THE FLOOD MENACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2200, 9 November 1920, Page 2

THE FLOOD MENACE.

THE Makcrua banking scheme, to prevent the flood waters of the Warm watu from inundating a large area of fertile land, Avill have (he effect, of diverting the Avaler on to land lower down, and particularly in the Moutoa district,-unless steps are taken by the settlers to erect similar protective works. - If these steps arc not taken -the Avaters from normal Hoods av i 11 reach (be higher levels of abnormal floods in Hie lower reaches. Any attempt to confine the (hiod waters of the Manawatu between embankments, unless safeguarded by spill-over canals, will result in serious inundations higher up, as any school boy knows that water will find its level. A comprehensive banking scheme from Makerua down without the necessary spill-over canals would probably result in (lie Hooding of Palmerston and the hacking up-of the Oroiuu Do our .Palmerston and Bedding public men realise !his danger? If they do. (hen it is time they go I together to discuss what united action is necessary to protect their property. As has been pointed out lime and again in these columns, the only scientific method of dealing with the ravages of (be flood Avafers of the Manawatu is to straighten the outflow to the sea. This torn only be done by united action on the part of local governing bodies throughout the area from the (Jorge to the sea.