Protection Against River Flood Damage

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 187, 8 August 1941, Page 8

Protection Against River Flood Damage

MANAWATU-OROUA BOARD DISCUSSES MEASURES

tl Ratepayers in the upper reaches may perhaps ask how tho Whirokino Cut can benefit them, but it is the foundation cut and I have at various times expressed tho opinion that an initial scheme of works, such as was brought out in 1939 by Mr. A. P. Grant (of the Public Works Department), spreading benefits along the river from Manga wliata to the sea, was necessary, equitable and a sound business venture to the ratepayers,” said Mr. J. Callesen, chairman of the Manawatu-Oroua RivetBoard, when improvement proposals wero being discussed by the board yesterday.

1 • This scheme, ’ ’ Mr. Callesen proceeded, “would shorten the Manawatu by Hi miles, or 25 per cent., and such reduction in length should relieve the whole flood probeni and repay itsClf in at most five years. Further consideration of this scheme should perhaps be withheld meantime.”

Mr. Callesen reported that on Monday ho had accompanied Mr. Grant on an inspection of Whirokino. Mr. Grant had pointed out the proposed route, and tho speaker agreed that this was the correct one. When the cut was completed, the river would enter and leave with an easy sweep.

AIL, ratepayers in the board’s district wouul contribute towards tho cost, which was spread over five years, Air. Callesen added. A farm in No. 4 subdivision with 190 acres in the rating area would pay in all £25, or £5 per year.

In addition to Air. Callesen, there were present at the meeting Alessrs. W. S. Carter, S. Parsons, W. Jackson, H. Seifert, B. G. Gower, W. H. Barrow and R. J. Law.

Replying to a request for a further £IOOO, £1 for £l, for flood damage, the Atinister of Public Works (Hon. H. T. Armstrong) said he understood tho money was chiefly required to builu spillways at Hamilton's Line, Dr. Walls’ and Dr. Bryant’s. The provision of spillways was sound in principle, but was a capital work and not flood damage repair. There was some doubt as to whether they would stand up to heavy overtopping without severe damage, and until tested out should be regarded as experimental. A spillway at Dr. Walls’ had been allowed for in the £.1500, £.l for £l, already granted to tho board, and this spillway should be built and tested before any others were erected. Regarding th.e other items included in the board’s application, the raising of Buckley’s stopbank at Spiers’ was quite sound in principle but was not a flood repair; the stopbanks on the left bank of the Oroua near Rangiotu could not be regarded as,permanent stopbanks and any repairs should be undertaken by the board as maintenance; while extras on the cost of repairs at Alangaore Stream should be covered by the contingency item. Under the circumstances, the Minister regretted that he could not give any further subsidy. The chairman expressed regret that the board’s request had been refused, as it had been tho desire to do the work in such a manner that it was less likely to break in future. Nothing could be more distasteful than doing work which was likely to bo inadequate. Ratepayers would appreciate the board’s ditiicuitics.

Tho Alakerua Drainage Board wrote asking the board if it would consider allotting the Alakerua Board a portion of the Government subsidy receivable, for the purpose of assisting Alakerua in tho matter of reinstatement work at Stewart’s outlet. In view of the fact that the Makerua Board had made a further application to the Government, the master was held over. A letter from the Bryant Estate, Moutoa, drew attention to serious erosion on the property of the estate. The last flood, it was stated, had taken chains of the river bank, which was still falling in, and it would not be long before the erosion reached the new stopbank which had been built a short time ago. Immediate attention was necessary as. the river threatened to go straight through tho land recently purchased by the Government. The seriousness of the position was appreciated by the board, which decided that the chairman and Messrs. Gower and Carter should inspect the locality, with power to authorise the planting of a protective screen of trees. The Makerua Drainage Board is to be asked to remove the willows on tho left bank of the river abovo tho site of tho old Shannon bridge, up to a point to be decided by Air. Grant and the board’s engineer (Air. H. R. Farquhar).