Main Drain Outlet at Rangiotu

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 189, 12 August 1936, Page 3

Main Drain Outlet at Rangiotu

NEED FOR FLOODGATES TO CHECK SERIOUS EROSION ‘‘Owing to erosion taking place to the side batters of the Alain drain at Rangiotu the stability of the main highway which runs parallel to the drain has becomo a matter of concern,” stated a report submitted to yesterday’s meeting of the Alanawatu County Council by the county engineer (Air. H. V. Bond). The report went on to set out that the trouble arose from the backing up of flood waters in the Oroua and Manawatu rivers. The action of the flow of the river water, either up or down the drain, had contributed largely to the erosion and slipping in of the banks and it was, therefore, con sidered that floodgates should be erected near the mouth of tho drain to’ check the ingress and egress of river water. The engineer had, in his plans, provided for eight gates which would operate at the slightest difference in the level between the inner and outer waters. With the exception of the doors and the overbridge the whole of the structure would be of reinforced concrete. He was unable to say whether or not piles would be necessary anil accordingly submitted tho following alternative estimates: — Cost of floodgates with concrete pile foundations £2300 Cost of floodgates without concrete pile foundations .. .. £I7OO Dealing with the drain, the engineer stated that the batter was at present far too steep and he estimated that the rebattering of the drain and shifting the road, together with drainage for a total length of 79 chains, would be £2950. When tho report was before the council a deputation comprising Alessrs F. J. Foster and E. C. Print, of the Sluggish River Drainage Board, was introduced by Cr. N. Alorcom. Air. Foster, chairman of the beard, said that his board was in favour of the erection of floodgates and he would like to compliment Air. Bond, the county engineer, on the plans he had prepared. The existing position demanded attention not only to check the damage suffered by the Alain drain through floods but to protect tho main highway. Illustrating tho effect of the flood waters, Mr. Foster said that in a recent flood dead sheep were carried up the Alain drain a distance of four miles from Rangiotu. The board was unable to afford any great help and was appealing to tho council to do something. ‘‘l understand,” said Cr. W. E. Barber (chairman), “that you arc prepared to contribute up to 50 per cent, of the cost of the proposed work.” “I beg your pardon,” said Air. Foster, “what I did say was that my board was unable to contribute any big sum, such as 50 per cent., towards the cost.” Air. Foster went on to say that his board might be prepared to find a third of the cost. Cr. Barber remarked that it could hardly bo expected that the council should be asked to contribute a big amount for a work in a small corner of the county. He admitted the need for something to be done but thought (hat those benefiting should be asked to contribute and in any case he thought a special rating area would have to be formed. It was all a question of finance and from the county’s point of view tho council was more concerned about the highway. Replying to the chairman, Air. Foster said that his board was unanimously in favour of the scheme but it was all a matter of finance. The council, said the chairman, would be prepared to place the position before the Alain Highways Board so long as it had the backing of the Sluggish River Board. If it came to a pinch, Would the River Board be prepared to go fifty-fifty on the £I7OO scheme? “We might,” said Air. Faster, “but I cannot commit my board.” “Is this scheme going to be beneficial to the farmers in the locality?” asked tho chairman. “Yes—certainly,” replied Air. Foster. “Well, why don’t they get into it and show us what they are prepared to do,” remarked tho chairman. Cr. Barber suggested that the Sluggish River Board indicate in a letter what it is prepared to do and this would then enable the council to take the matter up with the Alain Highways Board. The discussion closed with tho Sluggish River Board representatives agreeing to set out in a letter the extent to which the board was prepared to go in having tho floodgates erected and the council agreeing to drive a test pile to ascertain whether piles would be necessary.