EROSION MENACE OF THE MANAWATU RIVER

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7185, 4 April 1930, Page 10

EROSION MENACE OF THE MANAWATU RIVER

At Hamilton’s Line COMMUNICATIONS BY ROAD AND RAIL THREATENED ‘‘That the general manager of railways and the chairman of the Main Highways Board be written to regarding the menace to the railway on the Foxton-Palmerston North line, and also the FoxtonPalmerston North main highway, . caused by the enormously increased river erosion at Hamilton’s line, and asking that the matter be referred to the engineers concerned to report."

The above is the test of a resolution passed by the Mauawatu-Oroua River Board yesterday after considering the uicnaco constituted to road and rail communications by the increased erosion of the Manawatu river at Hamilton's line. Members unanimously expressed concern at the danger of the position and the possibility of danger to both settlers and communications in tho event of another flood. In connection with the matter, Air. H. W. Beasley, district engineer of the Railway Department, waited upon the meeting to discuss tho position as it affects his department. “Wo arc certainly alive to tho danger, not only to road and railway, but to tho settlers, and immediately anything can be done wo will do it," said the chairman (Air. W. fc>. Carter) at the conclusion of the discussion. Tho board’s engineer (Air. F. C. Hay) stated that with Air. Beasley lie had that morning inspected tho erosion at Hamilton's lino and had explained the effect of probable floods upon the railway. Considerable Anxiety

The chairman stated that the matter was one which had been giving tho board considerable anxiety. Protective measures at this particular point were part of tho board’s modified scheme, but tho difficulty was that the Government so far would not authorise a subsidy to allow the work to bo carried out. Tho Minister of Public Works had promised to receive a further deputation from tho board when ho returned from his present tour of the Raglan district, and it was hoped that some satisfaction could be obtained. Mr. Beasley stated that the river bank where the erosion was taking place appeared to be higher than would bo the case when tho water eroded further. When tho erosion proceeded it appeared that even a small flood would precipitate a break in the bank, with consequent severe wash-outs in the line. Tho position would bo that tho railway would be affected by small floods, whereas in the past only tho big floods had caused serious trouble. Air. Carter: Undoubtedly the railway is going to suffer if tho position is not corrected, and unfortunately a number of ratepayers will suffer with the railway. The board is fully aware of the menace and has been trying to bring it homo to tho Government. Tho enginer pointed out that the main road was equally threatened with the railway line. Air. Carter stated that at a previous meeting Air. J. C. Harrison, who would bo one of tho first sufferers from floods at Hamilton’s line, had emphasised the danger of tho position. Air. Harrison stated that he was certain that, if the danger was not guarded against, tho- next floods would sever both road and rail communication for a considerable time. .

“We are hoping for better luck next timo wo go to the -Minister^ 3 said Mr. .Carter. “Wo certainly have some strong data to placo before him." Mr. B. G. Gower inquired, whether it would not bo possible to enlist the support of the Bailway Department and tho Main Highways Board when the board approached tho Minister. Mr. Beasley expressed the opinion that it would bo advisablo for the board to communicate with the general manager of railways (Mr. H. H. fetorling) and through him it would be placed before the chief engineer. At tho commission held threo years ago, tho speaker had given -evidence which really stated tho Railway Department’s case, b‘ut since then tho position had altered a little for tho worse.