DRAINAGE OF PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4750, 12 September 1924, Page 2

DRAINAGE OF PLAINS.

o . COUNCIL’S DEPUTATION. THE MINISTER'S REPLY. The following letter, dated August 15, 1924, from the Hon. Minister for Lands, in reply to the representations made to him by a deputation from the Hauraki Plains County Council in Wellington last month, was read at the council meeting on Tuesday, giving the requests and answers ; " ‘That dredges be put in the Pi.ako River for the purpose of cutting canals through the Umutawa block and the carnal reserve at Rawerawe.’ “The cutting of canals through the Umutawa and ; Rawerawe bends is quite unnecessary. The river channel, at the Umutawa bend is of ample capacity, and very little work will be required on the Rawerawe bend to give it the required cross-sectional area. Neither of these bends is severe, and any expenditure on improvements should be confined to the natural channel. “ ‘That the Piako River channel be widened and deepened from the mouth southward.” “The widening and deepening of the Piako River at the mouth is also quite unnecessary, and any expenditure here would be thrown away. The widening of the river from a point north of Ngatea is in hand. “ ‘That the Waikaka canal be widened and deepened.’

“The Waikaka canal is located within the ponding area. The land in this locality which is reserved for that purpose is all inundated during flood periods, and consequently the enlargement of the canal would meantime serve no useful purpose.

“‘That the Land Drainage Department refuse any subsidies to drainage boards operating in the watersheds of the P.ako and -Waihou rivers to the south of Patetonga until adequate provision has been made for the disposal of the excess water that has been and will be sent down to the lower reaches of the said rivers by the operations of independent drainage' boards in those areas.’

“The drainage boards in the upper watersheds of the Piako and Waihou rivers cotrbl many thousands of acres of swamp country, and from a national point of view the development of these areas is of equal importance to the development of the Hauraki Plains. The recent flood has demonstrated that ample provision is being made in the lower reaches of the Piako River to counterbalance the improvements that are being effected in the upper reaches.

“ ‘That all stop-banks be strengthened, and that spoil for same be deposited at the farthest, possible distance from the dredge cuts, so as to increase the capacity of the river channel.’

“The relevelling of the stop-banks as requested is in hand. The country is now well consolidated, and it is considered that this. will be the final relevelling required. “‘That the Piako River be stopbanked from Kerepeehi northward so as to link up with stop-banks already constructed.’ “The construction of stop-banks from Kerepeehi northward to link up with existing stop-banks 43 already arranged for, and will be carried out as machineiry is available. “ ‘That a controlled canal be constructed from what is known as the Willow Drain, south of Turua, to the Awaiti, immediately south of Kerepeehi.’ “The Department does not seei the purpose of the proposed controlled canal and can see no necessity for it. “One or two other points referred to by the deputation will be the subject of further consideration.” Reporting on the deputation’s visit, Cr. Mayn isaid that he was of opinion thht a conference, would have given better results. The department was undoubtedly withholding information. Tn regard to the Rawerawe. canal, he was of, the opinion that it would not be advisable to have this constructed as the reserve was not wide enough, and equally good results could be obtained by improving the river . It was decided to invite the Hon. Minister for Lands to visit the Hauraki Plains. LOASBY’S HEALING OINTMENT. Price 1/6, post free 5/-. For the clief and cure of bad ulcerated legs, sores ot all kinds, skin troubles, etc. Whenever an Ointment is required you cannot get anything as good. A lady writes from Culverden, Canterbury : “Mr Loasby. Dear Sir : About five years ago you cured my leg after neinq bad for over fifteen years. A boa : six months ago I had an accident, and my leg broke down again. 1 an. sure it I get Loasby’s Healing Ointment it will again cure me.” Ten days later she wired : “EV t tarn pots Loasby’s Healing Ointment. Leg improving splendidly.” Loasny’s Healing Ointment is soothing, never gives any pain, yet always does good. Price 4 /6, post free 5/-. A. M. LOASBY, The Only Prescribing Chemist, and Violet Ray High Frequency Electrical Expert. 26 His Majesty’s Arcade, Auckland.*