PUBLIC MEETING AT BIG BUSH.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 126, 18 July 1868, Page 6

PUBLIC MEETING AT BIG BUSH.

On Saturday last a meeting was held in the Schoolroom at the Bush, when Mr. Soper, of Spring Creek, was called to the chair. He stated that the object of the meeting was to consider whether something permanent could be done to open the Opawa Breach, and carry the water into the Wairau without a great outlay. Mr. Paul said the subject was one of great importance to the interests of the whole of the Wairau ; several meetings had already been held to discuss the evils arising from the effects of the overflow of the Opawa, but he was sorry to say it had ended in nothing but discussion. He sincerely trusted, however, that this meeting would come to some determination to do something at once, and commence operations as soon as practicable. In company with nearly the whole of the Spring Creek farmers he visited the Opawa Breach on Monday last, and it was quite evident to the whole of them that the obnoxious bar that is thrown across the Wairau River m u!d be easily opened, and a great portion of the water could be diverted into its proper course. He felt confident that if opened—say one chain wide and six long—that it would be the means of easing the whole of the district lying between the Ferry and Blenheim, and that we should not suffer by those small floods as we are now doing, and which is ruining the province. He would not propose any very large outlay at present; but whatever money can be raised, let it be judiciously expended, which he thought might be done ,]uy electing a committee of some three or four practical men, who he was sure would give their services gratis, and see that the work was creditably done. If more was subscribed than sufficient for opening the channel, it should be expended in making manuka groins on the other side of the river, so as if possible to divert the water in the Wairau, and I feel assured if these groins are properly made it will have a great effect, and probably form bars so as to turn the water, excepting at flood times. He took the opportunity of expressing an opinion that there should be some sort of a compulsory tax levied on the whole of the province, so that the rivers might be properly looked after, and thought the. best method of raising the money would be by a property tax—others would probably say an acreage tax—but this he thought would not act fairly, as one man who is holding an acre of town land is more valuable than another’s whole section, and would onlypay for one acre, whilst the other would pay for 150. He had deviated from the object of the meeting, but considered that when there was a meeting like this, where there were so many interested, and where all would be benefited, it was well to throw out suggestions so that they could be discussed, and if necessary brought into working order. To return to the Breach, it was a matter of the.greatest importance to the whole province, and it was quite evident that unless some steps were taken and immediately, it would be useless for very many of us to commence wheat sowing, and unless we sow we cannot reap, and if we don’t reap and have no corn for sale, it is quite evident we cannot pay labour ; then what suffers ?—Why the town ; therefore, unless something be done at once, there will be no country, consequently their cannot be any town. It becomes one and all to move in this most important work, and one and all should give, according to his means. There are many I know who are not prepared to give money, but will give an equivalent in the way of labour; it only wants unanimity of feeling to get the work commenced and completed. He then proposed, — “ That a working Committee bo appointed to open the bar at the Breach of the Opawa to direct the water into the Wairau River to the best of their abilities, such Committee to consist of Messrs. 1.

* - yiifjL • • ■ Gifford, J. Redwood,C. O'Dwyer, Dalziel,Murphy, J. Rose, Busch, Withey, und Litchfield.’’ “ And that this Committee open a subscription list to see how many volunteers pledge themselves to carry on the work as au equivalent to money, and that a committee be appointed to collect money and visit those who are interested in this most important work; such Committee to consist of Messrs. J. Redwood, Hathaway, Shepherd, R. and W. Parker, Litchfield, J. Rose, S. Tierney; Mr. Kissliug to act as treasurer. The channel to be open one chain wide on the north side.’’ The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. M’Allister suggested that five jetties should be erected similar to the one at the Omaka, this suggestion was not however taken up by the meeting. Mr. Reeves and several other gentlemen addressed the meeting, after which A subscription list was then opened, and £74 was promised in cash and labour. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.