SAND DUNE RECLAMATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3948, 28 May 1929, Page 2

SAND DUNE RECLAMATION.

PROPOSED TREE PLANTING ON SOUTH SIDE OF MANAWATU RIVEiR.

At last night’s Chamber of Commerce meeting Mr. M. E. Perreau brought up the question of the reclamation olf the sand-dunes to the 'muth of the Manawatu River by means of tree planting. This barren waste, he said, could be converted into a valuable area by means of tree planting while the covering of the sand dunes adjacent to the river with verdure would be the means of protecting the rivetr and bar from the sand drift menace. The Harbour Board representatives had already minde an inspection of llie area but M)r. Perreau was of opinion that no time should be lost in having this area sown in lupin and marram grass with the ultimate object of planting the area with trees. Such work would be the means of finding work (for local unemployed this winter . He had that day received a telephone communication from one local district resident who lmd (promised to donate £2O towards having this work consummated, while another local resident had promised £5. Any such sums would he subsidised £1 for £1 by the Government. The work was very necessary to solve the local unemployment question and also very necessaa’y to the welfare of the local port. Members expressed their appreciation of the public spiritedness of the two anonymous donors 'and were of the opinion that some immediate step in the direction indicated by Mr. Perreau was necessary. It was decided to write to the Foxton Harbour Board offering the Chamber's co-operation in having the land referred to acquired for tree planting purposes.