WAIHOPAI RIVER

Southland Times, Issue 18974, 22 June 1923, Page 5

WAIHOPAI RIVER

PROTECTIVE WORKS WANTED. MINISTER DECLINES A GRANT. Some time the Southland League through Messrs J. F. Lillicrap and C. J. Brodrick, made representation to the Hon. G. J. Anderson regarding the question of providing protective works along the banks of the Waibopai River in vicinity of Collingwood. Mr Anderson, in due course, brought these representations to the notice of the Hon. J. G. Coatee, Minister of Public Works, who has now replied to the following effect?— “The District Engineer reports that a few months ago several very high tides were experienced, which resulted in the flooding of a considerable area of tow-lying land on the banka of tbe Waibopai River in the neighbourhood of tbe North Road. The tides being higher than has been the case for a number of yean, the residents affected, some of whom suffered considerable damage, hold the belief that tbe height of the tide has been raised by tbe reduction of the tidal area due to tbe construction of the recJamstion embankments in the harbour. “The Dunedin City Engineer, however, advises that the highest tide level reentry attained is practically identical with the highest tide levels he obtained twelve or thirteen years ago, when carrying out survey works in that locality. “The flooding experienced fa principally on the north bank of tbe river, as for the most part the ground is high on tbe south bank and the general ground level at the places of overflow fa 2ft lower than the highest tide. About one mile of embankment would be required on tbe north bank to keep out the tide and at the present time there exists somewhat over half a mile of bank at the lowest portions. This bank is very old and appears to have been totally neglected since its construction. The level of the top is now slightly tower than tbe highest tide level and the District Engineer is of opinion that the increase in flooding complained of by the resodeote is due to the progressive decay of thia embankment and to no other factor.

“A meeting of residents and settlers along the bank of the river recently decided to form a River Board to improve conditions generally, not only where the present tide water flooding occurs, but up as far as Woodlands, approximately 12 miles. “The prevention of the tidal flooding, which is estimated to cost £920, fa tbe work requiring most immediate attention and it is towards this that a Government subsidy is requested. “The matter has been carefully considered, but in view of the fact that practically all the land affected is held under freehold tenure and its protection, therefore, is a matter solely for the attention of tbe owners and local body interested, I regret I am unable to see my way to authorise a Government contribution.”