The Manawatu River.

Manawatu Herald, 7 April 1903, Page 2

The Manawatu River.

By Mr George Nye. sear., of Poxton, one of the oldest settlers of 60 years’ standing in the Manawatu District. THE MANAWATU EIYEB, ITS OVERFLOW, AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. There are many points to be considered in deal with the flood waters of the Manawatu, Oroua and other tributaries. Point I.—We must not lose sight of the fact that the overflow of these rivers is increasing year by year, owing to the banks of these rivers and streams being cleared and all the outlaying lands being drained .into the Manawatu river and the Oroua river. Point 2.—The next great question in dealing with the overflow channel of this important work is not to interfere with the navigation of the river or anything likely to injure the Port ol Poxton.

Point 8. —To fix the point of intake and out-take as near the junction of the Oroua river with the Manawatu river so as to catch the flood waters as they rise, and discharge them direct at the nearest point to the sea. Point 4.—Thera has been two alternate schemes before the settlers for some time, but it is only lately that this very important work has taken a concrete form and is likely to be carried to a successful issue. Point B.—As regards the two schemes now before the settlers to get rid of the overflow, the first is at a point about seven miles above the mouth of the Manawatu river,, and the other is about 88 to 40 miles from the mouth of the river and about one and a half to two miles below the mouth of the Oroua River. If the upper scheme is selected the outfall will be 10 miles to the sea. It would discharge and get rid of the water in one-fourth of the time that it takes to reach the sea by the to its mouth. By so doing it will catch the water as it rises and prevent all the outlaying lands, railways, roads, and the banks of the Manawatu and Oroua rivers from being flooded, and thus fit it for close settlement, and make the Manawat't district one of the best districts in the North Island -for dairying and grazing purposes. Point 6.—As to the site of intake and out-take, this question will be settled by the river or drainage Board and competent engineers.