FLOOD PROTECTION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 121, 7 May 1934, Page 5

FLOOD PROTECTION

KARAMU AND MAHORA Position of Pakowhai WHAKATU BRIDGE QUESTION A proposal to give protection to a number of Karamu and Mahora settlers by the erection of a bank to prevent water from backing up from the old Ngaruroro river was discussed by the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board .to-day and deferred until something of a more definite nature was brought forward. It was decided to approach the Railway Department in regard io the Whakatu railway bridge and urge the need of proceeding with the erection of a new structure so that the muchneeded relief to lands further up could be given. The overseer (Mr. P. Scullin), in a report to the board on a proposed bank averaging lour feet high from the south end of the Pakowhai bridge across the Whakatu stock road and ending near the old Vellum works, estimated the cost at £2OO. He pointed out that a flood gate would be necessary, He suggested that arrangements might be made with the Hawke's Bay County Council to place a flood door on a small bridge which crossed the drain at the south end of the proposed bank. The chairman did not think it would be fair to erect a four-feet bank as suggested, .and so force more water on to Pakowhai. Until more waterway was provided in the Ngaruroro river such a work would hardly be undertaken. The engineer, Mr. G. Rochfort did not consider tnat the proposed bank was desired. If a flood occurred and got in behind, the new bank would have to be cut to provide an outlet. Such a b Q uk would be only of a temporary nature. The question of the old Ngaruroro would have to be dealt with shortly and the proposed bank should be left over until something definite was to be done with the old channel. Mr. W. G, Jarvis asked if the bank would make any difference to the Pakowhai settlers. Mr. L. E. Harris was of the opinion that a small bank would be the means of causing a good deal of trouble. Mr. R. E. Talbot was against any piecemeal work being carried out until something comprehensive was put in hand. The most serious aspect was the blocking of water over the Pakowhai road. Mr. H. H. Burns said he was surprised at the chairman not supporting the proposal when ho was elected to support such a matter. The late Mr. C. D. Kennedy had stated that the proposed bank would not have the slightest effect on the height of a flood in the river, while it would prevent water from flooding over some hundreds of acres of land. The settlers were entitled to this protection and should get it. They had suffered heavy losses which could have been avoided by a small bank. He was satisfied that the bank would not endanger other settlers. The chairman said he would still approve the hank provided it did not put tho water on to others. Settlers on the other side also lost grass seed last season through flooding. Mr. Burns explained that the water getting away lower down did not affect the river higher up. If this bank would increase the level of the water by six inches he would not press for it. Mr. Jarvis: If the engineer will say that, the bank would not affect the Pakowhai settlers I will support it. The chairman: So will I. Mr. Harris: Unless we can make a proper job of it, it is better left alone. By putting up only half the hank the settlers would be worse off than they are now. Mr. Rochfort did not think that the bank would force more water on to Pakowhai. It could be made so as to form part of a major scheme The chairman suggested that it be deferred for twelve months and in the meantime the board could approach the Railway Department in regard to the raising of the Whak*tu bridge, which had a definite bearing on work that would be embodied in the future policy of the hoard. The question was then deferred until something definite was placed before tho board. It was also decided to again take up the question of the Whakatu bridge with the Railway Department.