WAIKATO RIVER PROBLEMS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 568, 21 September 1920, Page 4

WAIKATO RIVER PROBLEMS.

DRAINAGE AND NAVIGATION. DELEGATES MEET AT MERCER. STRAIGHT TO FOUNTAIN HEAD. ("Times'" Staff Representative.) Tho most promising of all the meetings that have ever been held in connexion with the Waikato River twin problems of navigation and drainage eventuated at Mercer on Saturday, when delegates orf various local Ixidiw. from Hamilton to Arf-k----land met, ;it the instance of the Vigilance Committee, to decide on a plan nf united action. Mr. •!. I'. Bailey (chairman of the Waikato County Council) presided over a very representative gathering of fellow delegates, anion" whom were Messrs. A. C. Glass (chairman of the Waikato River Board), J. S. Bond and H. M. Wynward (Auckland Harbour Boad), H. E. R. L. Wily (for Franklin County Council and' Aka Aka Drainage Board), 0. Parr (Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Borough Council), A. L. Stevenson (Waikato Shipping Company). Mr, A. L Hull (Otaua Drainage Board). Mr. Glass outlined the objects of the meeting for the information of new members who were not present at the first meeting of the Vigilance Committee, fully reported in the "Times."

Mr. Wily referred to the recentlyrevived Inland Waterways' Commis-1 sion, and moved that the Vigilance Committee make a special attempt to induce the Government to place the Waikato River drainage and navigation questions first in the order of reference on the Commission's agenda paper. If this course were not followed the Waikato investigation might be delayed for another five years, for it would take that time at least if the Commission was going to carry out all the work at present assigned to it, which included proposed canals. As a matter of fact the setting up of the Inland Waterways' Commission in the first place was the result of representations made by Mr. Glass and himself (in agreement for once in a while) to the effect that a Commission should report on the Waikato River only. The logic of events was bringing the matter back to this original stage. The inclusion of the canals' projects at present was premature. Mr. Glass seconded, stating that drairmge and navigation problems must be considered conjointly. This point would be specially stressed, foiit was desirable to cater for both navigation and drainage interests. Also, a new board of control was required, the Waikato River Beard being merely a pioneer forerunner of a body with larger powers. Mr. P. Henry supported the motion.

Mr. Wynvard remarked that :h« Auckland Harbour Board, Manukau and Waiuku Chambers of Commerce had in 1913, and later, championed the setting up of the Inland Waterways' Commission, largely for the purpose of investigating the canals' problem. He thought the prior claim for consideration should include the proposed canals, the data for the Auckland ones the Harbour Board already had, having spent thousands #f pounds in boring and taking levels.

Mr. Bond said the data was furnished for the Commission. His board realised the importance of the Waikato River being made navigable and low-lying lands drained, but he thought that the. Waikato-Manukau canal scheme should be taken in conjointly. Mr. Hamer had tide readings from Mercer, Waiuku and Auckland. The Commission's work would be mainly to deal with the river and drainage, and 'to settle the form of control. The governing body would need to have larger powers. He admitted that the Waikato River workwas the more important one on the board*.

Mr. G. Goodw.in (chairman of the Whancsamarino Road Board?) suggested that the Government be asked to caH for tenders for the lowering of the Waikato River bed by four to six feet. He flourished a letter he had received in reply to one he had sent to Wellington on the subject. The reply was of the "steadily in view'' order. The delegates smiled as broadly as courtesy would permit, no one having the hardihood to second Mr. Goodwin's views.

Mr. G. Parr (Hamilton Chamber of Commerce) said he was of the opinion the Waikato could be cleared sufficiently to carry vessels of the !sft. and 4ft. draught up as far as Cambridge, and thereby secure direct communication with the sea. The consummation of this scheme would give the Waikato district a status it did not have now, but if they had to wait for a canal, they would need to wait a long time. He strongly supported the motion.

Asked if he wished to alter his motion to meet the wishes of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. Wily said lie did not. If its support was to be secured by the inclusion of the canals in the proposition that suitport would be dearly bought. Even if Ihe Waikato-Manukau canal cost half a million, only, he did noi think the money \\'>uld be forthcoming. Mr. Wynvard said the actual construction of the canal was not asked for. but merely an investigation. Mr. Wily added that if the Waikato River was settled the canals could then be given attention to with much better hopes of finality. Mr. Hond agreed with Mr. Wily, and lie remarked that unity was needed. The motion was carried unanimously. The following executive of seven members was elected: Messrs. Geo. Parr, A. L Stevenson, 11. E. R. 1.. Wily, P. Henry, M. H. Wynvard. W. McCtitchan, J. P. Kailcy. At a meeting of the executive Messrs. Wily. Stevenson and Wynvard were appointed as a deputation to bring the wishes of the meeting before the Prime Minister and the Minister of Marine.