RISING DURING DROUGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 290, 28 February 1928, Page 1

RISING DURING DROUGHT

WAIHOU’S STRANGE BEHAVIOUR SETTLERS ARE PUZZLED (From Our Own Correspondent) MATA MATA, Today Settlers residing along the banks of the Waihou River, in the Matamata district, have been greatly astonished to discover that during the past two months the VVaihcu has been slowly but steadily rising, although since last October the rainfall has been negligible. Settlers are at a joss as to ths explanation for this unusual occurrence. One could scarcely’ attribute this phenomenon to springs, for it is well known that such sources of water invariably lessen, and in many cases become totally dry duripg prolonged dry spells. Mr. V. A. Hill, Post and Telegraph maintenance foreman at Matamata. has paid particular attention to the conditions already referred to. Mr. Hill and his gang have been working in the vicinity of the Waihou and have had occasion to secure water from the river daily. After making his surprising discovery’ Mr. Hill put down marks, and it was found that the water rose 15 inches within 10 days. Yesterday Mr. Hill, accompanied by a Sun correspondent, visited the river bridge between Matamata and Te Poi. on the Tauranga road, and it was obvious that extra water was coming into the river from some unknown source. Water cress, ’hich normally sways on the surface, was found to be covered; here and there snags were discovered, covered with fresh and green loose vegetation, apparently the flotsam caught up quite recently. Lower crops, which were visible at the foot, of the bridge about two weeks ago, are now submerged. There was a good deal of discolouration of the water, hut this may be attributed to the bridge approach cuttings at Okoroire. Two river settlers, Messrs. W. H. Moss and Sutherland, have both remarked oi the rising river, and at the last meeting of the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union the ma ter was discussed At Matamata the river is running nearly bank and bank, and why i should contain practically a "flood volume of water during the dries' summer experienced for many yea: instead of being at the usual summe - low level or even lower, is a myster which will provide material for investigation.