A HINT FOR HELENSVILLE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 3 February 1916, Page 2

A HINT FOR HELENSVILLE

BEAUTIFYING THE RIVER

Descanting ■o n the Upper Kaipara district, the Christchurch Press says

"In all' portions, of the great Kaipara waterway, land on the sea frontage of 80X) miles suffers more or less from tide erosion. In some cases the annual loss of territory, especially in the region of the larger streams during winter seasons is serious, particularly in the ITorthern Wairoa district. In the upper reaches of the Wairoa, and in its tributaries, the banks are more, or less protected by willow growth, which is, however, proving a serious impediment to the navigation of small craft,' whilst in the sea and brackish water limits the willow does not survive. How to protect the banks and get rid of the ever-spreading willow has been solved by the advent of the Canadian rice plant (zizama aquatica), the seed of which some years ago was landed in ballast at Aratapu. The resultant growth, which in appearance is similar to, but more stately, than raupo, has spread over some miles of the Northern Wairoa foreshore, and nas been utilised by the local governing bodies in protecting the river banks. It furnishes a picturesque and complete prevention of tidal and torrential erosion, grows only between high and low water marks, and affords settlers the opportunity of replacing the willow pest with something more utilitarian. The cost of felling willows in the Northern Wairoa district aione has amounted to thousands of pounds, while the planting of zizama results in the permanent conservation of river banks at a mere

nominal cost."