KARA FLOODGATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 111, 11 April 1936, Page 2

KARA FLOODGATE.

QUESTION OF REPAIRS. MAKERUA BOARD’S POSITION. Advice was received by the Makerua Drainage Board, at a meeting on Thursday afternoon, from the Horowhenua County Council that the latter were sympathetically disposed towards a contribution in connection with’ the cost of repairing the Kara Stream floodgate on the No. 60 highway provided that they had statutory powers to apply their funds for such purpose. Consequently, the matter had been held over pending (a) a discussion between a representative of the Main Highways Board and the council, and (b) the proposals of the Makerua Board receiving the approval of the Main Highways Board. Meanwhile it was assumed that the proposals would be placed before the latter. Tlje letter was formally received. Concerning the maintenance- of the Kara and Mungapukatea banks, outside the board’s area, Mr R. L. Tippler (Shannon) wrote stating that lie was of the opinion that this was the responsibility’ of the board. It had made his property, with others adjacent. a reservoir to hold waters when the Manawatn and Tokomaru Rivers were in flood. By confining the water to channels, the board had created in flood time a wall of water 10 to 12 feet high which held up drainage. Pockets had been formed by the extension of banks, preventing the cultivation of crop land right up to the railway line. No provision had been made by the board to pump the water Irom these pockets. Mr AV. S. Long (Shannon) forwarded a letter setting out a similar opinion, though he said he would be prepared to grass the bank and plant a shelter belt. The bank had leaked seriously during the last flood and with winter approaching, it required urgent attention. He was compelled to notify the board that lie would hold it "liable for any damage caused through neglect to repair and maintain the bank. Unless prompt action was taken lie would have to hand the matter over to his solicitors. It was decided that the overseer should report on the condition of the banks and submit estimates of the cost of repairs.