Erosion Threatens Shannon-Foxton Road

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 263, 5 November 1943, Page 3

Erosion Threatens Shannon-Foxton Road

The Manawatu County Council wrote to the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board yesterday iu respect of river erosion which threatens the Foxton-Shuiwou road at a point immediately south of the residence of Mr. 8. Barber, Moutoa. The Council urged that No. 2 Taupuuga cut be completed as the position looked very ugly and suggested a combined i deputation to the minister of Public Works. In liis report to the Board Mr. H. R. Farquliar, engineer, recommended the opening of No.-2 Cut. The rate of erosion near the roud would be rapid as the earthquakes caused blow holes aud cracks and discharged sand over an extensive area, showing that the country was unstable and easily eroded. Under those circumstances development of another Coley’s bend on the Moutoa side was far from improbable if steps were not taken to counteract it this summer. The chairman said the estimate of putting in No. 2 Cut was approximately £SOOO. No. 1 Cut was now taking 70 to 80 per cent of the liver which was hitting where No. 2 Cut should go. Mr. H. Seifert was of opinion that whatever was done it would be tantamount to a waste of money. No. 1 Taupunga was supposed to give relief to Coley’s bend, “but,-’ he said, “we see erosion as bad as ever.’’ It was only Mr. Seifert who saw nt good in the proposal. Mr. W. S. Carter said that if he was living in Makerua he wouid go for the cut 100 per cent. The engineer, Mr. Farquhar, thought No. 2 cut might go through for much less than £SOOO. Mr. Seifert: I don’t know of any place where a cut. has been any good. Mr. H. J. Lancaster said the only way out was to approach the Minister, a statement the Board agreed with. The delegates selected were Messrs ,T. Callesen, W. 8. Carter and H. Seifert and the Manawatu County Council is to be asked to invite representation from the Moutoa Drainage Board as well. The date for the deputation is November 32.