RANGITATA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 7674, 22 January 1918, Page 1

RANGITATA.

RIVER EROSION. Air W. Nosworthy, M.l’., has received Uu> following Idler from the Minister. lor Railways ; With reference to your letter of Oclober 21Mh last, forwarding comm uni - ml ion received by y,ou from Mr .1. R. Drodie, of Raiigitata, relative to the erosion of the banks of the Rangilala river, I have the honour to inform you that inquiries indicate, 'that extensive protective works, designed to prevent the Raiigitata river from breaking down its banks and (lowing further 'to the south, were undertaken by the Railway Department in 167-0, and again in 1887. The principal works were situated three miles up the river from whore the railway crosses it, ami minor works, also put in. in 1887, are distant about- one mile from the railway bridge. The protective works nro atilt in good order, and arc serving the purpose lor w hfedi they were designed. The river, after traversing the bill country, is divided into two branches by an island, which, with the exception, of a break of some two and a half miles below its upper end, extends from a point about four and a halt miles above the railway crossing -almost (to the sea. The north branch usually carries (ho larger volume of water, although at present the river is equally divided between the north and south branches. In the opinion of the respoustbtd ollicers of the Railway Department there is no reason to fear any damage to, the railway works o >n, account of changes in, the river, which arc due to the ordinary fluctuations'of'shiiig|fe rivers. '.\( any time tbo greater volume of water may return to the north branch. The Railway Department is in no way responsible forthe changes in those two streams, and if (he settlers on the south side are suffering damage from erosion of the river banks it is not a matter for which (ho Department is in any way liable.