WORK IN OTAKI RIVER

Chronicle (Levin), 13 September 1947, Page 2

WORK IN OTAKI RIVER

COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION SEES DRAGLINE Members of the Otaki Commercial Association yesterday paid a i visit to see the dragline at work . m i the Otaki River, and to witness the i fine work that the machme is accomplishing. . . . The huge machme was working at high pressure and proved ltself capable of unloading 240 yards of heavy metal every hour, pilmg it in heaps on the river bank. By the use of this machinery, which has already covered about a mue and a-half, with another halfmile to complete the work, much valuable land will be saved It was noticed by the visitors that the old Rekereke racecourse, well-known to old residents, had sufiered considerably, many acres of valuable land, once owned by the late Messrs. Bright Bros. and now in possession of Mr. Stan Elliott having been washed away. This is regrettable as the land was equal to anything on the coast. 1 Besides the big drag-lme there was a smaller machine on the opposite side of the river, and this is doing splendid work. Once the river work is completed it is hoped that this machine will be retained for emergency work, and at the same time it might be used with advantage to deepen the Rangiuiu River and give a good flow of water, thus helping to save valuable land. . , The huge machinery was viewed by members of the association, all of whom showed keen interest in its working, details being expl&inod by those in charge. It was also noticeable that when needed the lines couid be easily removed §o that the drag-line could be shifted to keep up with its work.