Northern Roads Slipping Away

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1938, Page 3

Northern Roads Slipping Away

Large tracts or land in the Hokianga County are reported by the county engineer, Mr L. S. Donnelley, to be on the move. As a result of recent floods, damage in these areas is very considerable, and it is almost impossible to estimate the ultimate outcome of the land movement, which tends to become one of the county’s main problems.

In his report to the monthly meeting of the county council this week Mr Donnelley said:— “A good deal of the work on side roads comprised the restoration after flood damage and consisted -in the removal of slips, repairs to subsidences and the opening of culverts and watertables. Damage to both highways and county roads resulting from the floods is in many cases of a very serious nature although not extensive. “The worst feature is that of subsidences which have occurred. The Narrows section presents a very serious problem as portions of the road are almost beyond repair without a large expenditure on the construction of a road built out on the mudflat. The whole of the country along this portion of the highway is on the move. Roads On The Move.

“Subsidences on side roads have occurred during or since the flood. Whole sections of the Runaruna road are on the move. An inspection of the damage was made by an officer of the Public Works Department and myself and an application is being made for a flood damage grant. “In many portions of the county the whole country would appear to be on the move and the nature of the damage is such that it is almost impossible to estimate the ultimate cost of repairs. In the meantime proposals are being prepared estimated to keep the roads open to traffic while the country

is moving as nothing of a permanent nature can be accomplished until final settlement has taken place. Soil Erosion Problem. “Another most serious aspect of the flooding problem is the small amount of rain required to inundate many sections of the county roads and highways. Primarily this is due to the soil erosion which is intensified by the topography of the country and the friable nature of the soil. This has the effect of raising the level of stream and river beds which cannot cope with the increased run-off, resulting in the flooding of the surrounding land.

“This is a problem of considerable magnitude and one likely to increase. As ,a start I would suggest that the council endeavour to take some steps to prevent further bush being felled not only on the high country but also on the lower slopes.”