WAIMAK, TRUST SCHEME EXPLAINED TO MEETING OF UNITED BURGESSES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18576, 26 September 1928, Page 3

WAIMAK, TRUST SCHEME EXPLAINED TO MEETING OF UNITED BURGESSES.

To lay before them the proposed scheme for holding the river in check, a deputation from the Waimakariri River Trust waited on the council of the United Burgesses’ Association last evening. Mr 11. YY. Harris, engineer of the Trust, who was accompanied by Mr A. D. Harvey, gave, with the aid of maps of the districts affected, a short account of the work which was to be undertaken. The question of river protection could be approached along two lines, he said. One was to put insufficient engineering work to prevent an v danger, and the other was to abandon the settlements along the river’s banks. The second was out of the question nowadays. The scheme adopted by the Trust was to try to control the flow of the river. Their scheme had been thrashed out all over the world Leading engineers had considered the matter and had decided that the scheme was the best that could be attempted. It was a great compliment to New Zealand engineers that these experts should consider that the scheme they had formulated was the best possible under the conditions. In the past seven years the river had risen eight feet. 1 o-day Canterbury was liable to get bigger floods than it was fifty years ago. Mr J. Stewart said that though he was not an engineer, he had studied the scheme thoroughly and he considered that any money spent should be spent above White’s Bridge, as this would save Christchurch. Below the bridge he did not- think it was necessary. Mr Harris explained that the work would tie carried out above White's Bridge first and, if it were found neces sary, the lower reaches would be at tended to. He extended an invitation to any member of the councif to view the work. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Harris for his address, and it was decided to visit the work on Saturday October 6. - ’