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Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1929, Page 4

Tiik plight of the Inter-Wanganui Settlement as a result of the recurring flood damage from the Little Wanganui river overflow, presents now a more serious position than when last referred to. Last week’s flood has made more serious inroads, with the result that additional water.is finding its way into the swamp area, and ultimately across the Settlement h.v the draining water courses. The streams normally are small ones, and are not large cnouglt to carry the Moo'd waters, and consequently overflow, flooding the surrounding country. The La Fontaine portion of the Settlement is in danger of recurring flooding, and dairy farming is liable to serious menace. The question of maintaining traffic is also a problem, as bridges are in jeopardy of {‘very rise in the streams due to the debris being carried down. The two proposals for the relief of the situation are both at a standstill due to settlers’ refusal of permission to continue the works. In the circumstances, it is quite an unusual position. Primarily the liability for the work is on the local River Hoard, which is without adequate funds for the work, and the Public Works Department has been advising and has offered to find the major portion of the money required. The securing of the situation is one of great urgency, as from what has occurred already there are indications that worse will follow from, successive floods. On that account the continued delay in grappling with the position is to he deplored. It would appear that the authorities under the advice of the re sponsible engineers must take definite action or Si serious disaster will arise. The present position lias been reported again to Wellington, and a decision is awaited, but some work should he prosecuted without delay. Tt is manifest if must lie work which will stand the force of a flooded river. Piling is apparently the only class of work to serve and offer some resistance to the floods. The piling could he so placed as to secure the direction rather than the diversion of the river, and maintain the course in n normal position, so saving the overflow. It is liecoming a task of considerable magnitude, but at those me time the safety of a nourishing settlement is at stake, and the serious situation justifies expensive measures perhaps to grapple successfully with it.