WALL'S SPILLWAY

Chronicle (Levin), 26 August 1947, Page 3

WALL'S SPILLWAY

1 SETTLERS WANT ACTION Evidence of' a growing restlessness among settlers and local bodies in tbe lower Manawatu Catchment Board in prosecUting its proposals for a major scheme of flood control was forthcoming at a meeting of the board last week when a number of letters were received urging that a start be made with lowering Wall's .spillway: Another letter asked when the board proposed carrying its plans beyond talking stage, and Mr. j. S. Aitchison said he had been approached by many settlers, who had shown concern over the delay in proceeding with the scheme. "The proposed scheme of control for the Manawatu River is our biggest and most . import'ant undertaking," said Mr. Aitchison. "It will be the answer to our worst problems in that area and I would like an indication from the ' chief engineer -as to when to expect the work to be pushed ahead." The chairman, Mr. W. McKay, explained that one of the assistant engineers recently appointed haer been placed in charge of the preliminary investigation, but that ofRcer had now resigned and it would be necessary to appoint a successor "The assistant engineeiv in the month he was on the job organised his staff in the area and the work proceeded," said the chief engineer, Mr. P. G. Evans. "As soon as a successor is appointed I'll be able to give an estimate of the time required to complete the investigatons."

Mr. Aitchison: If the successor began duties tomorrow how long would the work take? ■ Mr. Evans: A year, at least. The chairman pointed out that the reminder of the engineering staff was fully occupied on other duties, and that the other assistant engineer, Mr. L. E. Daly, was engaged on the board's tree planting programme. Mr. Aitchison : The trees can wait, but the river won't wait. Why not transfer Mr. Daly to the major scheme? Mr. McKay replied- that the tree planting work would eventually be taken over by the Government's' soil conservation offieer now operating in the district, and that Mr. Daly would then be released for other duties. The board interviewed two applicants for the assistant engineer vacancy, and the names are to be forwarded to the SpijLConservation Council Tor - a reco'mmendation. The question . of th'e' urgency of lowering Will's Spillway was referred to several times subsequently during the course of the meeting, and it was decided to repy to those who had written letters on the subject, advising them that the prosecution of the work awaited the appointment of an engineer to undertake the work: