NIAGARA FALLS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 19 August 1926, Page 7

NIAGARA FALLS.

EFFECTS OF EROSION. SCENIC BEAUTY LOST. An international board is to study preservation of the scenic beauty of Niagara Falls. Agreement to this end has been readied between the Governments of the United States and Canada .

The board will not consider the question', of allocation, as between Canada and the United States, of any additional water which could he made available. This is a matter for subsequent negotiation. The Hon. Charles Stewart, Minister of the Interior, itr announcing the formation of the hoard on June 10, said : “It has been a. matter of common knowledge that the Horseshoe Falls are progressively receding upstream in a manner which materially alters the general appearance of the falls from year to year. Periodic surveys of this crest line have been made from the year 1764 to date. “These surveys show that the recession of the escarpment in that period has been some 650 feet. or an average of four feet per year. While the recession- has been widespread -along the crest, the maximum rate has taken place in the bend of the Horseshoe, and has totalled in the same period S‘2o feet. During the period 1917 to 1925 this maximum rate of recession has proceeded at the rate of seven l and a; half feet per annum. “It is the judgment of close observers of the falls that the rate of recession in the notch of the Horseshoe will progressively increase, since more and more of the total flow is being continuously concentrated at this point, and this in turn is resulting in a faster and faster rate of recession. This vicious cycle has frequently been referred to as the ‘Suicide of Niagara. Falls.’ “The recession of the notch of the Horseshoe has had the effect of withdrawing water at an ever-increasing rate from the escarpment forming the ends of the Horseshoe on- either side of the river. Tire withdrawal of water under treaty provisions for power purpose* has in some quarters been credited with laying bare the borders of the Horse-shoe Falls. Some observers, how-’ over, consider that a greater effect arises from the natural process referred to. and l that- the withdrawal of water for power purposes, by reducing the total volume, has to some extent, at 'east, been instrumental in retarding (he rate of recession in the notch of the Horseshoe, and' to this' extent has been beneficial. ' “While the investigation which has been agreed- upon hv the two Governments has primarily in view the study of the conditions which have been and ore adversely affecting the scenic beauty of the falls-, with a -view to designing such remedial works as -are feasible for the protection of the falls from further erosion and for the preservation of their scenic beauty, the study will also include an investigation into the actual amount of water which, in conjunction with the restoration and maintenance of the scenic beauty of the. falls, could ho released for the development of power. The hoard will not consider the question of allocation as between Can adm and the United States of any additional water which it may find could he made available. This is a matter reserved for subsequent negotiations.”