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Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1928, Page 4

The situation reported from the InterWanganui district of the serious erosion of the Little Wanganui river, and its overflow into the main flat, is no doubt a matter for grave consideration. It is some years now since the Big Wanganui river broke her southern bank, and overflowed the flat, causing very serious alarm. A large expenditure, some £3OOO, if we recall aright, was necessary to cope with the breach, and that has been effective in keeping the river out ever since. The problem at the Little Wanganui seems to be somewhat different. Owing to sthe confining of. the river by the bridge worics the sluice effect of the current has built up the main riverbed in such a way that it is ‘ rising above the north bank of the river. Water which cannot be carried by the centre main stream overflows into the lowlands, and with a low bank only to contend with, the flood waters in turn overflow the river bapk, and inundate the surrounding country. The successive floods of late do not allow conditions to become normal, and there is constant flooding. The damage which has now occurred has been imminent for some time. It- has been predicted again and again, hut remedial steps were deterred till now protection is absolutely necessary. Certainly now that the situation is acute, and the position has been brought prominently under the notice of the authorities, time has not been lost in formulating proposals. It is to he hoped the work will be put- in hand promptly. It is perhaps fortunate that there is the large area of swamp land to hold the surplus water before it seeks to coyer the lower part of the settlement. The land, however, adjacent to ‘ tire river is more at the mercy of the floods, and is in danger. Quite a considerable quantity of the land has been taken away by the river, and a considerable area of the remainder is flooded and badlv silted. There is a good deal of loss involved by the settlers on that account. Lower down the flat, roads and bridges are in jeopardy, and it will be 1 a serious loss to the community if the bridges should be carried away before the overflow can be checked- The situation is certainly one for urgent attention. A very fine settlement stands in considerable jeopardy, and it is not in the interests of the district as a. whole to permit this menace to continue.