RIVER CONTROL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 175, 24 June 1935, Page 8

RIVER CONTROL

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Hoard was held this morning, Mr A. E. Mansford presiding. Also present were Messrs J. T. J. Heatley, G. Tremaine, J. Hodgens, Jos. Batchelor, and "W. R. Hopcroft. There was an apology for absence from Mr W. Anderson. FOREMAN'S REPORT. The forman of works (Mr A. Lane) reprted as follows:—“Below bridge adjoining Esplanade:—The construction of the new regulation groyne is completed ; length 90ft, cost £122 ss. The cost ]>er foot is £1 7s 2d. Fitzroy Bend: The repairing of No. 2 groyne which was damaged by the recent flood is in progress. It was essential to drive two front piles and replace two spans of boom work and the necessary stays. This work is nearing completion. No. 5 scheme work: This consists of cleaning around trees behind Mr Mcßae’s property, repairing 'the fences which were damaged in the recent flood, clearing the debris away from the fences and trees, prepaying the holes for the replacement of gums and macrocarpa trees. General: The cutting and cartage of bluegum piles from Pohangina is being carried out. Some 30 poles are available and these will be sufficient for the repairing of the works affected by the recent flood. Owing to the adverse weather and river conditions that have prevailed during the month being unsatisfactory for groyne work, it was to transfer these men periouically to erecting 20 chains of fence around the banks at Mcßae’s bend to prevent stock from wandering down the bank and damaging the willow plantations. This work is completed and the cost is £l3 6s. Several freshes have been recorded for the month, the highest being 10 feet on the 12th instant.”

FLOOD EFFECTS. A special report on recent flood effects on the works and river channel was submitted by Mr E. Fisher, advisory engineer, as follows: “The Hood rise recorded on May 23 last constituted the second highest flood level for the period extending over the past nine years, being e\needed by three inches in July, 1926' when the flood level was 15 feet above normal. I have closely inspected the works and river channel from McRae’s bend down to the old racecourse. Above this area time did not permit me to make a complete inspection. The foreman has informed me that the works in this area are intact.

‘‘l have to report on the area inspected as follows:—“Mcßae’s bend: The groyne works withstood the excessive flood strain remarkably well; two groynes, however, were badly damaged, Nos. 8 and 9. I estimate the cost of reconstruction of the former at £62; the cost of the latter will be £154. Considerable timber from the groyne wreckage is recoverable and will be utilised in the reconstruction work. Notwithstanding these groyne defections, no erosion to the riverbank occurred, which incidentally is very satisfactory. The condition of the channel in this area has been improved and is quite satisfactory. Channel area from Mcßae’s bend to Fitzroy diversion channel: The groynes in this area are intact and a marked improvement in the condition of the channel is evident. Fitzroy diversion channel: This channel has developed favourably, notably in its supper reach ; two groynes were damaged in this system, No. 2, in which two central spans were broken, and No. 4 being most seriously damaged, the three outer spans being badly mutilated, this resulting from the TO feet flood rise subsequent to the high flood rise. I estimate the cost of reinstating the former at £62 and the latter at £l2O. Channel area from Fitzroy to Hopcroft’s Creek: All the groynes in this section are intact and the condition of the channel can be regarded as quite satisfactory. Relaxation of the restricted area opposite Mr Durden’s house is manifest. Channel area from Hopcroft’s Creek to Fitzherbert bridge: The system of groynes in this area is in good order and functioning satisfactorily. A marked improvement in the channel is noticeable. Channel area from Fitzherbert bridge to western boundary of the river district, including old racecourse : The groynes along the Esplanade sustained no damage and operated favourably towards the improvement of Hie river channel. The groyne system at the old racecourse sustained minor damage. The worst damage occurred to No. 2 groyne, the outer span being broken away, and I do not consider it necessary to restore this. Damage to several other groynes here consists only of a few broken booms, which can be economically replaced. 1 estimate the cost of repair work here at £lO, making a total cost of £4lO for groyne reconstruction and repair work. The condition of the channel in this area is satisfactory. The necessity for the additional groyne is obvious. The erosion on Mr Buckrell’s property immediately outside the district has developed to the extent of 20 feet in width to a length of about five chains as a result of the- recent high flood, and with the subsequent 10 feet flood rise this erosion has extended upstream affecting three chains in the board’s area. The flooding that occurred to the City Council’s reserve at this point was considerable and should be stopped by the construction of an embankment, with provision made for stormwater to pass to the river by means of a culvert fitted with a flood valve, approximate estimated cost £40.”

The reports were adopted. Authority was given for the procuri ing of 1500 trees for planting opposite the camp site at the Esplanade.

WEAKNESS DISCLOSED. Mr Tremaine reported that Air Hodgen& and he had inspected the area adjacent to the council’s reserve and were of the opinion that an embankment should be constructed. It was a question as to whether the board or the City Council should meet the costs. There was a precedent for the board doing the work in the erection of the rifle range banking* The chairman suggested that the cast be shared equally. \t was decided that the city engineer (Mr J. R. Hughes) confer with Air Fisher in order to furnish a report- . Air Hopcroft said the advisory engineer’s report showed that the safety factor was not sufficiently high, it being necessary to strengyien the groynes. Tlie damage had been quite considerable and the flood should teach a lesson. - Up to a point Air Tremaine agreed, but added that he believed the trouble had been accentuated by the lack of lupins. It was of paramount importance that all the groynes be cleared of debris. “I have been told that the rubbish came down the river like haystacks,” Mr Hodgens commented, adding that these deposits had changed the booms from open to closed in character. Air Fisher said he thought a certain amount of the rubbish would float off in the next flood. Air Tremaine urged that it be burn-

ed to avoid its being jantbed in other groynes. It was decided that steps be taken to secure the clearance ol the debris. FINANCE. The financial statement showed a debit balance of £573 9s 3d. Accounts amounting to £l4B 17s 7d were passed for payment. At the correspondent time last year the debit balance stood at £5lO. A resolution confirming the striking of the rates was carried giving Class A, 9-lCd in the £; Class B, 5-16 d in the £ ; Class C. 3-16 d in the £.