. The Taradale district is the heaviest rated district and there has been very little done for it, in fact, I am surprised the little that has been done. The reserve will make a fine park and an ideal motor camping ground. Mr. T. Donovan warmly supported the proposed work being carried out, stating that the expense would be well worth while if it could be the means of preventing the disaster which occurred in the March, 1924, flood, when O’Shannesey’s house was washed away through the banks breaking. It was then agreed that the work should be carried out.