DETERIORATION OF LAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23269, 11 February 1939, Page 18

DETERIORATION OF LAND

KOMATA NORTH FLOODING COMPLAINT BY SETTLERS [BY TELKGRArn—-OWN CORRESPONDENT] PAEROA, Friday A petition from settlers in the *Kumata North area whose properties have deteriorated through the failure of the drainage system to draw off floodwater was received at a meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council. Iho ! settlers complained that the trouble increased each winter. Their farms had become so waterlogged in winter and early spring through what they considered was inadequate outfall drainago that tlicy were forced to appeal to the council for a full investigation of their plight. Production had declined through the deterioration of their pastures caused bv the enormous amount of water being held back by the Waihou River stopbank. The influx of worthless grasses and weeds was also attributed to the accumulating of the floodwaters, which in their opinion was avoidable. The chairman, Mr. W. Marshall, said ho had had interviews with the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, who had said that his officers and those of the Public Works Department had compiled a comprehensive report on the district drainage, but Hintil it had been considered by Cabinet it could not be released. Finance played a prominent part in the question, the Minister had informed him. The council resolved to giye the settlers everv assistance and to inquire front the Public Works Department whether their problem had been included in the report to the Govern- , ment.