WAIRAU RIVER

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 245, 17 October 1942, Page 2

WAIRAU RIVER

NEW CHANNEL DANGER. CURIOUS CONTROL POSITION. A peculiar and anomalous position in connection with the control of the Wairau River became apparent when Cr. R. J. Cresswell moved at yesterday's meeting of the Marlborough County Council "that the necessary protection works to the river bank be carried out at Baldick's as soon as possible." Explaining the position, the county engineer, Mr B. Hundleby, said the bank in question was a sugary shingle. Willows had been planted, but the river had got behind them and was now within nine feet of the road. If something were not done j soon the Wairau would eat through into a depression and form a fresh mouth at the Bar. This area was not under the control of the River Board. Cr. Cresswell: It is a curious position. The River Board controls the river above this and again below. Why was the gap left? Cr. Leov moved, that the Works Cornmittee inspect and report. In seconding the chairman, Cr. J. Kennington, said that if the new outlet were made vessels could not get up the river and he couldn't see that the county should be solely responsible for the work. It was rather a large job and should be investigated and taken up with the River Board and the Harbour Board. Cr. Cresswell : If the river goes through into the new channel and it has only the length of this room to get there it will come out by the present jetty at the Bar and flow up into the lagoons. It is extremely curious that the River Board has not been given control of this section, but should be in charge above and below. The motion to inspect was carried. V