EAST COAST FLOODS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 11

EAST COAST FLOODS

WAIPAOA RIVER PROBLEM HON. R. SEMPLE APPROACHED [by telegraph—own correspondent! GISBOUNE, Monday Settlers doss to the Waipnoa River whose properties arc? subject to flooding have taken some encouragement from 'the .recent announcement of the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Remple, that he intends to acquire legislative power to assist areas that have suffered from flood and erosion. Those settlers whose properties were heavily silted from last year's flooding have been up against severe handicaps ever since, and some have faced a whole summer with practically no productive capacity. In addition, thoy fear further floods when tlio dry spell breaks properly, for the experience of many otheiy dry spells is that they aro frequently followed by heavy floods. The position is being closely watched by the Waipaoa River Flood Relief Committee, and members hope that something will come of the Minister's Promise to investigate the position and to put forward some scheme that would o® of benefit to the affected areas. The committee has been in touch with the Minister, to whom two schemes have been suggested, one for a cut at tho mouth of the river and the other for straightening at four points in order to let the flow out to sea more Quickly,