To Guard Farmlands From River Erosion

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 152, 30 June 1936, Page 8

To Guard Farmlands From River Erosion

RANGiTIKEI SETTLERS SEEK GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE. An important meeting was held in the Town hall at Bulls yesterday morning, when settlers met, with the object of forming a River Board to protect from erosion and flooding of lands of the lower Rangitikei district, where rich river lands have been in some danger. Mr Alex. Stuart, member of tho Rangitikei County Council, presided, and also in attendance were: Mr C. L. Hunter, M.P. for Manawatu, and Mr Ormond Wilson, M.P. for Rangitikei; Mr S. A. R. Mair, Rangitikei County engineer, and Mr Richardson, county clerk. There was an apology for Mr K. W. Dalrymple, chairman of tho council. About 30 others attended. Mr Mair displayed plans of the Rangitikei river, and of the work necessary, and Mr Richardson explained the procedure necessary to constitute the County Council as a river board.

A Lesson to Learn. Mr Hunter addressed the meeting, and declared that much money had been wasted in past years over other rivers through tho multiplicity of control boards. The Government had placed tho protection of river fiat lands in the forefront of its public works pfclicy and he thought the question of control of the Rangitikei river was one for a comprehensive Government scheme. The member said he felt quite satisfied the Government would take the matter in hand if that was the settlers’ desire. The following motionn wore carried unanimously: — “That this meeting of settlers of the lower Rangitikei river request the Rangitikei County Council to urge the Government to formulate a comprehensive policy to regulate tho course of the Rangitikei river.” “That the Rangitikei County Council be asked to communicate with the •Manawatu County Council to obtain its co-operation.” A vote of thanks was accorded Messrs Hunter and Wilson, and also to Messrs Mair and Richardson for their attendance.