STOPBANK OVERFLOWS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32412, 27 March 1944, Page 6

STOPBANK OVERFLOWS

“SHOCKING NEGLIGENCE” DANGER OF MAJOR FLOOD A shocking case of negligence was observed during an inspection of the Omaha Canal with a view to calling tenders for slashing and dragging in time for the consideration of the meeting, the engineer. Mr S. Sadler, reported to a meeting of the Thames County. Council. A trough situated on the stopbank where it should not have been had | sunk at one end and the water had apparently been running over for a considerable time’. Cattle, in tramping about, had carried away approximately two feet six inches from the height of the bank for a distance of not less than half a chain. A major flood would undoubtedly overtop what was left of the bank and inundate a large area of land, where it would be unable to drain away. In addition, a large breakaway had apparently been caused by cattle getting down, to the stream to drink. It was considered to be a most flagrant case of neglect and the owner of the property should be notified that the damage must be made good to the entire satisfaction of the council, or, failing that being done within a speci- . lied time limit, that the council undertake the work and charge him with the cost. About 100 cubic yards of earthwork was involved in making up the bank.