GAINS IN PASTURE LANDS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 98, 19 January 1933, Page 21 (Supplement)

GAINS IN PASTURE LANDS

Napier’s Rich Outlying Areas THE RECLAMATION AHURIRI FLATS

Though Napier’s material losses in the earthquake of February 3, 1931. were enormous there have been correspondingly spectacular gains. The destructive upheaval was not in every way a calamity for, in exchange for what was taken in life and created property, Nature has presented the community with thousands of acres of valuable land.

Up to the present the gift, to some extent, has been set aside until the urgent work of restoring the town is complete, but for the past two years appreciative £yes have scanned the great earthquakedrained Ahuriri flats and lagoon that stretch from the borders of Napier south-westward toward the distant hills. Here is a rich field awaiting development—a magnificent heritage for the city of the future.

previously above tidal level, had been marshy and in need of drainage. To-day, of the land previously under tidal water, 3800 acres are high and dry. On large patches grass is already growing long and rank, but in the areas still bare and sandy the breeze from the sea on a dry day sends little clouds of white dust whirling across the level surface. The remainder of the land —3900 acres—is still “wet.” To the casual visitor looking from a commanding point on Scinde Island, or Parke Island on the other side, it appears as

become part of the dry area and a total acreage of 7700 will be added to Napier’s outlying districts. Reduction of Salt Content The land has been tested and is pronounced to be of excellent promise, though large parts of it have yet to be ridded of salt by the natural process of the weather. Originally it was estimated that this would take five years, but recent analysis shows that the salt is leaving the ground more quickly than was expected and much of the lano may be ready for cultivation in half the period mentioned There is no doubt about the quality of the land for agricultural purposes. Not only are outlying portions of it, including some small areas near Bay View, already being worked, but there is the evidence of land of very similar character being successfully cultivated on the New River estuary at Invercargill. There the conditions were much the same on a smaller scale, although, of course, the process of reclamation was a natural one: the Waihopai River on its journey to the sea passed through tidal mud-flats, the higher portions of which were covered with rank grasses. A substantial area was raised by the use of stop-banks, locks, and pumping. Prison labour was employed for the work, and, under the control of the Prisons Department, the land was gradually transformed intowhat is now known as the “Prison Farm”—one of the richest holdings in the district. Where shellfish once were scattered in millions over bleak and tide-washed flats, cattle are now grazing, ploughs are working, and lush crops are raised.