EROSION BY RIVER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 2

EROSION BY RIVER.

PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD. MINISTER MAKES INSPECTION. Representations for Government assistance in the checking of erosion in the Manawatu River at Stuart’s bend, near Te Matai Road, were made to the Minister of Public Works (Hon. It. Semple) by the Palmerston North River Board yesterday afternoon.' The board first met t'he Minister in conference, and subsequently a visit was made to the scene of the trouble.

Speaking on behalf of the board, the chairman (Mr A. E. Mansford) explained that three bodies had an interest in the matter, the Palmerston North City Council, the Ivairanga County Council and the River Board. The correction of the erosion would entail the expenditure of a sum of money beyond the finances of the River Board. When the matter was brought before the Minister two years ago he indicated that he would consider making a grant for the work if there was a responsible authority in control. The position now was that the erosion was dangerous to the city should there be a very big flood. Air J. Hodgens, M.P., explained the position as to tlie authority in charge, remarking that the area was outside the River Board’s territory and therefore the board could not spend money there. Work costing tens of thousands of pounds had gone down the--river to Foxton in flood periods, and this scour was jeopardising the work the board had carried out in the last ten years. The Minister recalled the interview and commented that there was a suggestion that the hoard’s boundaries be extended, and in a round-table discussion it was found that negotiations to secure the consent of the owners of adjoining land broke down. The Minister then pointed out that the whole position would have been covered had the Rivers Erosion Bill been passed in Parliament, but this, on account of the war, had been shelved meantime..

The party then went to Stuart’s l>end where the actual erosion was inspected and various aspects the matter discussed. Following this inspection a visit was made to Mcßae’s l>end. where protective measures by groynes were outlined.