RIVER PROTECTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 3

RIVER PROTECTION

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Board was held yesterday, Mr A. E. Mansford presiding Also present were Messrs W. R. Hopcroft, W. Anderson, J. Hodgens, and G. Tremaine. There was an apology for absence from Mr R. L. C. Aitchison. The Life-Saving Society wrote requesting permission for the erection of two bathing shelters on the river beach and the selection of a site.— Permission was granted, the selection of the site being left to the engineer. The board decided to make a full investigation of tlie system of issuing permits for the cartage of metal from the foreshore, after a complaint had been lodged by a carter. Mr L. G. H. Sinclair wrote in the matter of an accident suffered by Mr A. Hansen in July while working on the board’s work. To save himself from falling into the river he had placed his hand on a pile, his hand being crushed by the pile-driver, several fingers being lost. Compensation was sought by the injured man.—The matter was referred to the board’s solicitor. SURVEY OF OPERATIONS.

The advisory engineer to the board (Mr E. Fisher) reported as follows: “Growth on beaches in river channel: Growth consisting of lupin and goatsrue is accentuating undesirable reclamation on certain convex sections of the river channel, namely at Anderson’s bend, Mcßae’s bend, Fitzroy bend, and below the Fitzlierbert bridge. The convex bank of silt and shingle at Anderson’s bend is assuming serious proportions and lias created a condition that is jeopardising the bank protection works in this bend. The heavy growth is certainly intensifying the trouble. In a lesser degree this ill effect applies to the other two sections referred to. I consider

this growth should be totally removed "by grubbing it out by the root and having it burnt in order to minimise the menacing effect of these convex deposits on the river bank works. 1 recommend this work to he carried out. New tree and willow plantations: The -trees planted this season show a considerable loss; the dry weather in September seems to have had a bad effect. It is rather soon to form a correct estimate of the loss, as some trees apparently dead may yet survive. The willows planted this season are showing excellent growth due mainly to the absence of continuous strong winds, which are generally very detrimental to the young and tender willow growth. October planting of willows has been confined to the water

and low silt levels and will shortly be completed. Considerable layering,, of the high willow growth of tho river bank protection work has also been effected.

“The current year’s programme of groyne construction work is well advanced and is proceeding steadily and satisfactorily. The construction of the additional groyne at Durden’s bend, the _ progress of which has been unavoidably slow owing to having to contend with difficult river conditions, was extended 50 feet beyond the estimated length and is now completed. I ask the board to confirm my action in respect to the extension of this groyne. Good progress is being made with the construction of the additional groyne at Gosling’s bend west. _ The low' flood volume so far experienced this year has militated against the desired development of the river channel; rather it has had an adverse effect. In fact, these low flood conditions have predominated for the past two years, resulting places _ in acute congestion of the river channel, and until maximum flood volume eventuates the adverse conditions of channel restriction at certain points will become increasingly acute, thereby necessitat-

ing measures to relieve the situation, notably at Anderson’s bend and the lower end of Fitzroy diversion channel. The removal of boulders from Fenwick’s beach will materially reduce the restriction of the river channel at this point. To date 1067 cubic yards have been removed and it is advisable to continue this operation periodically. As requested, the Massey College authorities have satisfactorily cut and burnt the lupin growth on the foreshore in the flood area in the vicinity of the Fitzlierbert bridge, and should receive a letter of thanks from the board for their prompt action. All the board’s protection works are in good order and condition.”

The report was adopted. The foreman of works (Mr A. Lane) reported as follows on the month’s operations:—“Gosling’s East: No. 3 groyne extension is completed (length 30 feet; cost £37 10s; per foot £1 ss). Un completion of this work the plant proceeded downstream to Gosling’s bend west, to construct the additional groyne as authorised. The driving of the piles is completed and the constructing of the boom work is in hand. Durden’s bond : The construction of the additional groyne is completed (length 190 feet; cost £248 17s sd; per loot £1 6s 2d). This work being completed, the plant has commenced the driving of the idles for the repairing of tliG base portion of the ole! groyne at this bend. Above Child Bros.’ shingle works: A recent hood action accounted for some erosion behind No. 2 groyne necessitating the filling in of a breach ' with heavy brush and willows. Tin's work has been well ballasted with stone cra.tes and should prevent any further erosion in the future. The cost was £8 17s Cd. Relief work : The willow planting and fencing on the foreshore between Mr Hopcroft’s and the Cliff Hill is completed. The length is approximately 30 chains and the cost of the fencing material is £l3 10s. The laying of the willows and replanting of the low levels at Mcßae’s bend and Fenwick’s foreshore is also completed. The planting of willows on the low levels between Durden’s foreshore and Hopcroft’s is in hand. General: The river and weather conditions during the month have been favourable for the progress of works. The highest fresh was recorded on the 2nd instant, being 8 feet.”—Adopted. The extension of the groyne at Durden’s bend was approved by the board. It was decided to forward a letter of appreciation to the Massey College Council in regard to the clearance of lupin. The board authorised the removal of lupins and goatsrue with subsidised unemployed labour. The financial statement showed that of the £2170 struck in rates £1226 remained unpaid, while £423 in arrears also remained. A credit balance of £204 15s 3d was shown. Accounts amounting to £l6O 9s 5d were passed for payment.