WILLOW CLEARING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 283, Issue 283, 14 March 1941, Page 5

WILLOW CLEARING

WAIOHO VALLEY PROBLEM GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FORTH COMIXG For some time the blockage of the Waioho Stream by willows has been a problem confronting the settlers and negotiations with the Minister of Lands lias been successful in that the work will be subsidised by slightly over fifty per cent of the estimated cost. A well attended meeting of the settlers of that district was held at Mr .T. Palmer's residence on February 27 to consider a communication from the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone. Mr H. G. Brown was elected to the chair and read the letter from the Minister as follows-:—■ With reference to the letter of the Ist October forwarded to you by the Hon. Minister of Public Works in connection with representations made by you regarding the clearing of willows from the Waioho Stream in the White Pine Bush locality, I have to advise that provided the question of financing the work can be satisfactorily arranged the work of clearing the willows could be undertaken by my Department. It is estimated that to effect a reasonable improvement to the stream an expenditure of approximately £1100 would be required over a period of two years. The willows would first need to be ring-barked at an estimated cost of £165 and then two years later the willows and other obstructions removed from the stream at an estimated cost of £935. The, total estimated cost of the work would therefore be £1100 and if the settlers concerned and the Whakatane County Council are prepared to contribute £500 towards the cost consideration will be given to the Government providing, the balance required, viz. £600. The Chief Drainage Engineer will shortly be communicating with you and also with the Whakatane County Council to ascertain whether the settlers and the are prepared too contribute £500 to enable the work to bo undertaken. It was decided by the meeting that Mrs S. Frankland, and Messrs Brown, Butler, Attwood, Downard and J. Palmer wait as a deputation upon the Whakatane County Council at its next meeting to seek assistance.