RIVER EROSION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 44, 30 January 1945, Page 5

RIVER EROSION

PROBLEMS IN COUNTY j FORMATION OF CATCHMENT BOARD Intimation that a meeting was to be called in Whakatane in the near future for the purpose of establishing" a Catchment Board in this, area, with powers of controlling the erosion which was going on throughout the County, was received with mixed feeling by councillors. Cr McCready criticised the slowness of the P.W.D. in attending to the prevention work on the Whakatane River on the borders of the Borough. The question, of rates was raised by Councillors, who enquired what the possibilities were of carrying on with such a Board without further revenue from the settlers. Cr McCready mentioned interestfree which he pointed out had already been supported by the. Council earlier in the meeting. The chairman said that if a Catchment Board was formed farmers were bound to get their catchment rate. The P.W.D. advised that the river protection work at the Ruatoki Bridge and above Taneatua for the respective sums of £800 and £1000 could now be proceeded Avith. By letter the Soil Conservation and Rivers. Control Council stated that in connection, with the Waimana River cut in the property of Mr E. J. BroAvn. it Avould appear that there was already a diversion cut and that no action of any kind was required meantime. In regard to the cut near Mr J. R. Gillanders property and adjacent to Lowe's Road, it Avas considered that a survey and plan should be made before any decision AA r as arrived at. If the Council would arrange such survey, and forAvard details, the matter Avould be further considered. In the meantime it was understood that some protection work Avas wanted along the frontage of Mr Gillanders' property, the Avork to be of the type, incorporating pine and willow trees for 10 to 12 chains. The Rivers Control Council Avas prepared to authorise £120, £2 for £1. The County Engineer reported that survey was under Avay and completed plans 4 given fine Aveather, would be sent to Wellington within a Aveek. The Council resolved that the Soil Conservation and Rivers. Control Council be advised of the urgent nature of this deviation work and that Gilanders' grant be held in abeyance pending completion of survey.