The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1907. ADVANCE MOUTOA!

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 17 October 1907, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1907. ADVANCE MOUTOA!

For years past a large area of some of the richest agricultural and pastoral, soil in the dominion, at Montoa, has been, and is, rendered useless for three parts of the year, by reason of the flood waters of the Manawatu. The conjested waters from this ancient and tortuous river at flood time overflow the Montoa settlement and are retained as in a basin. The present drains are totally inadequate to expel the water. Hundreds of acres are thus converted into a swamp where the wild duck and pukaka make sanctuary. Each settler, acting on his own, tinkers away as best he can, to rid the -land of its burden. Tittle good is accomplished. Now, however, the big man and the small man have put their heads together and have determined to wage war against nature’s existing condition. It is the settlers’ wish that the quacking of the wild duck and the weird scream of the pukeka, shall give place to the lowing of dairy herds, bleating of sheep, and grunts from the swine herd. In a word, that by the constitution of a Drainage Board, a loan will be raised in order to carry out a comprehensive drainage scheme. With this end in view the services of one of the most trustworthy engineers in the dominion (Mr T. Ward), were engaged to inspect, report, and give an approximate estimate of the cost. This gentleman has devoted considerable time and thought to the whole question. He has traversed the affected area, guaged the ebbing and flowing of the river, watched its serpentine course, and has submitted a scheirie, a digest of which appears elsewhere, the consummation of which will transform the whole district. The settlers have decided to form themselves into a Drainage Board, and the Governor will be asked to sanction its constitution at no distant date. The rate required to be struck to meet interest on loan and sinking fund, will be infinitesimal in comparison with proportionate anticipated benefits. That the settlers have taken the right step, who will deny? Such combined action not only means increased wealth to the settlers, but spells prosperity for the town. Before long we hope to be able to report further progress. We desire, in conclusion, to congratulate , the settlers in securing the services not only of such a reputed engineer, but also the sendees, as clerk, of Mr Bock, a man of ripe experience and who possesses a thorough knowledge of detail iu matters pertaining to local Government. Advance Mouloa!