FLOODED HIGHWAYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3883, 13 December 1928, Page 2

FLOODED HIGHWAYS.

DISCUSSED BY MANAWATU COUNTY COUNCIL.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the ManaAvatu County Council, the chairman (Mr. W. E. Barber) discussing the recent flood in the county, -said that the Avater Avas over the Whirokino road for a fortnight and the road Avas impassable for that period. The prolonged flooding Avas due, he thought, to the presence of the bank Avhieh checked the tide from encroaching on the land and the operation of the flood gate on the Government drain at Whirokino. When the tide was in the flood gate Avas closed, so that during flood time, the flood gates were closed tAvice a day and this kept the flood waters back. Accordingly the flood water, having only one narrow outlet, could only get aAvay when the tide Avas out. To get over this difficulty and to assist in getting the water away quickly, the chairman suggested the erection of land level flood gates at different points. If this Avere done he felt that the period the land Avas under water in flood time could be reduced by fifty per cent, and this Avould be of great advantage to the Whirokino road.

Respecting traffic on the Whirokino road in flood time, the chairman recalled experiences during the recent flood, and it had occurred to. him that it Avas necessary to provide passing places at least three points along the road. It was a risky business for vehicles in negotiating the road when under Avater to attempt to pass vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction, and for safety’s sake passing places Avere necessary.

The council agreed to leave the question in. the hands of the chairman who is to consult with the Main Highways Board.