THE LURE OF THE RIVER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17945, 2 May 1928, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE LURE OF THE RIVER.

HUTS AND FLOODS. In the Butler’s Road area close to Pleasant Point the first river-hut owner was Mr Cris. Porter, the architect to the Education Board, who some twenty-four years ago discerned the halcyon charm of a sequestered spot on the banks of the Opihi, where the conventionalities of town life could be disregarded and the simple life indulged in “ad libitum.” He was followed by another disciple of Isaac Walton in the person of Mr A If. Boys,- who became enamoured of the ineffable joy experienced in the pursuit of the elusive Salmo Fario. These enthusiasts did not long enjoy the splendid isolation that at one time appeared to be theirs, for their example was in due time followed by Messrs. Knott, G. Reid, E. G. Kerr, Dr. Gunn and a dozen others who had an appreciation of the splendid opportunities afforded for a genuine loaf in the out-of-doors amid . the enthralling beauties of arresting landscape and murmuring stream. The river-liut. habit has taken a strong hold of the city man; for it enables him to shed his business cares, to worry quietly about the money he hasn’t got, to afford wife and children a complete change from the monotonous round of home routine and incidentally himself to get away from the. irritation of being told not to forget to clean his boots on the mat before entering the house. From its estuary to Hanging Rock the banks of the Opihi are now well sprinkled with the rustic habitations, of river devotees that re-echo the* joy-notes of the care-free housewife, the sweet prattle of young children and the merry jest of youth and maid. It is here that paterfamilias can be seen fully extended in the exercise of a large-hearted selfforgetfulness when shouldering the responsibilities incidental to the preparation of the family meal. Right here can be seen the rewelding of the links of the golden chain that inextricably bind husband and wife in the sweet association of family life that is a bulwark of Empire. For years the rivers of South Canterbury have been liable to flood, but in recent times the loss occasioned has been minimised by the excellent protective works that help to control tlie fast flowing streams.. The most devastating flood experienced within the memory .of living .man was that of 18 68, when enormous damage was done and many human lives lost. In March, 1903, the Opihi after heavy rains rose quickly and flooded all the low-lying country between Pleasant Point and Seadown. The water was three feet deep in the house of the Water Race Ranger, Mr George Crozier, and extensive damage was done to stacks and the stooked grain of the farmers who were late with their harvesting operations. Although this flood did not occasion loss of life, it was the worst experienced since the great ’6B disaster. In 1924 tlie waters of the Opihi rose rapidly, forcing all hut-dwellers to abandon their picturesque habitations. In thei Butler’s Road area so precipitate was the flight of the hut-dwellers that valuables and money were abandoned. At this time a well-known Timaru resident, liis wife and children were among those who made a quick removal. Their exodus was facilitated by a good Samaritan permanently resident in that district who conveyed the party to a place of safety in a cart. During transit the lady was heard to remark to her husband: ; “George, did you take those brown pants from behind the door?” George replied: “No I didn’t touch them!” The lady then exclaimed: “Well, there is £25 in the pocket.” At this stage the good Samaritan chipped in and assured the lady that there was no likelihood of anyone jaking the pants under existing conditions and that lie would return and secure the money. Having got back to the hut shortly afterwards and secured the cash, he restored it to the owner. Two days after this flood the hut-dwellers could he seen busily engaged in shovelling the .silt from their river homes.

Further Interesting Reminiscences.— See Pleasant Point news on Page 14. Swans were found frozen in the river Trent at Burton-on-Trent at. New Year. A boy crept on the ice and broke it, freeing the birds. Red oxide of lead, petroleum, sienna, and carbon are some of the chemicals used in manufacturing beauty creams and other aids to “make-ups.” After completing ten years’ service without being involved in any accident for which they are held to blame, the drivers of vhe London General Omnibus Company are to receive a gold medallion from the National Safety First Association.