RIVER CONTROL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 230, 29 August 1932, Page 8

RIVER CONTROL.

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD MEETS.

The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Board was held to-day, Mr A. E. Mansford presiding. Also present were Messrs Anderson, Fitzherbert, Batchelar, Tremaine, and Hodgens. The engineer (Mr E. Fisher) reported on operations up to August 25 as follows: —“Old Racecourse: With No. 1 plant good progress has been maintained with the constructional work of No. 2 regulation groyne. For the past month eight supporting piles have been driven and braced to the principals. Tho two lower horizontal units are all in position, of which there are sixteen of a total length of 220 lineal feet. The -work of attaching four additional units required throughout to complete the body work is in progress and five spans have been completed. On completion tof this section of the work a second set of supporting piles will be driven and braced to the first sot; thus the three sets of piles are braced together providing absolute structural stability. No. 2 plant is engaged on the work of hauling logs from the river channel to provide the bulk of the timber used for groyne construction of which a considerable quantity is yet required. Above tho Shingle Works: A weak point in the protection workp about two chains in extent has been strengthened with brush and willow work. The relief cut through the shingle bank at this point is completed, but as yet there has not been sufficient flood rise to develop it. Willow planting, layering and fencing: For tho past month good progress has been made with this work with No. 5 scheme labour. An average of 26 men each week has been engaged. My object is to have all the necessary willow planting and layering completed by the end of September in order to obtain the best results. Extensive fencing of tho old and new plantations has been effected to protect them from stock. Flood Embankment Below Rifle Range: I considered it advisable to defer tho construction of this embankment in order to concentrate on the willow work to ensure its completion within seasonal limits. The embankment work will then be proceeded with. In *his respect I ask tho board’s approval of my action. General: There has been no appreciable flood rise in the river for the past month. A fresh of 6 feet above summer level was recorded on the 17th instant. The absence of floods so far this season is a notable incident.” —Adopted. The engineer’s action in deferring construction of tho embankment below the rifle range was confirmed. The financial statement showed n debit balance of £728 2s 9d a decrease of over £2OO on the balance at the same jieriod last year. Accounts totalling £512 3s 7d were passed for payment.