RIVER BANKS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18410, 17 June 1925, Page 9

RIVER BANKS.

EROSION DIFFICULTY. POSITION OF DRAINAGE BOARD. Tho position of tho ChristehureU Drainago Board regarding the control of tho river banks and tho responsibility for repairing tho banks damaged by erosion waa defined at the meeting of tho Board yesterday. Tho Town Clerk wrote stating that tho quoation of the erosion of the banks of tho river Heathcote had again been under consideration. The City Council was of opinion that tho TCsponsibiUi y for the maintonanco of the banks of th»> rivers Avon and Heatheote should W borno by the Board, and had decided to approach the Government with a viev.to legislation being enacted placing the responsibility for tho maintenance of the banks on the Board. As the control of the rivers in question -was rested in the Board, the Council was of opinion that it was only equitable- that »ht» maintenance of the banks of the riven should also bo under tho Board's control. Before approaching the Government on tho matter, tho City Conncit would be glad to learn that the Board was willing to assume responsibility for tho upkeep of tho banks when it coold legally do bo. Mr H. G. Livingstone: I move that tho letter "bo received. There is n<i harm in the City Council expressing its opinion. The secretary: It might land va in a good deal of expense. The chairman: Wo are only responsible for the stream, not for tho banks. Mr J. W. Beanland said that if tho City Council wore going to approach t&c the Board's solicitors should bo advised. Otherwise the Board would not know what might go through. Mr Livingstone: Tho City Couaeil want an Act of Parliament. Mr ,W. B. Carey: They might get that. Mr Bcanlan&i An Ordcr-in-Coumcil would do. Wo want to bo very carcfnl. Mr A. T. Smith: Haven't wc a Beautiful Biver Committee! Don't they come into this! -' The chairman; No, they don't. Mr Livingßtono: I dont wish to ba cold to the Council. Wo ore very fowl of tho. Council. Tho Council know otrr opinion on the matter. We got a legal opinion regarding the river baaktf, and •hen wrote to tho Council, and they havo no doubt of our attitude. They now ex. press an opinion they would like us to agree to something to which wo do sot agree. The chairman: We can tell them we are, opposed to.it. Mr Livingstone: We have abreatly told thetn that. The Board decided to reeeiro the letter, and t° Bend a c °Py *° tno Bolieitora in order that necessary action for,"theprotection of tco Board shoaid be taken.