COMBATING THE FLOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 56, 3 September 1926, Page 12

COMBATING THE FLOODS

♦ MANAWATU-OROUA SCHEME EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., 2nd Sept. The evidence of a number of settlers in favour of tho scheme of flood control proposed by the Manawatu-Oroua River Board was given to-day before the Commission appointed by the Government to inquire into the scheme. Mr. E. C. Harrison, settler, of Raugitane, said that it was apparent that tho time had come when the control of the Manawatu River should be taken in liand, otherwise disaster would follow disaster. The construction of a stopbank on the south side of the Manawatu River was considered by many settlers to bo a grave menace to lands on the northern side, including Kairanga. Witness held that the board's scheme was a sound one, calculated to make a bold bid for increased settlement and production. It would be better for the State to assist the scheme than to spend money on schemes to improve third-class country, which attemps were not always successful. The scheme proposed by the ManawatuOroua Board was pioneering work. Under cross-examination witness said that if his land were adequately protected from flooding and thoroughly drained the unimproved value would be increased by £12 per acre over the whole 800 acres. Mr. N. P. Neilson, of Jackeytown, stated in evidence that the stop-banks along the Oroua River were being undermined by erosion, and at many points were in a dangerous condition. Some 7000 acres were thus threatened by flood in the Oroua River. Had there been heavy rain in Hawkes Bay the latest flood would have been even more extensive than it was. After hearing the evidence of other farmers in favour of the scheme, the Commission adjourned until to-morrow, when it will take further evidence and then adjourn until Monday. It is understood that some time next week, when the weather conditions are favourable, members of the Commission will accompany Captain Buckley, of the Now Zealand Air Force, in an aerial inspection of the River Board's district.