EROSION AT KOMATA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5173, 2 September 1927, Page 3

EROSION AT KOMATA.

REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT.

ONUS ON LANDOWNER. For some time past the encroachment of the Komata Creek on valuable farm lands at Komata has exercised the attentions of the Ohinemuri County Council, and various representations have been made to Ministers, of the Crown when they have visited Paeroa.

The matter was advanced a further stage at yesterday’s meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council, when the following letter was forwarded by Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P., from the Minister of Ptiblic Works:— “With reference to the Komata Stream erosion near the main highways : This matter has been thoroughly investigated, arfd it is- found that a certain amount of erosion has been taking place on the river bank at a point about a quarter of a mile upstream from the Komata Stream main bridge. The bank at this point is 6ft above water level, and consists of 4ft of stiff clay overlying 2ft of, compact shingle and ironstone. The erosion, however, was not taking place at a rapid rate. “The floods of May, 1924, overflowed at tihis spot, and about 500 cubic feet of water per second overflowed at the peak of flood, finding its way to the stream lower down. It is understood that this, flood was made exceptionally high by the stream being dammed up to some extent by slips. “The matter has been referred to the Main Highways Board, but the board considers that the erosion does not constitute; any danger to the main highway and advises that; it is unable to make any funds available for protection work.

“After considering all the circumstances, I am of opinion that any work that may be necessary to deal with this erosion is a„ matter for the individual owner, Mr C. Price. The erosion might be dealt with by anchoring a few large branching tree heads along the riverbank now being eroded, keeping ..the trunk on the» bank lying do.wn-stream in the, river-bed.” Cr. F. C. Hubbard said he thought that the council had done all it could to bring about relief. It was decided to forward a copy of the.letter to Mr Price for his informa-' tibn.