THE AVON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12996, 11 December 1902, Page 3

THE AVON.

PROPOSED ERECTION OF A WEIR. The proprietors of tho■ boatsheds on the upper reaches of the Avon were seen by a reporter yesterday in. regard to the Mayor's proposal "to erect a weir near the Hospital bridge. Mr Wigram considers that there should be a weir with rollers, as at Teddinoton'on the Thames. Mr S. Anstey, proprietor of the Antigua sheds, said that he was not in a position to express a definite opinion, as ho, did not know exactly what was proposed. Speakin<r generally, however, and without committing himself, he was afraid that the proposal, if carried out, would interfere considerably with boating. Boats'often came down the stream in clusters, and he was sure there would be frequent blocks of traffic at the- weir. In inexperienced hands, boats, instead, of stopping at the weir, -would Soat over it. He found that many

people who were not much used to thci management of boats often, went right past his side's, being unable to stop at the- proper spot. The proposal would also interfere considerably with the working of the sheds. Great-er'inconvenfenco would be caused. Yet lie would not .like to .throw cold water on the proposal if it was calculated to be really beneficial to the interests of boating generally. Before saying anything definite ho would have to know more details .of the scheme. Mr J. M'Lean, proprietor of the sheds further down the river, .said .he thought ■ that neither a dam nor dredging was'~required. Tho best plan would bo to use s-. scoop and level the bed of the river,' th< material in the shallow parts being throw* into tho deeper parts. The weir near tb Hospital would seriously interfere" with lit business. There would certainly be a bloc? of boats, both going up and coming dowrthe river. If a dam was erected, it.shouh. be placed close to the little island just he • low his sheds. It should bo supplied wit! a powerful screw and a good door, whicl could be opened every night. He would b< prepared to 'see that it was opened and shut regularly. As to the -present state oi the river, ho said 'that it had never been better for four year*. His boats were specially built for getting along in shallow water. No complaints -were made to him. Rowing was "a "wee bit hard" in some parts, but any difficulties experienced should 1 be attributed more to vraut of skill on the part of the boaters than to the state of tho river.