MOUTOA SWAMP

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 26 May 1928, Page 10

MOUTOA SWAMP

PURCHASE PROPOSAL REINSTATEMENT FOR FLAX (By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") PALMEKSTON N., This Day. A proposal to ask the Government to purchase the big Moutoa, Swamp, one of the' largest flax areas in New Zealand, was discussed at a public meeting at Foxton, the outcome being that a motion was carried unanimously urging the Government to take over the property. Mr. P. T. Robinson, the chief speaker, said the object of the proposal was to have the swamp cleaned up and planted in flax. To allow it to go out of use as a fiax area would be to the detriment of Foxton. Those in a position to know all agreed that the Mou■toa Swamp was an excellent flax-growi-ng area, and it was only a few years ago that flax grew in profusion from the Whurokino Bridge to the Shannon punt. Now there was scarcely any to be seen for some distance from the river bank. If properly handled, tho output of flax could be increased in a few years to treble the quantity being cut now^. There was no swamp equal to the Moutoa for flax-growing.. Plants for restocking the area could be procured from the Massey College. If the Government acquired the swamp the problem of unemployment locally woujd be solved, because cleaning and planting work would be provided during tho off season. The Government would require proof that the venture would be a sound investment, and this proof was easily obtainable. Mr. Eobinson quoted figures from statements m:ido and published by Messrs. A. L. and H. A. Seifeit and Mr.' Smerle relative to what suitable flax land could be made to produce and showing that flax-growing compared more than favourably with dairying. Mr. Robinson also quoted figures from tho Miramui prospectus, which showed that it would not be difficult to obtain a return1 oij £9 per acre per annum from flax land. Tho Moutoa Swamp was better for flax-growing"than Miruiiui, and what could bo done there could be done at Moutoa. A number of questions were plied the speaker, such as whether there would bo a guarantee of work during tho winter in the ovc,nt of the Government taking over the swamp, and what wages would bo paid. •' One speaker considered floods would still • prevent work in tho swamp in the winter. Mr. Wilson expressed tho opinion that the area was unsuitable for flax cultivation. Mr. Eobinson said that at the present time tliere were ■ hundreds of acres requiring cleaning and replanting, and this would find employment for tho men during: the oif season. The water very rarely stayed' more than a day or two on the banks or high land, and would not do young plants any harm. The Moutoa Swamp was one of the best areas for flax cultivation in the district, and he made that statement without fear of contradiction. The following motion was then moved by Mr. Eobinson, and seconded by Mr. Hall:— After further discussion, a motion was put nnd carried unanimously urging the Government to, purchase the property.

Snow fell on the Taraviias on Thursday as low down as Table Top, reports "The Post's" Otaki correspondent.