The River Avon.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7065, 17 January 1891, Page 3

The River Avon.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, — It is high time the notice of the public was drawn to the unsatisfactory state of the upper portion of the river Avon from a rowing point of view, and something done to remedy the evil. Almost every other stroke you take your oar is either catching on the mud banks or grating upon the shingle at the bottom. When the old mill dam at Lane's mill was in existence there was always plenty of water for a good row. If my memory serves me aright this dam was removed by the city authorities because some of the ratepayers were under the impression that it was the cause of their cellars becoming flooded when the river was running high owing to heavy rains. I would suggest the erection of lock-gates. These could be opened at flood time, and so obviate any danger to the cellars. As the civic authorities demolished the old mill dam for the benefit of a few ratepayers, I think it iB only fair they should erect lock-gates for the benefit of the other ratepayers using the river, whose name is legion, and thus serve both parties. Trusting no time will be lost in taking up this mo3t important matter,— lam, &c, OARSMAN.