LAND DEVELOPMENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20114, 7 December 1939, Page 3

LAND DEVELOPMENT

HAURAKI PLAINS AREA ROADS AND BRIDGES As the result of development work which has been intensified during the past two years, a large area of land between Ngatea and the western foothills, of the Hauraki Plains, comprising several thousand acres, will be suitable soon for subdivision into farms. The land, which consisted for the most part of heavy pent covered with tea-tree and fern, has for some years been drained by the Lands Drainage Department into the Maukoro Canal, and is now in good condition. Work which is being carried out by the Government includes formation and metalling of roads, digging of drains and bridge building. Running through the centre of a block of approximately 4000 acres is the Orchard West road, which, when metalled and continued toward Mangatarata. will give a short cut from Ngatea and Paeroa to Auckland. Parallel to the Orchard West road, but further south, is another road which was laid down in clay across the peat many years ago. Work being carried out in this section at present includes the enlarging of drains which carry surplus water to the canal system to the north, fencing, and the building of bridges. The peat land on the southern side of the road has consolidated, and is carrying a good solo of grass.

Another road is being constructed north and south across the area, clay being brought by a temporary railway from the foothills at Torchape about five miles away.