DAMAGE BY FLOOD

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 219, 12 April 1933, Page 2

DAMAGE BY FLOOD

Ohura Local Bodies

MEETING AT NIHO NIHO

A meeting of the settlers who were affected by the recent flood and of _ the local bodies concerned was held at Niho Niho on Monday afternoon to estimate the damage done (about £10,000) with a view to seeking aid from the Government. Business included the determining of the steps to be taken regarding the clearing of the willows from the river banks, Mr. Denison, chairman of the Ohura County Council, presided over a meeting of 32. Among those present were Mr. J. Dawber, engineer of the Public Works Department at Ohura, Mr. H Seerup, county engineer, and Messrs. Renner and Tachelle, councillors for this district. , , . _ ~ Mr. Dennison described briefly the damage caused by the flood. The district had a very good leader m Mr. Dawber. Those settlers who suffered loss were asked to state their losses, which totalled about £2500. Estimates were; Mr. J. Hannan (Matiere) £SOO, Mr. C. F. Manning (Niho Niho) £335, Mr. A. Renner (Tuhua) £2OO, Mr. B. Salter (Matiei-e) £450, Mr. McAvady (Matiere) £2OO, Mr. T. McGovern (Matiere) £2OO, Mrs. Julian £IOO, Mr. W. Bennett £6O, Mr. J. O’Donnel £IOO, Mr. M. Hayward £25, Mr. Finer 30. Loss of bridges formed more than half the loss sustained. Many chains of fences were washed away, and cattle and sheep lost. About 200 sheep were lost, Mr. Manning being unluckiest. Mr. Dennison sympathised with the settlers. He would give all possible assistance. Unless the willows were removed they would be an ever-lasting source of trouble to the settlers along the river banks from Matiere to Toi Toi. Mr. Dawber said that 18 months ago he had reported to headquarters that it was desirable to have a relief camp in the neighbourhood to rid the banks of the willows. After the flood he put further stress on the necessity of their removal. He felt sure that a strong resolution from the meeting would materially help in founding a camp in the district If the settlers were prepared to help the camp with supplies of vegetables it might be the deciding factor. All bridges showed that the flood was Ift. Him higher than any other on record. Mr. Bruce pointed out that at one point on Mr. Manning's farm the river could be diverted along an old river bed, cutting off about 21 miles. That would help considerably in allowing the water to run freely. The county council estimated its loss at about £7OOO, six or seven bridges having been destroyed.

On Mr. Salter’s motion the county council was asked to approach the Government for a sum sufficient partly _to relieve the settlers for damage sustained in flood, and suggest that bridges and fences be erected under the supervision of the Public Works Department.

It was urged that a relief camp should bo formed at Niho Niho at the earliest possible moment for the purpose of hauling willows out of Ohura River between Niho Niho and Toi Toi.