OUR TROUBLESOME RIVERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1803, 16 October 1888, Page 4

OUR TROUBLESOME RIVERS.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir,— l think that almost every one after reading the account of the meeting of ratepayers at Belfield, reported in 'your paper, must have come to the same conclusion : that the opinions there expressed differed very widely, For instance, the Committee appointed to inquire into the necessity or otherwise of forming a Board of Conservators report that from £l5O to £IBO will strengthen the most dangerous place, which threatens the whole district. Others present were of the opinion that it would require at least £SOOO to protect eight dangerous places, or an average of £625 each, and even then the first fresh might wash half the works aw*y. Another opinion expressed was that they would rather lose a few acres of land than pay a rate ; but it is quite impossible for anyone to voluntarily lose a few acres of land without a murmur, and then cry stop. Some unfortunate individual might lose all. Remember the old saying—“ a stileb in time,” etc, Then again, it is difficult to understand the statements made at the meeting by some of the oldest residents in the district that there is no more chance now of-the Oran going down Cooper’s Creek than there was years ago. I certainly am quite of a different opinion, and think on the contrary that the Orari is making rapid strides and struggling hard to gel into Cooper’s Creek, and has already accomplished a lot of work towards its intentions, Years ago there appeared to be no danger—at the present time how different. Now the river is attacking the north bank most vigorously and successfully, has already carried away in different parts portions of the road running parallel to the river, and the shingle has accumulated and has caused-the bed of the river to rise considerably. In some parts where formerly there was a high terrace now there is none, and consequently during the last flood a portion of the river was running nordi, almost at right angles to the present riverbed. And yet they say there is no danger. It is my opinion they have the choice ot two evils, and which do they prefer : To try and cause the riv"r to keep its natural course, or risk it.o land end let it-go, .for go it will not ss [Touch notion : s '.".lcon to prevent it. In soy hat ;h ■. Governnun’ must protect the railway bridge is relying on a slender reed. Who knows but it might, poy <ho Government belter to let the Orari take a new course and build another" bridge' rather than pay on pro(edive works the same amount as a new bridge wou'd cost with the chance of again being in the same position as they are at present. The river Ashley i 8 R very similar river to the ? Orari, The inhabitants there in some parts are at present at their wits’ end to know how to combat with it, I think, that the bed of that river is now in many places fifteen feet higher than it was years ago. It is only a natural consequence—mountains of shingle accumulating after every fresh. Take the Waihi river, which is perhapß.no!,so bad,,but there again, if the owners of land fronting the river don’t fake more efficient measures to protect their land, it is bound to be washed away. It is ray opinion that to erect groins, put in protective works, or plant-willows-, are only stop gaps, and may do good for the time, but will eventually by stopping the natural flow of the shingle do more harm than good by causing, it to accumulate. Fy idea is that if the owners of land in the vicinity of these rivers attach any value to their land the sooner prompt action is taken by them the better, but it most he concerted action form themselves into Boards of Conservators, pu'l together, and take the control and management of the rivers jnto, their own hands. I. have long entertained an idea that a steam dredge should be used to clear nut the natural courses of the rivers, Possiblv I may have taken the idea from the Manchester Ship Canal, where they usn steam navvies or excavators in making the canal, each steam navvy digging out the channel for the Canal and disposing of the earth at the daily rate of nearly 600 yards. If this scheme could be carried out, which I think quite feasible, it would put a stop to any ill feeling which might arise by driving the water as at present from one side of the river to the other.—l am, etc., War. Upton Slack, 1 Woodside, Oct. 12, 1888,