Public Meeting at Shannon.

Manawatu Herald, 20 September 1902, Page 3

Public Meeting at Shannon.

A public meeting was held at Shannon last night re diverting flood water* of the Manawatu River from the lands affected by the overflow.

The wet night prevented a larger attendance, and on the proposition of Mr Stansell, Mr John Davies wai voted to the chair, who read the advertisement convening the meeting. He said that every information was desirable, and it was a question that should be thoroughly considered.

Mr J. R. Stansell read telegrams from Messrs John Stevens, the Mayor of Foxton, and Dr, Chappie, regretting their absence, and wishing the movement success. He said they had not come prepared with any scheme, but hoped to get that later on. To expedite matters, he Would propose That in the opinion of this public meeting it is advisable that a scheme be devised for diverting the flood waters of ths Manawatu River from the lan/ds affected by the overflow.

Mr O’Connor said it was not a local matter but a national matter, and he supported the resolution.

Mr Venn asked what the cost would be, and he thought the meeting should have had placed before it some plan of the cpuntry, as whatever plan was devised would require the Marine Department’s sanction.

Mr Breaknell, manager of the Makerua Company said his company were quite willing to support anything feasible. Mr J. Wallace read the report of Mr R. Edwards, which was taken some years ago, of making a canal estimated to cost .£62,000.

The motion on being put was declared’ carried.

Proposed by Mr O’Connor, seconded by the Chairman, That a deputation be formed consisting of Messrs J. Davies, J. M. O’Connor, Venn, J. R. Stansell and Dr. Chappie to interview the Minister of Railways and Lands to make a prelimary or flying survey and plan of a scheme for diverting the flood waters of the Manawatu River from the lands affected by the overflow, and that the same scheme must not interfere with the port of Foxton. Carried. A rote of thanks was passed to the chair, and the meeting concluded.