“A WORK OF AGES.
TWO LOCAL SCHOOL ESSAYS,
To give our readers an indication of the geographical studies carried out at the local State school and the grasp of the subjects by the scholars we have, with the consent oi: the acting'headmaster (Hr Davidson) selected two essays for publication by two Std. VI. pupils, which are of particular merit. “'A WORK OF AGES." (By 0. York).
“Trickling from its upper reaches on the eastern side of the Tararua ranges, a small stream flows through the luxuriant undergrowth in a southerly direction, its waters accumulating as the many small streamlets rush down the rugged blown hillsides once green with native bush, and pour their contents into the increasing waters of the river. Through the Mannwatu Gorge, where the precipitous walls tower upwards, the \rushing waters flow, as they flowed thousands of years ago, not through the gorge but on the top of the mountain ranges, through which they have worn a path. From the slopes of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, the river Hows across the Manawatu plain, which was originally formed by the river meandering on its course*!o the sen. “In ages past the mountains of New Zealand were much higher than they are to-day, for, owing to the action of the torrents, which for years, have-rushed impetuously down the bush-clad mountain slopes, carrying silt and vegetation from the roots of the trees they uprooted in their headlong dash for the boundlbss ocean, the silt deposited in the ocepn, formed the foundation of a submarine plain. As the earth cooled, parts sank to form the bed of the ocean, while others were pushed up to form mountain masses. “This submarine plain formed by the Manawatu River, rose slowly above sea levelti and as before heavy floods occurred, depositing more debris, silt and rocks upon the newly formed plain, the decayed vegetation forming humus or plant food. By continually changing its course and commencing its work afresh at every change, the Manawatu River built up a fertile plain upon which there now stands many smiling farms." “ONE OF NATURE’S BUILDERS." (Bv Vernon Moore).
“Twisting and turning over the rich ngficnlhirnl Manawatu plain, comes the Manawatu River, like a ribbon of silver on a hackuround ol green. Its source is up behind the Ruahine Mountains, which.form part of I lie rocky back-bone nf the North Island. After pouring swiftly lbrough the scarred, barren, precipitous Manawatu Gorge, the river meanders over an extem-ive alluvial olain, dotted with hundreds ol -mining. thriving farms. “Many thouands of years ago the Manawatu plain was probably covered by sea, but as the years rolled on, many millions of lon* oi earth and vegetable mailer were carried down by roaring torrents, which, in time of Hood, seethed and foamed down the wind swi-pt hillsides. 'l'his debris earned down was deposited in the sea. and. as time passed, a huge submarine plain was built up. “As the earth cooled, some parts sank and formed valleys and fakes, while other parts were pushed up to form great, lowering mountain masses. The land on the West Coast ~f New Zealand gradually rose above the level of the water and this assisted by constant Hoods, built up this huge plain.
“The river often changed its eo nrso and, after raising the land in one place it swung over and commenced its work afresh. Not only do the rivers build up huge plains bid they.also sort out the soil, the poorest quality being placed on the bottom, the richest on the top.”
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2761, 22 July 1924, Page 4
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589“A WORK OF AGES. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2761, 22 July 1924, Page 4
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