RIVER CONTROL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1833, 30 May 1918, Page 3

RIVER CONTROL.

A MINISTERIAL OPINION. The Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister for Interim 1 Affairs, paid a visit of inspection to the Manaw'atn River at the Eitzroy bend, at Palmerston, on Monday, in company with thq Mayor of Palmerston. Mr Russell informed a Standard reporter that he noticed with concern the large amount of erosion that was taking place at the bend. He stated that lie •recently visited South Canterbury, and saw that the same process of erosion was taking place along the Orari and Rangitata rivers. “I am quite satisfied,” said the Minister, “that a strong policy should he taken by the Government in connection with the losses of country caused by river erosion. My own opinion is confirmed as I go over the country, that we ought to deal with this matter firmly, and that is by river boards being elected from the whole of the river district concerned, and not from one particular portion of the waterway, and this board should have control of tho river from its mouth to its source.” The Minister added that until that was done he did not anticipate any permanent results of a beneficial character that would lie in any way extensive, because under the present conditions people had a tendency to protect their own properties without any consideration to tho.se below them.