THE RIVER IMPROVEMENT WORKS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5742, 12 October 1885, Page 2

THE RIVER IMPROVEMENT WORKS.

We have been favoured with the following extract from a report by Mr John. Stewart, District Engineer, to the Knqineer-in-Chief, dated the 3rd October, 1885.— " Wanganui River — snagging and clearing." — "The first of the new punts was completed, and left on the 14th for up-river. The second new punt is well on to completion. The new punt is found to work very satisfactorily. The old Harbour Board punt is still employed, but will be brought down and replaced soon by the second new punt. During the month, although the weather was generally fine over head, there were eleven days when ao snagging could go on, as the river was in moderate fresh and very muddy. Long hours have been worked on other days. Mr Anderson reports 550 snags removed, and three rapids cleared, one being a very bad one, being long and requiring shingle as well as timber to be moved. About three miles have been done, but as the two new punts will shortly be available more rapid progress is expected, as much time has necessarily, as yet, been occupied in preliminary arrangements, and getting the punts up to work, beside the loss of time from freshes as noted. The first new punt is now being moved up to Atene (Athens), and Mr Anderson estimates one week's more work will clear up to Athens."