PUBLIC OPINION.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 280, 4 December 1907, Page 5

PUBLIC OPINION.

[The Editor cordially invites communications on all subjects of public interest. Full and free scope will be given to all shades of opinion for the discussion of any matter which may be legitimately discussed in a daily newspaper, the Editor, however, not holding himself responsible for the opinions his correspondents may express. All that is asked is that letters be terse and to the point.] THE QUESTION OF THE RIVERS. BANK CONSERVATION AND FLOOD WATERS To the Editor Manawatu Daily Times Sir, —This is a question of vast importance to the whole of the Manawatu, and I am very pleased to see that it is being dlscusscd in the press and by public bodies. The establishment, however, of a new taxing machine is a very serious question., and ere it is a reality, the ratepayers will ponder for some time yet. Engineering botches too numerous to mention in this district have developed caution and shrewdness with the large majority of the people. For instance, look a* Hokowhitu pretective works—a farcical travesty on engineering; the protective works at the racecourse some years ago, equally burlesque, and the extension of the waterworks, etc. There can be no doubt that sbme comprehensive scheme of local government of these matters with special powers to deal with both the Manawatu and Oroua rivers is a desideratum. Stopbanks.—There would appear to be two ways of dealing with the flood waters. The first is the stopbank system. Yes, the stopbank will keep back the flood water, but with what ultimate result—certainly the arrest of nature, fraught with consequences of a very serious character in an alluvial district. The natural order of things in delta rivers is the general raising of levels of the river beds and banks by the flood waters charged with enormous quantities of suspended matter. Thus alluvial country is created. The effect of the stopbank is to stop this operation, with the result that the protected area quickly works into holes and becomes subject to greater depths of flood water than ever. As showing the rapidity with which the levels are increased, I measured about 30 acres lately, where the silt had raised the surface level an average of 2ft 6in in one flood, and I know of many places where the tops of the fences have been covered in a few years. By such instances we can appreciate the enormous benefit accruing to the Makeruru, Moutoa and other affected districts within the confines of the rivers question, by the process of silting up and general consolidation. It is clear that if we bank along the whole course of these rivers, we attempt to arrest the whole course of nature. An apparently reasonable theory- is that by raising the -levels of the river banks, the velocity is thereby increased to such an extent that scouring takes place and increases the section area of the river sufficiently to keep the flood water within the banks. Considerable doubt exists in my mind as to the soundness of the theory when I have seen the Manawatu in high flood with from one to three feet of water rushing over its banks for a length of about 20 miles, culminating in two vast sheets of water in some places quite nine feet deep. Relief Channels.—lf an adequate overflow channel can be procured at a cost that will bring the scheme within the scope of practice, then undoubtedly such a project will'commend itsself to all. The effect of the channel would bo to lower permanently the general flood levels of both rivers and thus settle the question for all time. In 1895 I first suggested a channel to start from a point nearv Moutoa, connecting with the Manawatu river close to Foxton. This direction suggested iteelf because of the difficulty in securing a suitaable debouch which I then thought could only be got at the river near Foxton. I am, however, now satisfied ttliat the flood water could be discharged into the sea coast lake with no other result than the enrichment of large areas of now useless country, chiefly white sand. In this case the channel should in my opinion tap the Manawatu a - little below the Puketotara trig station, and thence run in a westerly direction to the lakes in question situate a few miles north of Foxton. There are no physical difficulties to contend with as the route would be through soft, sandy country. I suggested this plan some years ago at a public meeting in Palmerston, and to bring the scheme within the region of practice pointed out the necessity of an Act of Parliament confering special powers on a Relief Channel Board, including those of borrowing and rating.—l am, etc., ROBT,. EDWARDS.

"CROOKED RUNNING" IN

DENMARK.

To the Editor Manawatu Daily Times.

Sir,—ln reply to I have to gay that the cow and not the horse is the dominant feature of the Danish landscape. In my travels through that country I saw do racecourses. Ido not think "the sport of Kings" ranks as a national pastime in Scandanavian countries. The cow is the "good thing" upon which everybody is prepared to put his money. But there is crooked running even on the cow track, because, as I previously pointed out, much Siberian butter is pushed into Freetrade England labelled "best Danish."—! am, etc.,

PIERCE O. FREETH.

THE STATE OF DENMARK.

To the Editor Manawatu Daily Times,

Sir, —What was it Hamlet remarked about the state of Denmark? Joining issue with "H.B."s" curiosity, will Mr Freeth also enlighten us as to how the lottery under State control is conducted in that economical country, which is not overrun —to ravage by hostile incursions—by a host of fanatical sects.—l am, etc.,

SOUR KASM.