LAKE ROTOKARE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1923, Page 6

LAKE ROTOKARE.

BURSTING OF DAM. COUNTY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION. The recent flooding of the Mangaotuku stream, caused by the bursting of the dam at Lake Rotokare. was discussed by the Taranaki County Council yesterday and a claim for damages to the council’s property caused by the flood is to be made to the New Plymouth Borough Council which controls the reserve. In his report the overseer (Mr. G. Meredith) referred to the matter and stated that this was the second time within 18 months that the filling across the Mangaotuku stream on the old Omata Road had been washed out through the breaking away of portion of the dam at the lake.

The chairman (Mr. J. S. Connett), after speaking of the damage caused to the council’s property, referred to the possibility of serious damage being done in the borough, especially to new buildings in course of erection, by reason of the flooding of the stream. Something should be done to minimise this danger. Councillor S. Vickers suggested that the council should make a claim on the New Plymouth Borough Council for damages. The reserve was in their charge and the dam which had been erected was a most amateur thing. He sympathised with those who desired to improve the amenities of the town, hut any works in the nature of dams should be done by experts or under their supervision. The dam was not strong enough, he said, to hold back such a volume of water, particularly when the wind caused waves to beat against it. What struck him as being most absurd was the proposal to build a wooden block across the gap so as to raise the water another three feet to allow of boating. He thought that in justice to their ratepayers they should make the claim.

Councillor A. Martin agreed. The work at the lake had been done at considerable expense, about £3OO, but the actual work was badly done and showed lack of judgment. Their claim for damages would also draw attention to the danger of blocking streams. Other councillors were of the same opinion and it was decided to make the claim as soon as the value of the damage had been estimated.