Settlers Work Hard To Counter Flood

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 265, 9 November 1945, Page 2

Settlers Work Hard To Counter Flood

There was not a great deal of damage done by the cent flood in the Manawatu River and its tributaries, thanks to the good work of the settlers who worked untiringly at the stopbanks, sandbagging the weak spots, it was reported to the Makerua Drainage Board yesterday by the engineer, Mr. O. J. Dolan, who added that if it had not been for the efforts of these people, the situation would have been infinitely more serious for the Tokomaru stream was held within its banks only by hard work. Trustee J. D. Aitchison presided over Trustees S. H. Claridge, H. Sanies, I. Croad, N. B. Gibbons, L. J. Vile and W. M. Williams. The clerk reported there were no outstanding rates from last year. Mr. Aitchison said that it was imperative that an assistant be obtained tor the overseer, Mr. Tucker, for as all members of tho board knew, Mr. Tucker had too much to do and in the case of his falling ill there was no one to whom the responsibility could be deputed. The chairman suggested that an ex-serviceman be obtained, and if he was willing to shoulder some of the responsibility his remuneration could be made larger. The monthly report from Mr. Tucker was read. The overseer stated that the break in the stopbank on Kara ,Creek, which occurred on October 29, had since been repaired, approximately 96 yards of spoil being carted from Shannon and rammed in solidly. During last month Wall’s drain was cleared and about 60 chains of Smith’s drain was completed before the floods stopped the work for some time. The outlets of Seifert’s and Ross’ drains were silted up by the recent flood and they were being attended to. The engineer, Mr. Dolan, reported that the flame thrower had been tested, and in his opinion it would be fairly useful for eradicating young willow shoots, but for mature foliage it was doubtful if any advantage could be gained by its use. A test had, however, been made, and the results were being watched.