RIVER EROSION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 61, 1 August 1947, Page 4

RIVER EROSION

ONE of the main discussions at the meeting of the Whakatane County Council last Tuesday centred round the serious river erosion which was taking place almost along the entire course of the lower Whakatane. No greater example of this is afforded the observer than the steady disintegration which has taken place at the western road approach to the Borough, where several acres of first class land has suffered severe encroachment over the past seven years. Higher up in the Taneatua and Opouriao districts the same unruly river has swept acres of fertile fields away leaving a path of rubble in its wake which is beyond restoration in any shape or form. The urgent need for the systemised operation of a Catchment Board in the Whakatane County cannot be overemphasised, if the rapid erosion which is going on at present is to be checked. Not only can the loss be regarded as a local one—it is far-reaching and must be responsible for huge potential losses in production and stock. There is every reason for ratepayers on the Rangitaiki and for Burgesses within the Borough of Whakatane to urge that no time be lost in setting up a Board which will make the matter of control a national one under the jurisdiction of the Land Conservation and Rivers Control Council.