FLOOD MENACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4438, 10 April 1930, Page 4

FLOOD MENACE.

TO HIGHWAY AND RAILWAY AT

BANGIOTU.

The flood menace to road and railway traffic on the Foxton-Pal-merston line was discussed by the Manawatn-Orona River Board at last week’s meeting the following resolution was passed: “That the general manager of railways and the chairman of the Main Highways Board be written to regarding the menace to the railway on the Foxton-Palmerston North line, and also the FoxtonPalmerston North main highway, caused by the enormously increased river erosion at Hamilton’s line, and asking that the matter be referred ot the engineers concerned to report.” In connection with the matter, Mr IT. W. Beasley, district engineer of the Railway Department, waited upon the meeting to discuss the position as it affects his department. The board’s engineer (Mr. F. C. Hay) stated that with Mr. Beasley he had that morning inspected the erosion at Hamilton’s line and had explained the effect of probable floods noon the railway.

The chairman stated that protective measures at this particular point were part of the board’s modified scheme, but the difficulty was that the Government so far would not authorise a subsidy to allow the work to be carried out. The Minister of Public Works had promised to receive a further deputation from the board.

Mr. Beasley stated that the river bank where the erosion was taking place appeared to be higher than would be the case when the water eroded further. When the erosion proceeded it appeared that even a small flood would precipitate a break in the bank, with consequent severe wash-outs in the line. The position would be that the railway would be affected by small floods, whereas in the past only the big Hoods had caused serious trouble.

The engineer pointed out that the main road was equally threatened with the railway line. Mr. Harrison stated that he was certain that, if the danger was not guarded against, the next floods would sever both road and rail communication for a considerable time.

Mr. B. G. Gower inquired whether it would not be possible to enlist the support of the. Railway Department and the Main Highways Board when the board approached the Minister.

Mi - . Beasley expressed the opinion that it would be advisable for the board to communicate with the general manager of railways (Mr. 11. 11. Sterling) and through him it would be placed before the chief engineer. At the commission held throe years ago, the speaker had given evidence which really stated the Railway Department’s case, but since then the position had altered a little for the worse.