HIKURANGI SWAMP.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 96, 1 April 1922, Page 2

HIKURANGI SWAMP.

DRAINAGE SCHEME LAUNCHED.

TURNING OF FIRST SOD.

Whangarei, March 31

A ceremony of much importance took place to-day, when the Prime Minister, in association with the Minister of Lands, turned the first sod in the inuguration of the Hikurangl swamp drainage. comprising an area of 23,000 acres to be unwatered and affecting 50,000 acres altogether. Ono hundred motor vehicles conveyed 600 people 15 miles from Whangarei to the scene of the ceremony.

Mr Massey, having trfrned the first sod, predicted great success for the Hikurangl swamp enterprises, which he believed would. consummate in five Mreats hence, ns against 50 years in some other instances. Mr Massey declared that the machinery used for this scheme was the most modern procurable. due to the acumen of Mr Thompson. who had been specially deputed by Cabinet to visit America in that connection.

Mr Guthrie said he hoped the most difficult portion of the scheme would be effected by June next and settlement commenced within two years.

An interesting phase was the presentation hv Mr Thompson of miniature gold replicas of the steam navvies sin use on * the excavation work.