CONTROL OF MANAWATU

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6944, 25 June 1929, Page 10

CONTROL OF MANAWATU

River Board Activities

Operations of the Palmerston North RiveT board in tlie -Manawatu rivo have been retarded during the past. f C w weeks owing to unfavourable wcatkor and river conditions. lhc hoard met yesterday morning when there were present the Mayor (Mr A. .T. Graham). Trustees W. E. Fitzherbert Jos. Batchelar, \Y. R. Hopcroft. J. Hodgens, M. A. Eliott and W. Anderson. The eiiiffinoer (Mr E. Fisher) reportcl as follows on the work of the past month: — Mcßae's Bend: The work of restoring groynes (damaged by the recent flood? with heavy trees is in progress, but. owing to unfavourable weather and river conditions, operations generally have been much retarded. A letter of thanks from the board is due to .Mr Morgan and Mr Mcßae for the supply of trees required for the works. A quantity of blue gum piles and booms has been delivered, preparatory for the construction of groyne extensions as authorised. This work will be proceeded with as soon as the work in hand is completed. I then purpose undertaking the construction of the additional river channel regulation groynes as autlioriseid, but undetermined. I have definitely decided that two more oioyncs are essential to complete the system immediately in this bend, and one at a point just below Mr Anderson’s bend, being an extension of the system of groynes essential for the complete regulation of the river channel at Mcßae’s bend. The aggregate length of groyne work referred to is 550 foot lineai, and the estimated cost is £I,OOO. During the past month floods have accounted for more erosion in the upper part of this bend, and it is rather unfortunate being in the midst of flic flood season and bad weather, that these vital works cannot be expeditiously applied. Hopcroft’s erosion: The work of reconstructing the protection works here is necessarily slow due to adverse weather conditions and also having to haul the trees required a very considerable distance. However, sufficient trees have now been placed on the -site to complete the works which I hope will be done in the course of a week, lit connection with these works, one of the workmen accidentally sustained an injury to his left hand, necessitating medical and surgical treatment, and a claim for conipensantion has duly been made on an accident insurance company. The work of lifting the logs in the interest, of improving the river channel immediately below Fitzherbert bridge, and also in Fitzrov diversion channel has been satisfactorily completed and very appreciable results have accrued through subsequent floods a.s a direct result of these operations. The diversion of the river at Fitzroy bend continues to develop most favourably, and the reclamation of the old channel by flood deposit of silt and shingle is developing rapidly and with future floods this process will be greatly accelerated.

With reference to the additional groyne constructional plant as authorised, I am negotiating for the purchase of a second-hand punt; and in this connection matters have not been finalised. The same applies lo the purchase of a lifting winch ant engine, which are under offer artel will receive due consideration.

Three floods were recorded since your last meeting, on May 28, June S and 12 registering Gft., Bft. Gin., and 9ft. Gin. respectively, above summer level. All the works arc functioning satisfactorily. The only fresh erosion that occurred was in the upper portion of McRae’s bend as before mentioned.

The report was adopted. The secretary (Mr W. Ncivlands) reported a bank overdraft of £578 10s Sd. Rates outstanding and recoverable amounted to £791 37s sd.