RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3169, 21 April 1909, Page 5

RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

PROTECTIVE WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT. A meeting of settlers resident on the Upper Plain, whose properties are in the vicinity of the Waingawa river, and who are interested in carrying out protective works was held in the Fernridge Schoolroom last evening. The chair was occupied by Mr H. Evans, and there were also present:-—Messrs G. H. Perry, J. Dagg, Miller, Clancey, J. SiemoneK, D. McGregor and P. Hood, j The Chairman, in explaining the object of the meeting, dwelt upon the urgent necessity of carrying out protective vyorks in certain localities in the Waingawa river. Mr Frank Hood stated that he had already commenced protective works. He thought that a couple of groynes put in at the points of encroachment would avert any danger in the future. He suggested the groynes should be about thirty feet long, and teq or twelve feet deep. A dozen men could do the work in two or three days. Mr D. McGregor said he was in favour of the settlers gripping the situation at once, and carrying out the necessary work. He thought that if the settlers combined the work could be carried out in a couple of days. The local bodies interested would doubtless render some financial assistance when the nature of the work undertaken had been laid before them. If settlers would come together and help Mr Hood the work could be proceeded with at once.

Mr G H. Ferry pointed out the advisability of doing the work thoroughly. Two groynes did not seem to him to be sufficient. The river should be thoroughly inspected, and points of danger noted. The suggestion that had been made to secure the advice of Mr Martin, ranger for the Irrigation Board, before starting the work was an excellent one, and should be adopted. Mr McGregor agreed with Mr Perry's remarks and on his motion it was decided to engage the services of Mr Martin. It was resolved to leave the arrangement of dates of which to carry oat the work in the hands of Mr H °od. The ferviges of about fiftesn workers ware in the room, and Mr Hood was asked to notify each of them of the dates selected by him on which to carry but the work. Mr Perry moved that Messrs McGregor, Hood and Dagg, be appointed a committee to report upon river encroachment from time to time. When danger threatened the committee could call a meeting of those inter- j ested and take action without delay. The motion was.carried. J A vote of thanks to the chair j terminated the meeting. i