TE PUKE CANAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 69, 2 October 1939, Page 5

TE PUKE CANAL

50 YEAR OLD SCHEHE

The important part played by the proposed Te Puke Canal in county politics fifty years ago is illustrated by an article in a Bay of Plenty newspaper of February, 1889.

"As the nominations 0$ county councillors for Waimapu arid Maketu ridings take place to-morrow at noon, we again remind electors that they should be careful to ascertahl that nominators and candidates are on the County roll. They should also make candidates pledge themselves? to support the Te Puke canal. As this canal would thoroughly open up a large portion of the best land ii the county, cause influx of settlers, circulation of money, and enable a large quantity of produce to be profitably exported, Ave cannot understand why anyone should oppose it. The cost will be under £10000, and the works need not be proceeded Avith unless a land concession sufficient to pay for the Avhole cost, be obtained. As the canal should put at least £1 an acre on all Te Puke property Avithout expense to Te Puke settle:s it seems to us the height of, absurdity for any Te Puke settler to object to it. We are told there are such objectors, but avc lef lisp to believe this." This proposed canal AA*as to commence at that stretch of the harbour near the MaungataAA'a hill and go through Avhat Avas then mostly swamp until it reached the Kaituna riA j, er > someAA r here below Papamoa. It Avas hoped that in addition to serving tlie purpose of a navigable canal it would act as a drfin for the SAvamiS land through Avhich it passed.