DRAINING SWAMP LANDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 958, 29 April 1930, Page 11

DRAINING SWAMP LANDS

POSITION AT RUAWAI SETTLERS URGE NEEDS Special to THE SUN DARGAYILLE. Today. The need of Government assistance to enable the drainage system at Ruawai Flats to be improved was urged on the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dy a deputation yesterday. Three years ago when the Raupo Drainage Board, which controlled this area, was in seriouis financial difficulty the work was taken over by the Otamatea County Council. The position today is much better, but this year’s work will require a free grant of £3,160 and a £ for £ subsidy on £415, beside the year’s vote of £3,o2t> to enable the programme to be carried through. The bo-*;rd has 85 miles of drains to maintain. On many farms artesian water cannot be obtained or is unsuitable for use. A water supply is needed, and the Minister was asked to have a survey made and an estimate prepared, the lakes on the other side of the Wairoa River being considered the only suitable supply at hand. Mr. Forbes was impressed by the great fertility of the flats and the possibility of increased production. He promised to go into the question of grants with the officers of his department and would refer on to the Public Works Department the suggestion regarding a water supply. In the afternoon the Minister motored to the western side of the river, where a deputation of settlers, headed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, met him at Koromoa. The need of securing a block of hillside land on wjiich to winter the stock from the swamp lands was urged. The carrying of dairy herds on the small farms of the swamps during the winter caused the destruction of English grasses with a consequent loss of efficiency during the following season, it was explained.

Mr. Forbes OLitlined the legislation which provided for the settlers’ wants. If a suitable area were selected, the Land Board would consider an application for finance.

Complaining that the operation of the Deteriorated Lands Act was unfair to thrifty men who had obtained the freehold of their sections, a deputation headed by Mr. F. Johansen waited on the Minister, who held out no hope of altering the law to extend the benefit of the Act. Those who had bought their sections had elected to be free from the control of the Crown, and the Act was designed to help only tenants who were unable to pay their rent owing to the deterioration of their holdings.