WAIROA RIVER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 160, 4 July 1918, Page 4

WAIROA RIVER

BREACH AT BRIGHTWATER

DEPUTATION TO COUNTY COUNCEL.

A deputation of a dozen residents of Brightwater, accompanied by Mr T. A. H. .Field, M.I J ., waited- on. the Wiaimea County Council to-day in. reference to the overflow of the Wairoa River at Brightwater. Mr E. Fairey said that private and railway property was in danger. After the recent breach he had' 13 inches of water in his house. He considered the Public Works or Railway Department was to blame for blovking the water. The wall that was erected did not stand the test. The deputation wished the Council to help an having the wall reinstated in such a manner as to stand' against a big flood. (He understood that people on the other side of the river threatened _ action if the wall was replaced, but did not consider they had any ground for action. The people in the township were in ieopardv every time the river rose. The chairman, said the. point was the present liability rather than what had happened in the past.'The Council was asked by the Government to give an indemnity, and this was- blocking the question. . _, Mr Fairey did not think the Government had any right to ask for an indemnity. Ha thought the people ot Brightwater interested' would contribute to the cost of reinstating- the wall. ■•Mr T. A. H. Field, M.P., said all would agree that •unless) something was done the township of Brightwater was liable to be carried away. The matter was a most serious one for Brightwater. He had not the slightest doubt the -Government would have gone, on with t*ie wall had it not been blocked by the attitude of the people on the other side of the river. He hoped the Council would do all it could to help the .people of Brightwater. The Council should ascertain the legal position. ,Mr. Fairey said the deputation conlaidored the Government .should take the whole of the liability. . Cr. Hewetson. said those interested should take the liability. The responsibility for indemnity should be shared' all round. / Mr Field 'considered there whs a very good prospect of the Government making a grant, but he did not thjnk_ the Government would accept the liability. The chairman said the Council would consider the matter and communicate with Mr-Fairey.. . The deputataon thanked, the Council for receiving-it and withdrew. The Chairman-moved and it was -carried, that provided the settlers interested will indemnify the 'Council in respect of half the damages that may- accrue from the re-erection of the stop-bank on the banks of the Wairoa River, .at-. Brightwater, the Council will -indemnify, the Government against all actions for damacres in terms of its letter of 12th April, I§lß. -