RIVER WORKS.

Manawatu Standard, 1 October 1935, Page 9

RIVER WORKS.

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD.

AIONTHLY

AIEETING

The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Board was held yesterday, the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) presiding. Others present were Messrs G. Tremaine, J. Hodgens, J. T. J. Heatley, W. Anderson, W. R. Hopcroft, and Jos. Batclielar. The advisory engineer (Mr E. Fisher) reported, inter alia: “The groyne work at Gosling’s bend east, as a result of tlio recent high floods, has effected a highly satisfactory improvement in the river channel, which augurs well for progressive development in the direction desired. The channel area from Mcßae’s bend down to the Fitzroy diversion channel has also received my attention. This reach is gradually responding to the regulation works, which will he facilitated with the reparation of the damaged groyne works at the lower end of McRae’s bend, a work that has been held in abeyance longer than expected by reason of the continuous flooded state of the river. With this work completed a definite improvement in the development of Fitzroy diversion channel will eventuate. The authorised inspection by the committee appointed took place on August 26. The objects of the inspection were: First, the advisability of an additional groyne at the Esplanade; this at present was considered unnecessary. Second: No. 5 groyne extension of two spans in Fitzroy diversion channel recommended by me at your last meeting. In this case the board’s committee decided that for the present this proposal be left in abeyance, to receive future consideration if found necessary, in which 1 concurred. I would like to point out to the board that the river conditions at a point immediately below this groyne are of a critical nature and require close observation.”

In commenting on the inspection made by the committee, Mr Heatley said that the blasting of logs above Messrs Child Bros.’ property had been very effective. The report was received. The foreman of works (Air A. Lane) reported as follows: —“Fitzroy diversion channel: The repairing of No. 4 groyne is completed and the driving of the piles for the extensions, as authorised, is in hand. Below the new bridge: The construction of the groyne adjoining the Esplanade is completed. Length 90ft., cost £132 10s, cost per foot £1 9s 4d. No. 5 scheme work: The men have been engaged on the following work: Cleaning and levelling around trees, repairing .fences, willow planting on the low levels between Ruahine Street, and at Brightwater Terrace, and planting approximately 300 pine trees on the foreshore below Gosling’s west. The necessary alterations to tlie fences ■ for the protection of the trees have also been carried out by these men. General: On completion of tlie groyne work at Fitzroy. bend it is advisable to carry out certain repair work to tlie derrick on No. 1 plant before proceeding upstream to commence further groyne work at Mcßae’s bend. The blasting of tlie logs which obstruct tlie regulation of the channel at Fitzroy bend and above Child Bros.’ works has been carried out periodically when the conditions were suitable. The action of the _ recent floods accounted for some erosion behind No. 1 groyne at Stuart’s bend. This breach is being checked by means of brush works; practically all the material is being supplied by Air Stuart. The frequent occurrence of floods and adverse weather conditions that have prevailed during the month have had the tendency to retard the progress of groyne work. Two freshes were, recorded, the highest being 10ft. on September 11.” —Tlie report was received.

Tlie rates statement presented by the clerk (Mr J. R. Hardie) showed that of a total of £2230 struck £IO2O 3s 8d had been paid, leaving £1209 16s 4d outstanding. The arrears at April 1, 1935, totalled £665 19s Bd, which had been reduced to £451 7s 6d by the payment to date of, amounts aggregating £214 12s 2d.—The statement was received.