RIVER PROTECTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 54, 1 February 1938, Page 2

RIVER PROTECTION

PALMERSTON NORTH AREA. MEETING OF BOARD. The Palmerston North River Board met yesterday, Mr A. E. Mansforcl presiding. Also present were Messrs J. T. J. He.itley. J. Batchelar, G. Tremaine, W. R. Hopcroft and W. Anderson. . The p.dvisory'engineer (Mr E. Fisher) reported as follows:—“During the flood rise of 11 feet on the 25th instant I made an inspection of the river and works and closely observed and recorded the effect of the groyne system of works on the river cha.nnei and banks; and again on the 28th instant when the flood had sufficiently receded I completed my inspection in order to determine results, and have to report as follows: (1) It is satisfactory to record that the works sustained no damage as a result of the flood. A remarkable feature of this flood was that the water was intensely laden with silt which was extensively deposited between the groynes and in the willow protection works along the river banks, hence very beneficial results will accrue therefrom. (2) The groyne system of- works generally functioned satisfactorily and this year’s additions to the system operated effectively. (3) Considerable improvement of the river channel is manifest as a result of the flood, and the p avy siltage that has been effected w.J stimulate the willow growth and thus afford greater security to the river banks. (4) Satisfactory progress is maintained with the construction of this year’s groyne works. (5) The question of an additional groyne at the lower end of Mcßae’s Bend at a vital point should receive the board’s consideration and I suggest that this matter be examined by the board when making its annual inspection. (6) On Mr Petersen’s foreshore the outlet of a creek to the river that caused erosion of his land a few months ago is still unsatisfactory notwithstanding works were constructed to remedy this. Subsequently a local deluge in the creek rendered these works ineffective and further erosion of the land occurred. The recent river flood has improved the condition of this creek outlet, but it cannot be regarded as satisfactory. The position is that this is not the norma] outlet of the creek, therefore, I consider an embankment should be constructed across this outlet and so confine the creek to its normal course along the cliff to the river. I lia.ve discussed the matter with Mr Petersen on the ground and he is concerned and approves of the proposal as indicated, and is prepared to do the cartage work required free of cost if the board will find the labour and wirenetting required, which I estimate would cost about £ls. I would advise the board to do this work in order to permanently eliminate the possibility of future erosion and also to ensure the security of the river. (7) Regarding the men emplo3’ed under the Labour Department’s subsidy scheme 13, the term of such employment having expired on the 28th instant I have arranged with Mr Cozens, of the local Labour Office, for the continuance of these men as the board has still suitable work for their employment.” The foreman (Mr A. Lane) reported: —“The extension of No. 5 grovne (GO feet) at Fitzrov Bend is completed at a cost of £B4. In addition to this work an extra, row of stay piles is being driven behind the original portion of this groyne for the strengthening of the main structure. The hauling and splitting of the totara logs from the river at Mcßae’s bend for groyne construction at Cresswell’s bond is in hand. All the timber in this area unsuitable for the works is being hauled and broken up by explosives. During the alterations to the road opposite Massey College several loads of barbarrv hedge were deposited on the beach below the bridge by the Public Works Department, and this has been placed in the form of small brush groynes to protect an area subject to erosion in the willow bank on the college property. Similar work has also been Carried out behind No. 6 groyne at Fitzrov bend. The total cost was £lO. Several 'damaged places in the stop-bank on the City Council nroperty at Ruahine Street have been filled and returfed and the necessary fencing carried out to prevent any further dn.mage hv stock. The floodgate and drain adjoining the stop-hank near the Defence Department property al>ove the bridge have been cleared of debris and sufficient filling removed from around the gate to allow it to open and close freelv. Recent small freshes of late have had the tendency t to cover the young willows planted this season with a green growth; this debris ha.s been removed to allow of a quicker and better growth. The willows this year have made excellent growth. Several of the foreshores have been cleared of lupin growth to prevent filling during flood time.” The financial statement showed that the rates struck had been £3013 17s ILL payments to date being £2714 4s 3d. Of the arrears of £327 14s Id ovtI standing at April 1, 1937, £166 4s 6d had been pa.id. It was decided that the hoard make its annual inspection of works on Tuesday, February 8. Steps are to be taken to deni with the spread of gontsrue in the area close to the riverbank.