RIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, 18 June 1895, Page 2

RIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

TO THS EBITOB OF TOE MAHAWATC 9 g^AU». Sib, — In your issue of the 6th you say during the last heavy Ate4?Js*|[ water lay 9 feet deep on the lowest parts of the Moutoa Estate, if you had stated 12 feet it would be more like what I should expect to find. There are dredges now made and used of different styles and makes that would pile the stuff 20 to 80 feet if required. What I maintain is, if the waters of the Manawatu were: quickened in pace by a more direct' run to the sea, there would be far less chance of the vast f uantity of water ever gathering. At present the water has to travel* 22 miles from Moutoa to Foxtoii. By the out (allowing for a sweep if neoessary), a little over 5 miles if you take it right across, giving Robinson's Bend the go-by, about 6 miles. From Moutoa to the ocean, about 8 miles, in the plaoe of as at present, nearly 30 miles. Dame Nature has so left thß^Mouf*?--toa Estate safe to put a cut through, you have a mass of decayed vegetation and river sediment on a buried; forest with a clay bottom underneath, not shingle tbat would be treacher- - ous, but firm olay. I am fully per- A suaded if time was allowed' lor "ifie" willows to root down amongst the buried forest and into tbe>£QitjMp«| would have a good rivor bank that would stand a faster current, di&ich at ebb-tide would carry p|f the water and deepen th£ bar, iii atron| force would counteract the ocean roll ta a greater extent than at present. " ' „ I think it possible a little atten-; tion may be neoessary far 'ttfrffliii^ t« dlrtfitht oimat Ifcitfttf^tMP

WelUraoored hulk or punt that could be under the control of the pilot at the Heads. I believe if floating groins where more used they Would c much cheaper and more effectual oftentimes than fixtures. with thankß for the space you hate Kindly allowed me in which to state ray views, I leave the subject in the hands of thoße who are interested, . trusting they will consult tbe best professional skill available, and carry to *' successful issue the greatest goyfor the greatest number. I am, &c, R. G. Knight. Custom House Quay, Wellington, June 15th, 1896.