MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3895, 15 January 1929, Page 3

MANAWATU-OROUA RIVER BOARD CONFERENCE.

BOROUGH COUNCIL OPPOSED TO SCHEME. At last night’s Borough Council meeting the question of appointing delegates to attend the proposed conference of local bodies which is to be convened by the ManawatuOroua River Board to consider the river “cut” proposal came up for discussion.

Councillors referred to the decisions of other local bodies on the matter, the keynote of Avliich appeared to be caution. The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) said the Council should give the matter careful Consideration before making any decision as bv opposing the scheme they might be standing in the Avay of progress. Cr. Walker did not consider the scheme Avoukl be of any great benefit to Foxton. In his opinion there were not a great number of floods which caused much damage. The Mayor said it AVould he advisable to discuss the matter thoroughly with the Board before coming to any decision. Cr. Rand: We have already done that here at this table. The engineer explained the Avlioic scheme. It will fix Foxton, mills and all. Cr. Ross’s opinion was that the periodical flooding of the flax swamps did a great deal of good. As far as he Could see each successive flood tended to raise the banks of the river. The last flood put two feet on in places. Cr. AAlalker said that forty years ago be had been in the Moutoa and his experience Avas that floods raised the height of the banks. He had taken levels at Langley’s Drain at that time and found the river bank to be four feet higher than the swamp. He considered delegates should be sent to the conference to oppose the scheme. Cr. Ross moved that the Mayor ■attend the conference Avith the object of opposing the scheme. This was seconded |>y Cr. M. 11. Walker and carried unanimously.