LAGOON AT MILFORD

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1014, 3 July 1930, Page 18

LAGOON AT MILFORD

TAKAPUNA COUNCIL PLANS £5,000 SCHEME LIGHT FOR NIGHT SPORT Still further attractions at Milford are planned for this summer by the Takapuna Borough Council, in conjunction with the North Shore Transport Company. The scheme, Avhich is estimated to cost £5,000, and Avill serve a double purpose in giving sev*eral months’ work to unemployed, includes the construction of a large lagoon on the Wairau estuary, Avhich Avill be suitable for aquatic sports by night and day. An improved channel for boats, a reclaimed park area and a new bandstand Avill also be secured under this scheme. The proposal was put forward originally as a harboirr for small craft, the suggesting being to dam the mouth of the river to provide a lagoon, releasing the water at high tide. This met Avith opposition from the Milford Cruising Club, whose members use the estuary as a boat harbour, and noAV Mr. J. D. Bodle, acting-engineer to the Borough Council, lias evolved a scheme Avhich will provide a clear channel for yachtsmen, beside giving a lagoon. Captain J. A. Algie, Deputy-Mayor, who is chairman of the Parks Committee, is endea\*ouring to hasten the Avork. The council has agreed to provide stone to the value of £350 and to make a grant of £SO, besides doing all necessary cartage. As from 75 to 80 per cent, of the Avork Avill be ordinary labour, it is hoped to secure a £2 for £1 subsidy from the Government. This Avill lea\ r e about £1,200 to be raised by public subscription. The present channel of the river is to be diverted by means of a Avail, the enclosed area of about 800 feet by 284 feet on the southern side being excavated to a depth of 6ft. to provide a lagoon. A retaining Avail on the southern side Avill giv*© added area to the present park. The outer Avail will be about 12 feet wide and will form a Avalk, Avith lighting standards along the full length. The lagoon, which Avill bo scoured regularly by means of penstock valA’es, will slope gradually, making it safe for children to paddle and sail their boats. A jazz board and bandstand is proposed for halfway along the Avail, with water on either side. The channel itself Avill be from 64ft to 77ft wide, according to tide, and Avill be at least sft deep. It Avill be crossed by a footbridge to connect Avith Inga Road, the present structure being moved 150 yards farther upstream.