The Makerua Swamp.

Manawatu Herald, 18 August 1903, Page 3

The Makerua Swamp.

When the present owners of tb# Makerua Swamp Gommencedtolay out a large amoixnt of capital m dram age and 5 other improvements on the _ <•— ourpose of flax cultiva—essed tiSvJ many opinions were •-**•--- the project would turn out R failure. Like, many other new ventures when proposed, pessimists ever ready to predict failure, will often bo met with. When we, however, look . at the position occupied by the promoters at the present time, and it is only a short time since they took the estate over, it must be admitted there Is every reason to expect that in a few years they will be in possession of one of the most valuable tracts of land under flax cultivation in the colony. The question now arises that in view of the irifcrease in the growth of flax, and consequent increased production, where is the milling to be done ? Opinion is somewhat divided on this subject. While some are favourable to the Shannon side of the river, statements at® made by those who ought to know that Foxton and the southern bank of the river along the Long Reach are the most suitable sites for milling purposes in consequence of suitable water supply from the river, and also the superior dry and sandy ground for bleaching. We are inclined to agree with, tbs owners of the Ma* kerua Swamp that most of the green flax from off their estate willin the future, come io the direction of Foxton or the Long Reach, as the swamp being almost wholly subject to flooding, the risk of bleaching on the cleared ground on the swamp would be too great. Certainly there is higher ground to be had at Shannon and towards the hills, but many objections are to be met with there owing to want «*of drainage from the mills to carry away vegetable matter discharged. This accumulation of matter near the town would when decomposing prove a nuisance to neighbours. Anotner difficulty is that the whole of the dry . land, which is limited to a small area in and about Shannon is much more valuable than the high land on this side of the river, and the rents for paddocking in consequence are very much in advance. Tne river service of steam launches favours the green flax being brought in the direction of Foxton, and the regular steamer service between-Foxton and Wellington is able to compete -with the low rates chargeable on the Manawatu Railway Hoe.