RIVER CONTROL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 204, 29 July 1929, Page 6

RIVER CONTROL.

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Board was held today, Mr W. L. Fftzherbert presiding. Also present were Messrs Jos. Batchelar, W. R. Hopcroft, J. Hodgens iand W. Anderson. Mr M. A. Eliott was granted six; weeks’ leave of absence during his visit to Honolulu. ENGINEER’S REPORT. The engineer, Mr E. Fisher, reported as follows: —Mcßae’s Bend: Since the last meeting, floods have caused considerable erosion in the upper part of this bend, and, in order to check its progress and to safeguard the security of the principal works below this point, I am constructing several brush groynes for the efficient regular tion of the river channel. The construction of these groynes will be commenced as soon as conditions allow. I expect to complete the works under construction in a few days. During tho past month constructional progress of works in hand has been much retarded by bad weather and river conditions. ■ A letter of thanks is due to Mr I). Cresswell and Mr R. Phillips, of Te Matai, for their generous supply of trees required for the works, also to Mr W. R. Hopcroft, Mr Knight and Mr J. C. Petersen, of Aokautere. Hopcroft’s Erosion: The construction of protection works here is still in progress, due to recent- floods necessitating additional works upstream. On completion of the works before mentioned, I will proceed with the tree groyno at- Mr Gosling’s, and also with repairs to a minor breach in the works at Mr Anderson’s bend. The planting of willows as required will also receive attention. General: Regarding the acquisition of the additional groyne constructional plant, I have purchased a tractor with a lifting winch attached which at present is being utilised in hauling trees for the works .at McRae’s Bend and has proved quite satisfactory. The negotiations for the purchase of a second-hand punt having failed, I have ordered tne timber required for the construction of a new punt, and will proceed with the work of building the punt as soon as -possible. Other gear required to complete the plant is receiving my attention. The river has been frequently flooded dUring the past month. The highest rise recorded was 10 feet 6 inches on June 26th.

The leport was adopted and the recommendations agreed to. Accounts totalling £394 10s 6d were passed for payment.