RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 7 May 1907, Page 3

RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

Deputation waits on the Council. The Marine Department to be approached. A deputation consisting of the Rev. Mr Aitkin and Messrs Hornblow and Moore waited upon the Council last night in reference to the damage being done in the vicinity of Duncan’s Bend by the river cutting into private property and washing away valuable land. The two first named appeared on behalf of the Presbyterian Church. Other property owners owing to brief notice, were unable to be present. Cr Stiles introduced the deputation and referred to the damage done in the locality during the present flood. If some action was not taken by the Department immediately to control the river at this point, not only would the land be washed away, but the dwellings would'go too. Mr Hornblow referred to the inroads the river was making at this point, and also said that considerable damage had already been done to property. He hoped the Council would urge upon the Department the necessity for immediate action in diverting the water by the erection of groins.

The Rev. Mr Aitken referred to the damage done, and said there was a greater danger from subsequent floods. .Something should be done immediately to protect the land in the locaiit}'. Mr Moore said the deputation were aware that the Council had no power to do anything beyond bringing the matter before the Government and strengthening the hands of the settlers. If the settlers did anything to injure the river for navigation purposes, the Government would lose no time in bringing them to book. But the river was now causing considerable loss to property owners, and the Department should lose no time in controlling it.

Cr Austin said the Government had 200 iron rails at the wharf for protective works, but putting them in would be a waste of money. Protective works were required at the Maori bend. He had suffered by the land making on his river frontage. Cr Hennessy rose to a point of order, and asked for a resolution before the matter was discussed further. Cr Stiles moved, and Cr Hennessy seconded, That this Council urge upon the Marine Department, the urgent necessity of erecting protective works on the river bank, where the river is now encroaching and damaging property, and also point out the danger if the river is allowed to alter its course as it is doing, of blocking up the channel. They would respectfully ask the Marine Department to send a man up at the earliest date possible to prevent any further damage being done. Cr Coley was of opinion that immediate action on the part of the Marine Department was necessary.

Cr Wilson said if something was not done at once it would result in the Borough road being washed awav.

Cr Austin again referred to the river encroachment at the Maori pah. He also noticed that the Government had been making a survey of the river and observing the effects of the tide.

The Mayor, who sympathised with the deputation, then put the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The deputation then thanked the Council and retired.