NAVIGATION OF THE WAIAU.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 20, 30 July 1920, Page 3

NAVIGATION OF THE WAIAU.

(Signed) L. ALLEN.

RE WAIAU RIVEIi. As rcquested by vour Board, I heg to report 011 tbis river as follows— i travelled both up and down the river and was much surprised at the large quantity of water in the river at. this tima of ihe year. The river seems very free of snags and boulders, but there are about seven places which will require money spent on them. Two of these places will require straightening, the cost* of which would probably a-mount to £500 each, the other five are just an odd boulder or snag which could be removed by blasting. After this work is done, the only trouble Ihi Board would have to contend with

would be the moving shingle in the lower reaches. The river runs fairly fast, and the most suitable boat I should recommend would be about 85 feet in length, with a beam of about 10 feet, The most needed item will be the power, as there is plenty of water I would recommend oil power, it does nof take up so much room as steam and is not so heavy— say one 150 H.P., or two 75 H.P. This would give the boat about 12 inrhes draught when empty, and about 2 fieet 4 inches when loaded, I would recommend the Board to send Mr Hay to Wanganui, to have a look at Messrs ITatrick and Co, 's river fieet, Before sending away for a boat. This no doubt would give him a good impression of the class of boat that would suit the river Waiau. I should be very pleased to hear what decision the Board come to. — Yours faithfully