The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1937. RIVER PROTECTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star , with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1937. RIVER PROTECTION.

From the statement made in Christchurch by the Hon.' P. C. Webb, on behalf of the Minister of Public Works, it is evident the Government, intends to take .up the important national matter affecting river erosion. The great loss resulting annually’ is so serious that to delay action is to add tremendouslv .to the cost of ultimate action. Mr'Webb states that in the near future it will be possible for the Government to embark on i~ comprehensive scheme. Such a decision is most wise and the Government is to be congratulated on its courage in facing up to the problem which has been a perplexing issue for many years. In the interval there has been heavy denudation going on, and valuable land despoiled. Westland is under physical conditions which lend themselves to damage. The numerous rivers, and their considerable fall, combined with the heavy rainfall, result in frequent flooding. Each flood takes its toll, while abnormal visitations have been known to work serious disaster. The task will be one of considerable magnitude, for works undertaken here have run to high costs. The national loss going on, however, is very great. Valuable land has been destroyed and lost up and down the Dominion, and to check that less and waste, it is time the problem was faced up to. The country has much surplus labour awaiting occupation, and it would be an economic move to utilise the man power at present subsidised for work of lesser importance, on a major scheme of protection. Doubtless much plant will be required. as well as large quantities of material. The manipulation of such will call for trained labour, and service will be performed by training men in the special work to be undertaken. The scheme would be an excellent method of utilising labour available, which has now to be turned to make jjhift works, to keep it employed at all. No doubt much could be done by using a suitable type of dredge for controlliug river beds, by straightening streams and building protective banks. In Westland where so many of the rivers carry gold, a direct return could be anticipated under proper gold saving appliances, and this possibly might lead to such a scheme being tried here as a commencement. Various schemes will require to be tried experimentally in any case, for the varying nature of the problems and the local conditions, will call for peculiar treatment. The matter has been in mind for some time now, and with the return of Mr -Semple to duty, action should be expected. In two or three rivers affecting main settlements, such as Arahura, Kokntahi. and Koiterangi; there is the call for the earliest attention. They would be useful localities for experiments^

with plants such as drags, scoops, or even dredges, and the experience would

afford information as to the possibility of dealing with other known major works. The district should watch developments, and see that from the outset Westland is not overlooked in the undertaking of this important national scheme.