RIVER FLOOD CONTROL

Chronicle (Levin), 18 October 1946, Page 3

RIVER FLOOD CONTROL

CATCHME^T BOARD'S REPORT "I do not think that the Koputaroa cut would materially alter crest levels abo,ve the Shannon Bridge, as factors governing more rapid discharge are the Parakawau and Paiaka Bends, and the stop bank in the Lower Moutoa," said the assistant engineer to the Manawatu Catchment Board, Mr. L. E. L. E. Daly, in a report at Mondays meeting of the board. Mr. Daly was. commenting on the suggestion made by the Soil Conservation Council that work should be started on the Koputaroa cut in the Manawatu River. The soil council held that a cut would result in lowering flood levels for some distance above the Shannon Bridge. During the flood of August this year the gauge at Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North, showed 14 feet and the gauge at Shannon 26 feet, which equalled the highest ever recorded. Previous major flood levels at Shannon Bridge had been: 1902, 21 ft 1 in. ; 1939, 25ft. 8 in.; 1941, 25 ft. 5 in.; 1945, 26 ft. "It would appear from a study of these records that the river cannot discharge as rapidly today as in the past," said Mr. Daly. "This has largely been brought about by intensifled stop banking along the lower reaches. IL ean easily be seen what would liappen if we have another flood recording 19 feet at Fitzherbert Bridge," hc said. The solution of the problem was in an early development of the Moutoa scheme, which would make furtlier cut-offs in the river unnecessary, said Mr. Daly. A survey for this scheme was in liand. Construction of the Koputaroa cut was not recornmended as it would aggravate the position at Paika Bend. It would take several years to deveJop fully, and would not I improve the position upstream to I a.uy extent. Thc report was adoptl ed.