LAND RECLAMATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 23, 12 November 1943, Page 5

LAND RECLAMATION

jWHAKATANE of the future

HARBOUR PLANS DISCUSSED

With the scale plan of the recently completed town extension scheme as adopted by the Harbour Board, before them,, members of the Whakatane Bor-t -ough Council conferred last Monday evening with the chairman (Mr W, R. Boon) and secretary (Mr C. G. Lucas) of the Harbour Board with regard to the final details of the layout and 1 'prospect of the Whakatane business! area of the future. The plan which entailed the reel am artoin of something approaching thirty acres of land now almost 'entirely mudflat at the rear of "the Strand and extending up to Witchell's estate on: McGarvey's Road showed an area for town expansion which most of the present generation will not live to see. Broad streets and righ,t of ways extended oyer a rough "triangle to a point calculated 1 to reach to the verge of the main river channel, the immediate vici'nity of which was /bound by a substantial waterfront recreation reserve. The question of road access across the Borough endowment was the main point at issue but the- city lathers ceased ordinary business to cluster around the pink and green' map for the. best jjart of threc-quar-dters of an hour. Question of 'Scour' "The Deputy Mayor asked if the reclamation of such a large area of river Hats was likely to effect the scour at the heads, and gradually lead to a process of silting-lip at the bar. This he. contended was the opinion of competent engineers. 'Mr Boon admitted that su-cli a contention had been put forward, but the flats were gradually reclaiming themselves. All the land on the upper harbour was consolidating and rising. This action together Avlth the extensive reclamation work already carried, out had not in any way jeopardised the depth of water at the bar. The channels, were still as deep as they ever were and he per.sonally considered that the river would always provide sufficient .flush of water to keep them so. Central Park Area Cr Creeke agreed that the plan was an excellent one. but considered that provision should be made for a ccnlral recreation area opposite the proposed post office' site. This was most essential he claimed and would ensure a park of lawns and gardens for the benefit of the public within a few seconds of the shopping area., it would also enhance the whole appearance of the Strand. "We want this plan fully approved if possible," said Mr -Boon, "as it is our intention to take advantage of the subsidy on rehabilitation work after the war and commence the work of reclamation. At the 1 same time I don't think I can ansswer for the Board being prepared to make over several of its most central and valuable sections."

Cr Creeke contended, that the plan •was mainly based on commercial •lines with a view to rental rot urns. He thought as a public body the .Board should he iirepared to lhake this small concession in the public •interest. He added that he did jiot .•agree with the low-lying flats being cut into residential sections. It was most unhealthy and in the interests of people's health .should, be .avoided. Board Congratulated' When the Harbour Board representatives had Avithdrawn the Council decided to refer the plan to the Works Committee for closer consideration to go into details and report hack. ''As a whole," .said His Worship, "the plan to my mind is a very good one indeed and the Board isi to be congratulated on its foresight." Cr Caislcy added that the Council appreciated the work that the Board had put into it. It was most comprehensive. On. the motion of Cr Shapley the. Council decided to express its thanks to the Board and to extend its congratulations on the initiative and progressive policy displayed.