LAKE TAUPO TO BE CHARTED

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28447, 29 November 1957, Page 19

LAKE TAUPO TO BE CHARTED

Plotting Hazards To Small Craft

"The Press” Special Service TAUPO, Nov. 27. Five sailors normally engaged fci charting New Zealand’s coastal waters have drawn lucky marbles which have placed them in the centre of the country’s holiday playground, miles from the ocean, for the next five months. They are charting the 240-jquare-mile Lake Taupo to locate hazards to small craft using the lake. The lake bottom was charted scantily in 1886 and again, with few additions, about 1907. Since the lake became popular for small craft and launches, boat owners have become aware—some unfortunately so—of many rock hazards existing throughout the lake and not marked on any chart. Local boat enthusiasts have quickly heard of new rocks after mishaps or near-mishaps to small craft operators. Visiting boat owners, however, unaware of some of the hazards, have encountered trouble. Lieutenant I. S. Monro, of Christchurch, who is in charge of the party, said today the lake was being charted by the Navy for the Lands and Survey Department. A close survey had been made of the bay leading to the Taupo boat harbour since the arrival of the party three weeks Igo. Close surveys would also be made of the three other boat harbours on the lake as well as the area near Waihi. The party, which includes Able Seaman W. M. Mcllraith, are using a small boat from H.M.N.Z.S. Lachlan transported overland from Wellington for the survey. It is equipped with an echo-sounder. They are being accommodated in the 35ft Government launch Aotearoa normally used by Taupo’s harbour-master.