HUTT RIVER FLOODS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8456, 16 June 1913, Page 9

HUTT RIVER FLOODS

protective works NECESSARY REPORT BY OVERSEER OP WORKS. The following report on the damage caused by the recent floods in the Hutt river, and the estimated cost of protective works necessary, has been received by the Hutt River Board from Mr E. Fisher, overseer of works: “The damage to works and erosion of land in several places occasioned by the high flood of May 2nd has extensively developed as a result of the two subsequent freshes of five feet during the last month. The places affegteu are at Hooper’s and Caleinais’s on the eastern side of the river and Hayward’s, Belmont Land Company’s and Gosse’s property on the western side of the river. At Hooper’s a portion of the works has been completely destroyed, and very considerable erosion of land has occurred, resulting in the river making a rather serious invasion of the land. The same thing has taken place at Calcinais’s, where the riverbank is nnprotected. SHINGLE DEPOSITS. “At both places, as a result of the high floods of the past two years, and particularly the last flood, the present river' channel has become so limited, through the congestion, and to such an extent, by shingle deposits on its .western side, as will cause the river to cut out a new channel through the lands to the east, and consequently the settlers there will sustain very considerable loss of land. From this source there can only be the remotest possibility of affecting the utility of the works protecting the interests ot the lower district. “I consider that the lower district and its works can be regarded as practically safe in the event ot a comnlete diversion of the river here from Its present course, as it would again revert to its present course at a point about 40 chains south from Hooper’s; but this diversion is sure to -esult in the loss of many acres of good land. DIVERSION OF RIVER. “X have provided in the estimates for the necessary works that are required to effectively check and prevent this diversion of the river and its consequences. “Respecting the eastern side of the river from Turner’s land to Mason’s Gardens, which is about 80 chains, and also in the upper district, I consider it expedient to effeotvely control this section, as it vitally affects the interests and works of the lower district, which must necessarily be conserved. Certain addtonal works are required there, which I have sufficiently provided for in the estimates and schedule of new works for the lower district. “On the western side of the river those chiefly affected are Hayward’s, Belmont Land Company’s, also.Gosse’s properties. The loss of land in ouch case is considerable, and the impending lose is still more serious. I have provided in the estimates for the necessary works required for the protection of .all the lands affected. LOSSES OP LAND. “The works are very urgently required, as deferring them will certainly result in heavy > losses of land. I would advise the board, in devising ways and means for carrying out the works (exclusive of that portion from Turner’s land to Mason’s Gardens), to adopt » policy of providing protection for both sides ot the river, as treatment of one side only would he at the expense of the other. In the event of provision being made to carry out the works in the upper district, it will be necessary to obtain some additional plant in order to expeditiously cope with the work, and I have provided foi this in the estimates. The allocation of new works as scheduled will necessarily be subject to modification consequent upon any alteration in the conditions of the river that are likely to occur. ESTIMATES. “The estimated cost of new works required in upper river district (exclusive of the area from Mason’s Gardens to Turner’s), and maintenance and extra plant referred to, is as follows: Eastern Side of River. “Bank protection works at Hooper’s and Calcinais’s—Groynes £l2Bl, coat of additional plant £3OO, maintenance of works £120; total, £l7Ol. Western Side of River. “Bank protection works at various places and groynes £1260, maintenance of works £80; total, £1330.’’