MORE PROTECTION AT WRIGHT’S BANK URGED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18406, 7 March 1928, Page 16

MORE PROTECTION AT WRIGHT’S BANK URGED.

\Vright's bank. where the W'aimakariri River broke through and flooded the surrounding country last autumn. _is still the cause of great anxiety to residents in the locality. The bank, which is on the point of an elbow turn in the river, is the tactical defensive spot for the surrounding district for many miles. An inspection by members of the \K’aimakariri River Trust was conducted yesterday, a good deal of time being spent at Greig’s drain and at Wright's bank. At Greig’s drain an informal deputation waited on the trust with a request that the flood gates, destroyed in the autumn, be restored. The.deputation pointed out that flood waters from the VVaimakariri River backed up the drain and flooded the surrounding land to the detriment of crops. The service performed by the gates before they were washed'away had been invaluable. The matter will probably be discussed zt a later meeting of the trust Wright’s bank has already involved the trust in a great deal of expense, It was the central point in a big de‘ viation scheme through to'the Greig's drain outlet, which was thrown 'out some time ago by the ratepayers. At this point the protective work is at least two feet lower than the end of the adjoining permanent' groyne, yet it has to withstand the full force of the Waimakariri River ‘when in flood The inspection yesterday disclosed suspicious cracks in the bank, which will require to be repaired before the flood season begins in'the autumn, and local residents who also inspected the works were forceful in their opinion that the bank should be strengthened further and heightened to thevlevel of the permanent groyne. The River Trust will probably have an important statement to submit to a future meeting on the position at Wright's bank, arising. out of a professional report. The statement is being awaited with great interest, as it may involve a further proposal to the ratepayers to raise a loan to build the deviation from the bank through to Greig‘s drain.