River Control

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7193, 27 June 1933, Page 8

River Control

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD MEETS Trustee J. Batchelor was in the chair at yesterday’s meeting of the Palmerston North River Board. Aiso present were Trustees G. Tremaine, J. Hodgcns, R. L. C. Aitcliison, AV. Anderson and AV. R. Hopcroft. An apology for abseneo was received from the chairman, Mr A. E. Mansford. Work of the Month The engineer, Mr E. Fisher, reported on the month’s operations as follows: Fitzroy Diversion Channel. No. 2 plant has completed the construction of No. 5 regulation groyne. The length of this groyne is 220 feet and the cost is 265 15s 4d, at the rate of 24s 2d a foot. Since tho completion of this groyns both plants have been engaged on the construction of the basework of No. 4 regulation groyne, and this work is nearing completion. No. 2 plant will then proceed with the construction of an extension of the groyne at Gosling’s bend west, as provided foi in this year’s estimates. Some repair work is required to the punt of No. 1 plant, and this will be undertaken on completion of No. 4 groyne basework. AVith this plant it is then intended to proceed with the construction of the groyne work on the right bank above Child Bros.’ shingle works, as authorised. In the meantime a supply of bluo gum piles sufficient for the requirements for this year’s programme of groyne work will have to be procured. Relief AVork. —The work done under this heading consisted chiefly of willow planting. For the past month a plantation on Durden’s and Gosling’s foreshore, about 30 chains in lengtn and ono length in width, has been completed and fenced. In addition a start has been made with tho work of planting an area parallel with the groyne system on tho northern side of Fitzroy diversion channel. The willows for planting this area are being obtained from the plantation below the Esplanade. An average of 32 men have been employed each week for the past month; 22 on willow planting, six on groyne construction and four on repairs of Stuart’s protection work. Stuart’s Protection AVorks.—As the result of the recent high flood a section of these works were seriously damaged. These works are immediately outside the board’s district, and were jointly constructed about six years ago by Mr Stuart; the Kai ranga County Council and the River Board provided supervision only. However, regarding tho urgent repairs required, Mr Stuatr applied to me for assistance from the bond. I consulted the chairman on the matter and under the circumstances, we deemed it advisable to render some assistance, and decided to supply one experienced man and four No. 5 scheme men to effect the necessary repairs. I -therefore ask the board to endorse my action taken in this matter. Tho work has been completed at a total cost of about £ofi, of which the board contributed £-.2 12s 9d in wages. General. —Since last meeting the highest flood since August, 1932, was recorded on May 29 last, registering 12 feet 3 inches above summer level. It is satisfactory to note that none of the works within tho board’s district sustained any damage.. A little erosion occurred just outside tho lower boundary of tho district below the old racecourse, and the damage to Stuart’s works, as referred to, being also outside the district. There is .a very marked improvement in the river channel, particularly at Fitzroy and the old racecourse, effected by the system of regulation groynes through flood action. During my leave of absence Mr Gilmore has ably carried out his duties, and I desire to express my sincere thanks to him.”—The report was adopted and the engineer’s action at Stuart’s works was confirmed. It was agreed to accept a tender of 2s per cwt. for willows from a basket worker. Mr Gilmore, acting-engin-eer, said the applicant would accept up to four tons of tho material. Members expressed gratification at Mr Fisher’s recovery from his illness. Although unable to attend the meeting, Mr Fisher is now progressing satisfactorily. Mr Ilardie reported that rate notices would be issued on July 1. Trustee Tremaine suggested that the board should make provision for the growing of bluogums for its own use. They had previously been compelled to obtain supplies from localities some distance away, entailing considerable cots in transport. In a few years’ time, if they made a plantation, they would be able to use some of the wood for booms, etc. Trustee Tremaine suggested the planting of some of the land adjoining the river with gums. Trustee Hodgcns seconded the proposal to leave it in the hands of the engineer to make inquiries as to the possibilities of securing suitable land for making a plantation. Mr Hodgcns endorsed tho idea as being an excellent one, which should result in considerable savings to the board. The trees would not require a great length of time before they became serviceable. The speaker instanced some bluogums that were planted in Palmerston North in 1918, and to-day were fully 75 feet high and at least 2 feet in diameter.

Mr Gilmore said he thought the chief difliculty would be one of finance, but Trustee Tremaine said there would be little outlay required, and it was decided to make inquiries as to whether suitable areas would be available for planting.