RIVER CONTROL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 100, 28 March 1939, Page 8

RIVER CONTROL

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD. EXTENSION OF AREA. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North River Board was held yesterday, the Mayor (.Mr A. E. Mansion!) presiding. Those also present were Trustees W. Anderson, J. T. J. Heatlcy, Jos. Batchelar, W. Mouldcy, and IV. R. Hoperoft. Ixiave of absence was granted to Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., who is visiting Australia. Replying to a letter from the board regarding the setting up of a commismission to go_ into the matter of extending the river board area, Mr J. Wood (Engineer-in-Chief to the Public Works Department) said lie was not yet in receipt of any plan indicating the board’s proposals. When Mr Sharp (Public Works Department engineer} had been in Palmerston North, it was mentioned that a proposal indicating a definite area would require to bo submitted so that settlers in the proposed area should be given full opportunity to bo heard by the commission.

The peculiar part about this letter was that the Minister had promised to do the work proposed, said the chairman. He would like to know what the commission was going to cost the board. They did not want to make an application for a commission unless they knew what the position was in regard to rating. When the deputation waited on the Minister he had gained the impression that they could extend their area under a special section. He wanted to know whether it would make any difference to the present basis of rating. The chairman’s motion that advice be sought on the cost of the commission was carried. The reconciliation statement showed a debit balance of £2l 5s sd. The board received advice, in reply to representations made to the Minister of Finance (Hon. W. Nash) that, with respect to rates on Crown properties let on weekly tenancies, commencing with the rates for the rating year 1939-40, the arrangement in force with regard to borough rates on such properties would be extended to apply to river board rates on. such properties. Mr Mnnsford said lie had interviewed the Minister some time ago and the Government had now agreed to place the river board rates on the same basis as borough rates. . . It was decided to thank the Minister. FOREMAN’S REPORT. Mr A. Lane (foreman of works), in his report, stated in relation to Gosling’s bend east, that the reconstruction of No. 4 groyne had been completed. Its length is 110 feet and the cast £2lB. In addition to the above work the three existing groynes had been strengthened and made more efficient at a cost of £3O. A number of logs obstructing the desired course of the river above these groynes had been removed. On completion of the groyne work at Gosling’s East, the plant had proceeded downstream to Mcßae’s bend and had commenced dismantling the damaged portion of No. 5 groyne. The booms on this section were showing signs of decay and were not suitable for the reconstruction of this portion. The majority of the existing groynes at this bend were showing as much as 5 feet of opening between the lower boom and the water. The timber licing removed from the groyne mentioned was being used for this low work. As there was only sufficient boom timber to complete a portion of this work, it would still be necessary to haul the balance of the timber required from the river while the plant was at hand. During the month, one plant had been chiefly engaged on hauling groyne timber from the river. Several good logs had been hauled on the City Council’s foreshore and Gosling’s bend; any timber not suitable for the works in the vicinity of the hauling obstructing the course of the river was being blasted and removed. At present quite a number of logs were still available, and it was advisable while the river and weather conditions continued, to proceed with this work. The casting of the 12 concrete booms was well in hand. To date nine poles had been completed. Several fences on tlie low levels had received attention to prevent stock from damaging the willow plantations.”—Received.