THE WAIRERE FALLS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 31, 20 March 1942, Page 5

THE WAIRERE FALLS

A BRIEF HISTORY

STORY OF THEIR PURCHASE

Now that the Wairere Falls are in: the news, it is interesting to note the details of the original deal, which resulted in the property from the base of the cliff to the lip of the falls, being handed over by the Maori owners to the late Mr Summers some thirty years ago. The facts as we hiave learnt them from local residents who recollect the transfer and the arguments which took place indicate that while the present claim has substance, the allegations of abuse by the Maori users of the supply are groundless. In the first placc when the late Mr Summers sought to buy the riparian rights to the falls from the original Maori owners, there was considerable opposition, headed by Mr A. O. Stewart, who pointed out, when the matter came up for review before the Maori Land Court, that by disposing of the falls the Maoris were selling their traditional water supply, which would then be cut off. At that time the pipeline was already attached to the dam at the top of the cliff and led away to supply the residences at the Pa. There were a number of Palceha connections to the feed-line and the supply was then considered wholly satisfactory. The Judge who heard the application refused to make over the transfer of the property, until the purchaser agreed to give the Maoris the right in perpetuity to the use of tlit; waters'. Mr Summers, whose one desire was to capture the supply for his soft-drinks factory, agreed

to this and in spite of .a protest the three acres were made over and the riparian rights disposed of, with of course the easement in favour of the Maori users. The Maoris therefore maintain that they have a perfect right to the supply, and further, if they so desire, to allow others to connect up with the pipe-line for a consideration. In spite of this, however the pipe remains in exactly the same position as it was when the deal was made. There have been no further additions and the line has been maintained and repaired at the expense of the users. The allegation that they are abusing their rights is without foundation. The falls, we gather from older residents of the Borough have declined in volume since the instigation of the Ohope Farm Scheme, and with the clearing of the bush, the watershed has been severely interfered with. Drainage and other farm operations have also reduced the quality of the water. The volume to-day is less than a quarter of the original flow, but with the consolidation of the farm scheme, it is anticipated that something resembling the volume of thirty years ago will be restored.