MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER ’ BOARD SCHEME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3688, 8 September 1927, Page 2

MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER ’ BOARD SCHEME.

MINISTER'S TOUR OF INSPECTION.

As a result of an application made by the Manawatu-Oroua River Board that the Government provide a subsidy for the-carrying out of the Board’s scheme to overcome the Hood menace in the Manawatu, the Hon. K. S. Williams (Minister of Public Works), accompanied by Messrs J. Linklater and W. H. Field, M’s.P., made an inspection of the area yesterday. The Ministerial party arrived at Shannon by car in the morning, where they were met by Messrs W. S. Carter (chairman), 11. Barber, B. G. Gower, H. Akers, A. Buchanan, J. Richardson, J. E. C. Harrison and R. Tanner, representing the Manawatu-Oroua River Board, Messrs W. E. Barber (chairman), Hiekford (engineer), Manawatu County Council, and R. Bryant (Moutoa Drainage Board). One or two ratepayers were also in attendance.

An inspection was first made of the Makerua, after which the party inspected the river at the old Shannon bridge site. At this point the Chairman of the Manawatu County Council made the suggestion to the Minister that the spoil which is being removed from this locality to build, up the approaches to the new bridge, be taken from a narrow neck of land just above the old bridge, with a view to forming a new channel for the river, and so overcome the erosion problem at this point. The matter was favourably commented upon by those present, who considered that the cost of this work would not be more than £l5O. The matter will receive the attention of the Minister. Both sides of the river were inspected at Mtratoa, and an inspection was also made at Poplar Mill. Luncheon was partaken of at Foxton, where the Minister was accorded a welcome by Mr Linklater, M.P. Mr -Linklater said they were pleased to see the Minister present that day. Wthen the ManawatuOroua River Board’s recommendation that the Government subsidise the scheme had been placed before the Minister he had expressed a desire to see the district affected. The Hoi]. Minister was a practical farmer, and that day he must have been impressed by the excellent quality of the land affected by flooding, in the Manawatu basin, and Mr Linklater felt sure that the Minister must have realised that something would have to be done to control the flood waters. He , washed to impress upon the Minister the absolute necessity for a Government subsidy in this connection. It was impossible for the farmers to carry the whole of the burden, and the Government would have to do something. He hoped as a result of the Minister’s visit that day a handsome subsidy would be forthcoming from the Government. Mr W. S. Carter (Chairman of the Manawatu-Oroua River Board) endorsed Ml\ Linklater’s remarks, andi expressed pleasure at the Minister’s visit of inspection. As a result they hoped to convince him of the abolute necessity for the work. The Hon. K. S. Williams, in response, said, that it was not Mr Linklater’s fault that he had not visited the district six months ago. Mr Linklater had kept on at him for a long time urging that he make the inspection . That, however, was not a distasteful matter to him, as a day spent in the country was always a pleasure to him. It was very difficult to get away though, and he had taken the first opportunity of making the inspection. He desired to thank those present for their cordial reception, and the manner in which they had facilitated the tour. He would have to be discreet at this stage, however, and would not commit himself. They could rest assured that the matter would receive his earnest consideration. Mr W. H. Field, member for Otaki, also spoke, and referred to his past association with Foxton and the Manawatu, which at one time he had been privileged to represent in Parliament. He still had many friends in Foxton, and he was glad to see some old associates around the table that day and to reneAv acquaintances. He always took an interest in this district, and whenever possible was only too pleased to co-operate with Mr Linklater in any movement for the benefit of the district. The party then made an inspection of the river at Wliirokino, and the Manawatu Heads, and completed the tour by an inspection of the Orouat River.