MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3522, 10 August 1926, Page 3

MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD.

DEPUTATION W(AITS ON HARBOUR BOARD.

A deputation from the Mana-watu-Oroua River Board, consisting of Messrs Carter, P. E. Baldwin, B. G. Gower and F. C. Hay (engineer) waited on the Foxton Harbour Board yesterday to outline its proposed scheme for the improvemen of the Manawatu River, Mr. K. Easton (Mou-toa Drainage Board) was also present.

Mr. Carter outlined the object of the Manawatu-Oroua River Board’s scheme.

Mr. Hay (engineer) said that three years ago his Board had submitted three schemes for the straightening of the river to the Harbour Board for their approval. The Harbour Board had preferred the scheme which his Board had now decided on. This scheme would so improve the river that it would be able to acommodate water to an extent of ten per cent more than was experienced in the 1902 flood without difficulty. The Foxton Harbour Board was cited as a beneficiary body in the scheme, the reasons for inclusion being, mainly, that a new channel would be made which will deepen the bar and thus make the port better for shipping.

In reply to questions, Mr. Hay said his Board had no idea what the Harbour Board’s quota would be'if the scheme was decided on. Speaking conservatively, he had no hesitation in saying that the bar would be deepened by one foot by the scheme.

The Chairman said that the Harbour Board represented bodies that would also have to contribute to the scheme. Mr. Carter said that there would be no double paying. If the rate was paid through the Harbour il should be saved in other directions. ' No local authority would pay twice. Mr. Hay said that the scheme would simplify any harbour improvements the Board might wish to undertake in later years. The wharf would not have to he removed to Rush Flat.

Mr. Baldwin spoke on the financial side of the scheme.

The Chairman said that no doubt the proposed scheme would benefit the Board. The River Board had the sympathy of the Harbour Board in their great work in the public interests. He also made appreciative reference to Mr. Carter’s work in connection with the Board. Mr. Carter returned thanks-and the deputation withdrew.