Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1938. RIVER EROSION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 181, 1 July 1938, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1938. RIVER EROSION.

Tiie tackling of the river erosion problem in New Zealand on a scientific basis has been recognised as a fundamental issue by all who have been in close touch, with the subject, and it had been hoped that ere now, in view of repeated statements by the Minister of Public Works on this topic, a definite step toward putting this well-founded belief into practice would have been taken by the Oovernment. It is one of the most needs in New Zealand soil conservation. At Temuka the other day the Minister referred to the setting up of a special branch of the Public Works Department, comprised of engineers with special knowledge of river and sea erosion, to devise a national plan of river control. To deal with this matter on such a basis would cost something like £6,000,000 —but this huge figure had to be faced if the saving of thousands of acres of valuable land now endangered was to be accomplished. The nation, the Minister added, could not bear the whole of this cost, and the farmers would have to carry their share. Furthermore, the Minister is adamant that not a penny of public money should be expended in this direction until the cause of and remedy for erosion is fully established. Though the subject is of considerable magnitude, there has been presented from time to time, with disastrous accompaniments, evidence that one of the greatest causes is denudation of forests and bush in the watersheds of rivers. There is first-hand evidence of this in the Manawatu, and there is a feeling among many settlers in the lower reaches of the river that were steps taken to repair much of the damage done by felling of the bush in the high areas a very decided improvement would soon be apparent. The question of how long it’will take.to formulate the opinions of a staff of qualified engineers to deal with the problem on a national scale raises much doubt as to any visible progress being made toward a solution within the next few venrs.

The truth is that many sufferers from flood damage and soil erosion feel not sufficient headway is being made. For many months past settlers in the Manawatu area, for instance, who for years have contributed rates for the administration and minor woncs of river protection boards, have been awaiting the report of the engineer appointed by the Pub-

lic Works Department on the vagaries of, and destruction caused by the Manawatu River. The figures relating to a national scheme quoted by Mr Semple indicate that he has at least some evidence which he should make public. Again, the question arises, is it essential that the problem be tackled on a nationwide scale by one stroke? It is believed to be a feasible undertaking, for instance, to deal specifically with one or two areas at a time; to determine their particular needs, assess the cost, and decide how it is to be met. Erosion caused by denudation of the higher forest and bush lands leads in turn to serious precipitation of water-borne soil to the lower reaches, with consequent channel variations, and it is the settlers in the latter areas who are calling out for help. For years they have had to contend with circumstances from which they see no relief yet, despite the heavy rating of their lands. A speeding up of the investigation of this increasing menace would be welcomed by everyone who has had experience of the disastrous effects of uncontrolled waters. The subject calls for the most urgent remedial measures and should rank among the major undertakings of the Administration.