RIVER EROSION

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1929, Page 6

RIVER EROSION

LITTLE WANGANUI RIVER. Yesterday Mr E. Jones, of the Public Works Department, accompanied by Overseer Fitzgerald, visited the erosion at Little Wanganui river. The position was inspected and it was decided to start temporary work forthwith to endeavour to secure- the position. The Highways and County stall's are being utilised with additional labour in rushing out a short groyne which is being built where the river has eroded.

’ Some eight or ten men with horses and a lorry commenced this work this morning. The- groyne is being built of timber, scrub and stones on the site of private land despoiled already by tlie river erosion. Air Tlios Ferguson, ’’the owner, gave his consent for the work to- proceed, and als'o . for the use of the white pines "adjacent .which arc'being drawn to the spot. .

' The "effect of tho groyne is intended .to keep the river in the ordinary "•course,, and away from the overflow. The' lighter flood on Monday rather (improved the position at the overflow. This was effected to some extent by tlie County, derrick where it was washed, acting as a temporary barricade, and diverting- the river more favourably. This fact gives hope that the groyne .'now being, constructed hurriedly before the next flood comes, will have a similar effect but on a more definite scale. The groyne is to be taken out to a tree deposited opposite by the flood. The tree will be anchored, and by building, out of it a cushion of water will be formed in small floods which should be effective in reforming a heath again. The action now being taken is meeting with general "approval, and its effect will be awaited with some interest. Air Johnston, District Engineer, is returning to Greymoutli on Saturday, and will visit tho Little Wanganui immediately after to report as to further protection work to be done. AYit'n good weather, by the end of the week, ; a -groyne, of some stability will be in "position, and further protection will probably be designed from the effect of the present work.