PIAKO SWAMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 53, 27 March 1909, Page 6

PIAKO SWAMP.

TIIK WORK OF 11KCLAAUX1UN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Maren -4. The task of draining the Jiuge Piako ftiwamp, consisting of some 1)0,000 acres, is proceeding apace, and there is every indication that an undertaking which was regarded as being soinewjiat venturesome will prove u success, .Since the work of reclamation began something over a year ago, over 120 miles of drams have been cut, und one is in full Mowing order, with the result that some 20,000 acres of land, which formerly was under water, is now completely dry. In fact, it could, for the most part, be opened for selection any day, and being generally of very rich quality it is considered there would be a big demand for it. But it is necessary lirst to construct roads and provide means of access. This will be done as quickly as possible, and it is anticipated by next year a very considerable portion of the whole area will be opened for settlement. Over about half of the reclaimed area, which a short time ago was under water, llax is coming up ill every direction, and in strong growth. A very large 'number of roots of the best white llax were procured from the Makerua Swamp Compauy, aud these have taken root -splendidly. Under the Uauraki Plains Act, 1008, the Goveminent is empowered to issue debentures to the amount of £BO,OOO for the purpose of draining tlic swamp, which, it will b e recalled, was purchased by the Crown irom the Natives some years ago at a very small cost. It is now considered probable that the whole of the work of reclamation will be carried out for woiuething like .1*00,001), and the result will be the addition to the landed estate of the Crown of 00,000 acres of very reliable country. Most of it is suitable for close (settlement, and it is hoped that next year quite a large area will be put 011 the market.