EROSION BY CREEK.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5084, 4 February 1927, Page 2

EROSION BY CREEK.

SERIOUS POSITION AT KOMATA. SETTLER’S PROPERTY DAMAGED. During the last two or three years the erosion which has been caused by the Komafa Creek above the bridge on the main Paeroa-Thames road has given a good deal of trouble. One settler in particular, Mr C. H. Price, has been a heavy loser by t(he creek changing its course and undermining and gradually washing away a considerable area of his property. Representations have been made on several occasions to the Public Works Department, both by the settlers concerned and the Ohinemuri County Council, but little or no protective measures have been adop/ed. It is claimed that as the result of the department’s operations in connection with the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement scheme much of the damage has been caused. This being the case, it has not infrequently been suggested that as the department; is held liable it should jnake good the damage done, or at lEast provide adequate protection for adjacent landowners. A. yesterday’s meeting ctf the Ohinemuri County Council a letter was received from Mr Price pointing out that the erosion by Komata Creek and consequent damage to his property was increasing at an alarming rate. He offered to give £l5, which he estimated would be aproximately half the cost of constructing a groyne to turn the water, providEd the work was put in hand at) once. Cr. A. R. Rcfoinson said there was no doubt that the position was serious. It was an engineering matter, but the longer it was left the worse it became. The main road was also in danger. The chairman (Or. H. M. Corbett) said that it was not only the Question of contributing £l5, but it was necessary to ascertain what the council’s liability would be in .the future. Cr. Robinson said that the position had been referred to the Public Works Department on previous occasions, but relief had not been given. Cr. F. C. Hubbard said he thought* the Public Works Department should be requested to move at once in the matter. The resident engineer had previously inspected the si‘e, but nothing haff come of it. Undoubtedly a serious danger existed, and it was difficult to say just How far the damage would extend. Cr. C. E. Mace said that he cEnsidered it was the council’s duty to attend t,o roads, and not creeks and rivers. He was afraid of the liability that might be placed on the council in the future. Afjer further discussion it was resolved to refer the matter to the chairman and Crs. Hubbard, Johnstone and Robinson for investigation and report.