LOWERING THE LAKE

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 January 1914, Page 3

LOWERING THE LAKE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —There is another effort being made to have Lake Horowhenua lowered, at the ratepayers' expense. If adjacent landholders wish to draiij their swamps they should be prepared to do it themselves. Even if lowering the lake is the only way to drain the swamps, it is questionable if the increased rates from the lands so improved are sufficient guarantee for a policy which enriches a few private owners at the expense of what should be a great asset for the people. If the lake is to be of any use at all it is time to call a public meeting and make a protest. The water in the lake is so shallowjrouncl the boatshed at present that the boats bark their shins on the bottom when getting in and out. That a lake is a valuable affair is recognised for instance in Australia where towns with any pretensions are always at pains to construct an artificial lake, or an overgrown pond. In the accepted design for the Australian capital at Canberra provision has been made for the construction of no less than five lakes. —I am, etc., BOATMAN. "PAYING THE PIPEItS." Sir, —Is the Horowhenua Pastoral Association short of funds or lacking in that common-sense spirit which should prompt such a body to support all local institutions? The above body have secured the services of the Hoys 13i(nd---maintained by the Government—from the Training Farm at Weraroa for the show this year. It is a good band, under one of the best instructors, but what evidentlv appeals to the H.P.A. is the* fact that they get its services free. The Association should engage the Levin Brass Band, which offered to pl l ', v during the (lay for 30s surely not a large sum to pay. The Levin Band apparently gets very little support from any local body; it has to depend solely on public collections. It is up to the 11. P.A. and such bodies to show a different spirit towards the band.- -Yours, etc,, OBOK.