The Weir on the Taruheru

The chairman of the Catchment Board described it thus: "I can think of no single project which would add more to the beautification of the city".

In the Mayor's words: "Afraid that's a pipe dream for the future."

The object of these interesting comments: a weir across the mouth of the Taruheru River, for which detailed plans and an estimate of cost have been prepared by the Catchment Board's engineer, Mr A. D. Todd.

Mr Todd envisages a weir 105ft long, built as close to the mouth of the river as possible, with eight bays, an overhead walkway, and radial gates which could be operated from the walkway.

The cost: £13,955. The Mayor's comment would be dictated by the fact that there are so many other essential works which require priority.

The weir would maintain the level of water in the Taruheru at high tide for a distance of more than two miles up the river, covering acres of smelly and unsightly mud, and would provide the city with one of the most beautiful stretches of water to be seen anywhere.

High tide view from war Memorial steps. Weir would cross river in centre of picture

Camera can make mudflats look beautiful, but the eye dous not see it like this

Low tide near band rotunds reveals vast expanse of mudflats...........

.........which are mercifully covered when the tide comes in

View downstream from Peel Street bridge at low tide shows approximately where weir would be built, and would result in permanent sheet of water as shown below. Copies of Mr Todd's report are to be sent by Catchment Board to City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cook County Council, and the Gisborne Harbour Board. Except for administration, the work is outside province of Catchment Board.