WEIRS IN AVON.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 931, 29 November 1933, Page 5

WEIRS IN AVON.

Difficulties in Way of Extending Scheme. COMPLIANCE WITH ACl\ A suggestion by the Christchurch Beautifying Association that two weirs should be placed in the upper reaches of the River Avon was considered at the meeting of the Christchurch Drainage Board last evening. It was decided that the question should be discussed with the president of the association as certain clauses in the Act dealing with the erection of weirs would have to be complied with. The president of the association (Mr R. B. Owen) wrote stating that at a meeting of the association it had been decided to ask the board to place two temporary weirs in the upper reaches of the Avon. It was suggested that one be placed below the Antigua Street bridge and that it be made a few inches higher than the one constructed last year so that boats could negotiate the shingle bar below the tea kiosk bridge in the Gardens. It had also been suggested that a second weir be placed above the tea kiosk bridge, which would give a fine boating stretch along Park Terrace to the Carlton bridge. The secretary (Mr C. F. Champion) said that a resolution of March 21 recommended the removal of the weir at Antigua Street following serious scouring. It had been definitely decided to remove the weir and to stipulate that any weirs placed in the river should comply’ with the Act authorising the erection of dams. The board’s solicitor was of the opinion that if the board allowed weirs not complying with the Act the board would be liable. The Act provided that the board could not spend money on weirs. Mr C. S. M’Cully stated that weirs beautified the river.

The chairman (Mr J. W. Beanland) pointed out that they had the solicitor’s opinion and could not spend money on weirs. Mr E. H. S. Hamilton said he would like to see the weirs in but they must comply with the'Act. The secretary stated that a weir to comply with the Act must have an opening sufficient to allow past the largest craft that could navigate the river. The chairman’s suggestion that the president of the association should be asked to call at the board’s office to discuss the matter and to hear an explanation of the question as it had been place.d. ,b.efore the meeting, was adopted unanimously. Before the next business was taken the secretary told members that the Act had not been drawn up at the board’s instigation. The board had had no .say in the preparation of the legislation.