MEETING OF SETTLERS AT ORMOND.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1134, 30 August 1882, Page 2

MEETING OF SETTLERS AT ORMOND.

A large meeting of settlers interested in the protection of the Ormond township from the further encroachment of the Waipaoa River, was held at the Chandos Hotel, last even-ng. Mr W. Currie, as convener of the meeting, having briefly explained to those present the object for which they were called together, Mr J. M. Bidgood was appointed Chairman of the meeting, and having pointed out the immediate necessity for taking prompt measures to prevent further inroads being made by the river, asked for suggestions fro-n any one present as to the best course to adopt under the circumstances.

Mr G. Davis was of opinion that the proper plan to adopt would be to endeavor to re-open the old channel on the opposite side ofjthe river, and, by placing bags of gravel the flow would be diverted to its old course, for the sum of £lOO he estimated this could be done. By way of alternative for the present purposes lie would suggest that a batter be taken off the river bank and furze sewn broadcast, which would in a short time form a good means of resistance. Mr Caulton did not think Mr Davis’s first suggestion was practicable, as it involved the change of thejeourse of the river which, would not be allowed, He advocated planting willows ; he spoke from experience, as he had tried planting some 20 chains of the bank at his old farm and the experiment was successful. Mr o'Dwyor considered the best plan would be to place a floating boom at Mr Skillicom'a filaoe and turn the course of the river on to he other side. Mr Currie thought that two practical men should be appointed to confer with the County Engineer on the subject. Mr D, JlcLeod stated that the turning of the river on to the other side would, he thought, be impracticable, and he described a scheme which he thought would be suitable by employing floating booms, which in conjunction with fascining the bank in a manner similar to that adopted at the Waipaoa Bridge, would have the desired effest. Mr Barrie then moved, and Mr D. Robinson seconded— That a Committee of flvo members be appointed (three to form a quorum) to raise subscriptions lor the proposed work tor preservation of the river bank ; also, that a deputation be appointed to confer with the County Council and ask tor their assistance.

The motion was put to the meeting and carried, The following gentlemen were then elected members of the Committee Messrs Barrie, D. McLeod, Currie, Caulton, and Bidgood. It was then resolved that the Committee form a deputation to confer with the County Council, and that they report to a public meeting to be held on the Bth prox,, the result of their interview, and report progress generally. The meeting then concluded witli a vote of thanks to the Chairman.