RIVER PROTECTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 13 December 1932, Page 7

RIVER PROTECTION

AT HAMILTON’S BEND

WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN.

The Kairanga County Council was advised at its meeting to-day, by tlie Manawatu-Oroua River Board, that, following upon a full discussion concerning the damaged banks of the Manawatu River at Hamilton’s bend, the following resolution had been carried: —“That permission be given to the Kairanga County Council and the Manawatu Drainage Board to reinstate the banks at Hamilton’s bend to the level they, were prior to the recent flood, each body to bo asked to appoint two representatives, and the settlers interested to be asked to appoint two representatives, to meet representatives of this board, with the purpose of endeavouring to arrive at an agreement to make the Whirokino cut and the work suggested by the Public Works Department at Hamilton’s bend as one job.” Cr. Voss expressed the opinion that it might be advisable to again meet the River Board. Cr. Mildon considered that the council should be satisfied with. the offer made. The Public Works Boheme was really more than what the council originally sought—they were providing for a flood up to 16ft, but that work, inclusive of a cut, would cost £6OOO, £llOO of which would be expended in transport. He was of the opinion that it might be policy to get in touch with the River Board, but as far as ho could see the council had received what they had wanted. At xhe present time the council could proceed with the strengthening of the banks up to the 14ft level, and the work could be undertaken under the direction of the Public Works Department. ' Cr. Batclielar maintained that the settlers concerned should do the work —not the Kairanga County. The settlers higher up had put in groynes, etc., with beneficial results, whereas those lower down had been lax. He objected to the ratepayers as a whole being called on to assist. Cr. Anderson stated that he objected to any further conference with the River Board for it was his opinion that it was the thin end of the wedge towards securing the support of the county for the Whirokino scheme. Cr. Voss held that the county would not be called upon by the River Board later. The county was an interested party and to leave the banks as they were would seriously affect the council’s road. The work was necessary and would not entail any great expense to the county. Cr. Batchelar: Why not form a special rating area? Cr Voss: Yes, I would agree to that. Cr Shannon also voiced objection to his riding being called upon to share in the cost. Cr Mildon explained that the settlers concerned would assist financially, but to what extent he did not know. It would be necessary for the settlers and the council to come together to discuss the whole position, for -while some might not be in a position to assist financially, they would help by furnishing teams and drays. The chairman (Cr Collis) considered that the council had the power to carry out the work for the settlers and the Drainage Board concerned, but the maintenance would devolve upon the River Board. The cost of re-erection of the banks would be upon the riding. It was an excellent opportunity to proceed with the work at a reasonable cost and he aeocrdingly suggested that the work be proceeded with, adding that in the event of the settlers requiring anything further, the matter would have to be again considered. The chairman assured Cr Shannon that the cost would be borne by the Taonui riding. Cr Mildon pointed out that the base of the bank would be made stronger than originally. The chairman then moved that the council, with the assistance of the settlers and the Manawatu Drainage Board, proceed with the replacement of the banks to their original level under the scheme of the Public Works Department, and with the approval of the Manawatu-Oroua. River Board, the work to be carried out by the unemployed. Cr Voss seconded the motion, which, when put to the meeting, was carried, Crs Batchelar and Anderson voting against it. It was further decided to notify the Manawatu-Oroua River Board of the council’s decision and to thank it for the permission given; also to advise it that in the event of it being desired at a later date to entertain proposals of a more comprehensive nature, such as suggested by the Public Works Department, the council would be prepared to appoint representatives to further discuss the matter.