THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC PARK.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9564, 10 August 1909, Page 6

THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC PARK.

A SUGGESTION. To the Editor. Sir,—The high flood which took

place in the Waipoua river last week caused an overflow of water into the adjacent paddocks, and damaged the stop bank which has been formed for the protection of the Park by cutting two gaps through it. indicates that some steps should be taken to make the bank, which is composed of soil and gravel, more stable and secure. Had the flood in question been a few feet higher it is quite on the cards that a large portion of the bank at the lower end would, with a quanitty of the land recently ploughed, have been swept away. It may be suggested that if several rows of willows, say three, were planted along the river side of the sfopjbank, the first row about 4ft to 6ft from the base, the second at the bottom, and the third half way up the slope, that in a few years' time the safety of the Park lands would be secured; The willow cuttings should be about three feet long, and put in with a crowbar at about three to four feet apart. The top row for preference should be of weeping willows, as they would not only give a graceful aspect to the bank, but would also afFord a pleasant shade 'in summer, which would be appreciated by visitors to the Park. ,It is true that some attempts have previously been made by planting willows adjacent to the river, but it is a mistake to use portions of trees eight to ten feet long, for if a dry season eventuates they have not made roots enough to draw up sufficient sap to sustain life in the wood Small cu»tings are decidedly preferable, and planted clo?e together soon make a erfect network of roots and branches that would prevent any erosion of the bank. The cost of carrying oui the above suggestion would not be great, and in the end would be recouped many fold by? ensuring the safety of the Park.—lam, etc. PfUcTICAL.