Wanaka Protests at Decision To Reuse Lake Without Reference to Residents

Lake County Mail, Issue 47, 28 April 1948, Page 2

Wanaka Protests at Decision To Reuse Lake Without Reference to Residents

A meeting regarding the raising of Lake Wanaka was held in the Wanaka Hall on the evening of Monday, April 19. Although the meeting was held at short notice there were approximately 50 residents present.

Mr M. Davis was appointed chairman for the meeting and Mr E. Rich-

below the 1878 flood level, but it was pointed out that the Government had erected the new Police Station in the same area, and is almost the most recent building to be erected there. The residents realise that it is essential to have more power, but consider that some alternative other than spoiling Wanaka should be made possible. It was resolved to write to the member, Mr W. Bodkin, and the Minister, the- Hon, R. Semple, asking that they should at an early date meet the residents and discuss the situation with them.

mond secretary. Mr D. Aubrey, member for the Wanaka Riding, addressed the meeting, and several of those present asked questions and put forth suggestions.

The residents are anxious to know if there is no other way of obtaining power than by the flooding of part of Wanaka. Wanaka has become very popular as a tourist resort and camping site and will be spoilt, as both the Glendhu and local camping grounds will be in the flood area, as well as about 15 houses, the Masonic Hall, and two businesses.

Up to the present time only secondhand reports have been made available, and those people who are to be flooded out feel that some consideration is due to them.

Reference was , made at the meeting to the statement in one of the papers that people had foolishly built