THE FLOODS.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 104, 6 May 1907, Page 4

THE FLOODS.

The Mayor and Councillors of Palmerston Borough Council visited the head works at Tiritea on Saturday.. They were pleased to find that very liitle damage had been done by the floods. A slip of considerable magnitude came down and struck the corner of the dam, bat did not do any serious damage. The water overflowed the sft by-wash, which was net sufficient to carry the vast volume of water away. Some valves are now in position, and the material for fixing the screens is on the grounds, and will immediately be placed in position. The sides of the dam are to be scraped' and prepared for receiving the supply of water which it is hoped to store. The pipe track is being prepared for the 15-inch, pipes to connect with the dam; several portions will require concrete pillars to carry the pipes. The ford at the foot of the hill is in a dangerous condition, and consequently is dangerous to the main supply of pipes from the dam. This will necessitate a bridge being erected to carry the pipos over and ensure a continual' supply of water. Near the Kaimnga. Council's bridge the Engineer recommends an independent oridge being erected bo as to prevent any possible danger to the other bridge. It isgested that the structure to be erected shall be overhead, as already reported upon. A recent visit was made by the Mayor, Cr. Nash (Chairman of the Reserves Committee), and Cr. Stubbs, to the portion of the river bank extending from the old racecourse to the Rifle Butts. It was found that the river bad encroached to the extent of 20 chains along' the bank causing extensive damage. During the- time the Mayor and Councillors were standing there large portions of the bank were being* carried away, which proves that the river has been higher on this occasion than it has been for many years. It had overflowed its banks at the old racecourse and was running into the lagoon. Further damagewas also noticed for about three chaina adjacent to the Esplanade where the river had flowed hard into the; bank for about three chains, carrying away the large willows and also a large shingle bank recently accummulatod. The river bank was also inspected on the eastern side of Fltzr-herbert-street. A considerable erosion ho 3 ■ taken place on the town side of the bridge. It was supposed that this was caused by > the shifting of a large totara log. This ■ will require immediate attention to protect ■ the approach of the bridge. Very little ' damage was done on the east of this to i Peter Gray's whare. Any damage that > was done was caused by willows being , allowed to grow too large and the pressure - of logs coming down.