“LAKE WAITAKI”

Evening Star, Issue 22799, 6 November 1937, Page 15

“LAKE WAITAKI”

BIG TREE-PLANTING SCHEME BEAUTIFICATION OF BANKS ENVISAGED “I can sanely and, soberly envisage the transformation of this' somewhat depressing valley into a forestry idyll—a wealth of trees climbing the heights in serried battalion, fledging the wild ridged mountains step by step and enbosoming below in verdured setting the blue depths of a lovely lake—surely an ideal that will appeal to us all.” In this way did Mr F. Milner illustrate the future appearance of the lake area at Waitaki Hydro if the aims of the North Otago Tree Planting Association are achieved. • The initial step ip connection with the beautification of the area was made when a representative gathering of citizens from all parts of Nofth Otago and South Canterbury assembled at the dam. The local bodies represented were: Waitaki County Council, Waimate County Council. Oamaru and Waimate Borough Councils, Waimate Acclimatisation Society. Kurow Vigilance Committee, and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union.

A welcome was extended by the president of the newly-formed association, Mr M. Austin, who said an inspection of the area was necessary in order to ascertain the land available for planting. The party then inspected th'e shores of the lake, proceeding over the Waitangi bridge as far as file property of Mr J. 0. H. Tripp. Although the area held by the Public Works Department above flood level is not extensive, the party was impressed with the possibiflitiea of planting native, and exotic trees. In passing, the value of irrigation was particularly noticeable _at “Roseneath,” the green pasture being in striking contrast to the brown and in some parts burnt-up appearance of the surrounding hills which reflected the very dry conditions prevailing in the Waitaki Valley at the present time. An area adjoining the lake and Mr Tripp’s property is eminently suitable for planting, as seepage from the lake would ensure plenty of moisture. The possibilities of the lake from a scenic point of view were stressed by Mr Milner, who expressed himself as being favourably impressed by what he had seen. The occasion, lie thought, presented an excellent opportunity for North Otago and South Canterbury to work in harmony in the achievement of a worthy object. He drew a word painting of the lake and surrounding hills covered with native exotic trees, and proposed that the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. W. E. Parry) and the Minister of Lands (Hon. F. Langstone) be invited to come down and inspect the area. The planting of the whole area round the lake would be beyond the resources of the association; therefore the matter would have to be taken up as a national scheme. “ This is a golden opportunity for the Government to tackle the job, for I feel sure it will create one of the finest assets in this part of the country for future generations,” said Mr J. Kitchener (chairman of the Waimate County Council). He stated that the scheme would provide work for a large number. of unemployed. The Ministers should be brought down to see the possibilities. Others spoke in similar strain and urged that the name of Waitaki Hydro be changed to “ Lake Waitaki.” It was stated that in no other instance was the word “ hydro ” used to designate a locality where a . hydro-electric power station had been built. A number of suggestions were made, including “ Lake Turquoise,” but finally it was resolved to take steps to alter the name to “ Lake Waitaki.” It was decided also to declare the lake a bird sanctuary, and Mr J. Rodman promised to take the matter up with the authorities in Wellington.