NUISANCE OF WILLOWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 550, 20 July 1920, Page 2

NUISANCE OF WILLOWS

ILL REGULATED PLANTING. MINISTER Or PCIjI.K■ WORKS AM) COMMISSION'S FIMHNu. The following circular from the Minister of Public Works has been addressed to local bodies: The New Zealand Rivers Commission which has recent I v been investigating the question of ri\er erosion and flood daifiage in various parts of the Dominion has brought under my notice the urgent neecssitv for the proper cortiol of wilh-iv planting along river banks*. The Commission states that it lias been struck with the damage* that has been, is being, and will be caused by injudicious willow pia"i;tig, and by the absolute neglect to eontro 1 willows and other exotic vegetation on the banks and in th<- beds of rivers in New Zealand. Numerous instances in respect to rivers outside the scope of the Commission were bryught under notice in which similar conditions obtained.

r particularly desire, therefore, to emphasize the great danger and loss I«kf'y to accrue to local bodies and ihe Stat<• by this action ;.nd neglect action. and 1 shall be glad if you v. ill give the matter your earnest and immediate attention.

Furthermore, I wish to emphasize the fact that no applications for assistance to repair flood damage will be entertained by the (government in any case where it can be shown that such damage is who'llv or partially due to the wrongful planting or the non-removal of willows from positions \yhere they undulv restrict the How of ilood waters. Engineers of my Department throughout the Dominion are being communicated with on the subject.

and they will at all times be only too pleased to render every possible advice as to the most economical methods for the destruction and remova l of willows where they are doine harm, and also regarding the iuo per method of planting and regulating the growth of willow plantations which are or have been .leemed necessary f'-r riser bank protection.