RIVER EROSION AT MOUTOA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2406, 18 March 1922, Page 3

RIVER EROSION AT MOUTOA.

MAIN ROAD THREATENED. . / • MANAWATU COUNTY’S VAIN APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE. Following on a recent conference of: representatives of the four local bodies interested in maintaining the Shannon-Foxton Road and the bridge over the Manawatu' River intact against erosion of the river’s hanks, a letter was received hv the Horowlienua County Council at its meeting on Saturday from Sir James Wilson, chairman of the Manawatu County Council. The yvriter, on behalf of his Council, suggested that £I,OOO bo borrowed for the purpose of deviating the road and re-erect-ing a stop-bank further from the .river, and that to provide interest and sinking- fund the Manawatu CpUllty Council contribute five-eighths, the remainder to he made up evenly in.the proportion of one-eighth each hv the Horovvhenna County Council and the Shannon and Foxton Borough Councils. The Chairman (Cr. Monk) said that lie, with Crs. Ryder and McLeavey and the Engineer had formed the committee from the Horowhonuft County when the conference was held at the scene of the trouble. There had been no concrete proposals put forward for putting an end to the erosion, and shifting of the road would only mean that it would have to ho shifted again later. On these grounds the committee had no recommendation to make; It would he superfluous for the Horowhenun county to make a suggestion, for the reason that, Manawatu would not listen to it.

Cr. Harkness was insistent that an opinion should he offei'ed. “But the road is not in our county,” said Cr. McLeavey. The Chairman: No, we should not make the move. Cr. Ryder said lie had never heard of such an absurd thing as a body of laymen meeting to discuss .and formulate plans without data regarding soundings and such matters to go on. “What are the soundings?” he asked. “Nobody knew.” replied the Chairman. At this stage (he matter was allowed to drop, it being tacitly agreed that no action he taken.