Navigation Difficulties on the Waikato.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 136, 24 January 1916, Page 2

Navigation Difficulties on the Waikato.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I notice by your isiue ot the "Times" on the 14t.h inst. that a petition, signed by Haxmill owners, launch proprietors, etc., was presented to the Waikato Kiver Board. Now, bo far as 1 krow this petition did not reach Tuakau, and the first intimation 1 had of it wat what appeared in the pap-r. 1 have been associated with flaxmilling and launches on the Lower Waikato fur over 20 years, and quite agree with the petitioners that something should be done to improve the river for navigable purposes, though I am of a different opinion to some as to the methods whereby such results may be obtained. It is a very large contract to remove even a portion of the siit that comes down the river each year, and I am of the opinion that the groynes themseives will never do it. The next best thing is to assist them with a suction dredge, and even then one sand-batik would provide work for that for perhaps months. Only those who know the river intimutely have any idea ot the tremendous amount of sand that comes down. Again, far mare work is put in on the river to keep its bed cl ar than was the case, say, 25 years ago, because the moat ot the water sheds have been denuded of bush, and many swampa drained, and consequently the heavy rains bring down a tremendous amount of Bilt in suspension, which is kept so till the river water meets the tide end gets sluggish and a large amount is then deposited. This is a physical feature common to all estuaries. I am of the opinion that if the Board had started operations at the lowest point and worked up that it is very likely tht tar better results would have been attained, whereas they started in the middle ot the job and worked down. No man cleaning out a drain would have started work in this way. The consequence is that'the Board's finances will be depleted befire tangible results can be shown. It they want to assist navigation the beet plan will be to get to work with a suction dredge and open op a channel close alongside the groynes and give them a tair chance to see if they will do the work expected of them,—l am, etc, EDWAKD T FKOST, Haxmiller. Tuakau