RECLAIMING THE LAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2078, 15 January 1920, Page 3

RECLAIMING THE LAND.

Mr A. Buchanan writes as folJows to the Palmerston Times The embanking’ and .sliortoning oi the Manawatu and its tributaries, below •Longbum, are to receive very necessary attention from-a committee of practical men. This committee is apparently desired to represent the owners, o£ some seventy thousand acres, of fertile land subject to inundation during wet seasons. Probably two-thirds of the area so affected is depreciated in value to ' a greater extent from goatsrue than from flood waters alone. Goatsrue is a perennial summer pest, covering affected land with an almost impenetrable forest of soft greenery during hot months, and dying down as the weather .becomes colder. The seeds and roots have nearly as much vitality as those of the dock and the horse radish. The estimated cost of the suggested river works is £350,000, or £5 per acre on the seventy-thousand acres directly affected. If the works are carried out and are effective, the betterment will be worth not less than £lO per acre, or double the proposed expenditure. There is a hint of expectation that the Government will he asked to assist in financing the work, thus burdening the general taxpayer with a portion of the cost. The project is a big one, but too limited in its' scope, and requires the fullest consideration in a broadminded manner, covering not only embanking and draining, but also waterways for navigation and irrigation; and afforestation of sand area likely to interfere with construction and maintenance. I respectfully suggest that the various public* bodies of Palmerston North, Eeilding, 'Shannon, Oroua and Foxton be asked to obtain and. consider !he most expert advice on the wider basis referred to above.