FLOOD PROTECTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 3, 3 December 1931, Page 6

FLOOD PROTECTION.

AIA N A WAT U-OROU A BOARD'S

SCHEME

NEW PROPOSAL CONSIDERED

At to-day’s meeting of the Alana-watu-Oroua River Hoard a motion was moved deciding to further a proposal to construct a cut in a certain portion ot land adjacent to the Alanawatu River near Eoxton. The scheme, which has the support of the Public Works Department s engineers, is expected to prove of value to the district, if finalised. By the construction of the cut, the Aloutoa area i would be given immediate relief from j flooding, it was stated, and the main j highway would be rendered completely ; immune from flooding between Levin and Foxton until the level of the river by the Palmerston North gauge reached 13 feet. The fall of the river in flood-time would be facilitated by four feet and by one foot 10 inches at low tide. In addition, the ranks of the unemployed would be greatly depleted by the work. The expense would be borne by the Government — the Public AVorks Department and the Unemployment Board. The chairman, Air AV. S. Carter, reported that, as authorised, he and Air Law had interviewed the chief engineer of the Public AA’orks Department. Air F. W. Furkert, who had discussed the matter with Air F. C. Hay, engineer to the board, and was favourably disposed to the project. An indication was given that any help as far as plant and supervision was concerned would be given. The matter had been discussed with the Commissioner of Unemployment who saw several difficulties. No discussion had been made with any of the Alinisters but the indication was that the work was feasible and would be quite effective. Mr Furkert had given his sanction to say that he was quite in accord with the plans. The Highways Board would be helped tremendously. Air Law reported on the interview he and Air Hay. had. with the Public AVorks Department’s district engineer. Air R. H. P. Ronayne. From the point of view of the board itself, the Aloutoa Drainage Board, the Highways Board and people of Foxton, thescheme was satisfactory.

“We will find that the Government, through the Public Works Department, will 'do the bulk of the work.” commented the chairman. He added that the adoption of the scheme to make the cut between Longreach (below_ the Whirokino bridge) and Hartley’s Bend (two miles from the sea) would mean shortenening the river’s course by five miles. On the motion of Mr Hume it was agreed to wait upon the Foxton Harbour Board, Foxton and Palmerston North Chambers of Commerce and Automobile Association to obtain their support. Mr Hume foresaw a difficulty in obtaining unemnloyed labour as all the men in the country area had been absorbed; men would have to be obtained from the city and towns. The chairman: It “was stated that the locality was ideal for a big camp. It was further decided that a copy of the plan and specifications be sent to the Public Works Department, the Highways Board and the chairman of the Unemployment Board, pointing out the benefits to be acquired from the scheme.