BAD DRAINAGE SAID TO BE CAUSE OF DAMAGE TO CROPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18615, 17 November 1928, Page 2

BAD DRAINAGE SAID TO BE CAUSE OF DAMAGE TO CROPS.

HEATHCOTE COUNCIL ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE

Complaints of bad drainage were made to the Heathcote County Council last evening by residents in the Pawaho settlement in the .Heathcote Valley, who grow vegetables, fruit, and tomatoes on small holdings. They alleged that they are subject to heavy losses through flood waters from the watershed backing up on their property. Four of them, Messrs L. B. Adam, A. Bloxham, J. D. Nichol, and G. B. Newton, accompanied by Mr F. W. Freeman, sought redress from their trouble in a deputation to the Heathcote County Council last night, stating that losses during the past ten years amounted to about £2OOO. Council members are to visit the neighbourhood, and review the situation. Mr Freeman, who had inspected the area on behalf of the ratepayers, explained what he considered the causes of the position. The rainfall from the watershed of some 2000 acres seemed to qrain to one point when a heavy downpour occurred. The drains brought silt and rubbish down to three culverts put in by the Railway Department, which had neglected to clean the channels. Then the effluent from malt works and other factories drained into the drains. Moreover, the flood-gates at the Estuary did not work properly, thereby preventing the water from getting away. The cultivated areas became waterlogged and crops of peas, tomatoes, and other vegetables were spoiled. Often a year’s work went in vain. From the viewpoint of health, the drains were a serious menace. He wondered if the Health Department had seen it. The remedy lay in widening the drains, improving the flood gates, and in keeping all drains perfectly clean.