WILLOWS AND FLOODS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 14, 25 January 1907, Page 3

WILLOWS AND FLOODS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Attention has frequently been drawn to the rapidly increasing growth of the willows on the banks of :the King Country streams. At Hangatiki the river now floods very easily, whereas in old days such an occurrence was practically unheard of. The river at Te Kuiti is also gradually becoming infested with the willow and steps should be taken to check the growth, otherwise it will only be a matter of a few years when all the King Country streams will be choked sufficiently to allow of them being flooded after any heavy rain. The streams in the district are also admirably adapted for trout fishing and this sport is always an attraction to a country township. Already complaints are heard on all hands of the impossibility of pursuing the sport in places which otherwise offer special inducements to anglers, and it is obviously the duty of all to endeavour to make this young and growingcountry as attractive as possible. Now is the opportunity, and nothing is to be gained by waiting. We are assured by the Government that the County Council is theresponsible body for all works, including roads, finished and unfinished, within its boundaries. The Council represents the people and by undertaking to check the growth of this evil at once, it will be doing good work and saving a vast expense in the future.—l am, etc., Te Kuiti, 22/1/07. SETTLER.

[We have received a further article on the above subject but are obliged to hold it over until next week. — Ed. K.CC.J