RIVER CONTROL AND DRAINAGE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23323, 5 October 1945, Page 2

RIVER CONTROL AND DRAINAGE

Functions Of Ashburton County Council Will Be Assumed By Catchment Board The South Canterbury Catchment Board will take over the" river control and drainage function of the Ashburton County Council from March 31, 1946. This decision was made at a meeting of the Board at Timaru yesterday. In conformity with the request of the Ashburton Council, the Board will assume control immediately of the Ashburton-Hinds drainage scheme and the Hinds river control scheme. As far as compatible with the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act, 1941, the management of the water race system and any extensions to it, will remain with the County Council. These decisions were also made by the Board yesterday. “This marks an important step in the Board’s activities,” remarked the chairman (Dr P. R. Woodhouse), who explained that representatives of the Board had discussed the matter with the Council. On the motion of Mr H. G. Kemp, it was agreed to apply to the Secretary of the Treasury for a consenting order to borrow £lO,OOO from the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council to enable work to he started on the Ashburton-Hinds drainage scheme. “Residents have asked and demanded that this work be done,” said Mr W. H. Hall., “and we are going to do it only because it is urgent. 1 do not anticipate any difficulties.” On the motion of Mr Kemp, it was aecided to call a special meeting of ratepayers in the area as early as possible to hear the Board’s proposals. Attention of members was drawn to the serious nature of the flooding at Westerfield by Mr R. Buick. Thousands of acres were flooded and the health of the people was at stake, he said. Even the main trunk railway was being threatened. Stock had to be removed and the ( land remained waterlogged. Since the last floods large springs had opened up. This matter should receive the Board's immediate attention. The chairman: The engineer will investigate this and establish the priority of the work.