THE SAND DRIFT MENACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1983, 29 May 1919, Page 3

THE SAND DRIFT MENACE.

ACTION BY CHAMBER OF COMMENCE. CONFERENCE TO BE CONVENED. At the March meeting of the local Chamber of Commerce a resolution was passed urging upon the Government the necessity of taking steps to deal with the sand drift menace along this coast from Paekakariki to Wanganui, and asking all the Local Bodies and Chambers of Commerce and Parliamentary representatives in the district to cooperate with them in the matter. At 'Tuesday night’s meeting of the Chamber replies were received as follows: —

From Mr W. A. Yeilch, M.P., stating that he would be pleased to support the efforts of the Chamber, ami enclosing a reply he had received from the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, An response to his representations. The Minister advised that he had written the Hon, Sir Francis Bell on the subject, and would communicate furth-\ or on receipt of his reply. From Mr Edward Newman, M.P., stating that he would he pleased to assist the movement, lie mentioned that he had for years been interested in the problem, and had planted several thousand trees on a farm which he had near Levin, with good results. He was confident that large and profitable forests of pines could be grown on the sandy land, which would not only secure the sand against drift, but would provide employment and be a good linancial investment for the State.

From the IVanganui Chamber of

Commerce, supporting the project, ami suggesting that the northern point he extended to Waitotara, and also that Mr G. V. Pearce be approached in addition to other members of Parliament named.

Prom the Manawatu, Rangitikei, and Horowhcnua County Councils, Levin and Poxton Borough Councils, and Olnlci Town Board, all endorsing the Chamber's action in the matter.

Mr Chrysfall said that the resulis were good as far as they went, but they really did not “cut any ice." There were so many bodies interested in the area where the sand drift was that he feared the trouble ■would be to decide where to start any scheme for prevention. Unless the Chamber could formulate some reasonable scheme their efforts would not be successful.

Mr Barr said that judging from the tone of all the replies received it would he a good thing to endeavour to arrange a conference of delegates from all the local bodies and Chambers of Commerce in the district with a view to formulating a scheme and arranging a deputation to wait on the Government in connection with same.

Mr Purrie said that from the replies received they knew that the district generally was in favour of taking steps to deal with the menace, and he agreed that the Chamber’s next move should he to ax - - range. a conference. If the matter v.’ere allowed to drop now it would menu that the work: already done by the Chamber would go for nothing.

Mr Chrystall thought that it would be a good idea to arrange a deputation to wait on the Government, and ask all the local bodies and Chambers of Commerce in the district to be represented on same.

The President suggested forwarding a remit on this matter to the conference of Chambers of Commerce to be held shortly. It was decided on the motion of Mr Barr, seconded by Mr Chrystall, that a conference be held to formulate a scheme to put before the Government, and that all the local bodies and Chambers of Commerce between Faekakariki and W'aitotara be asked lo send representatives.

Mr J. K, Horn blow was appointed to represent the Fox ton Chamber at this conference.