SAND DUNE RECLAMATION AND AFFORESTATION.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 September 1934, Page 5

SAND DUNE RECLAMATION AND AFFORESTATION.

WORK TO BE COMMENCED. TWO CAMP'S TO BE ESTABLISHED, Followng on representations miade from time to time by the Mayor of Levin, Mr, P. W. Goldsmith, on behalf of several local bodies interested, through Mr, J, i Linklater, member of Parliament for the Manavratu electorate, to. the Government, regarding the necessity for the commencement of reclamation and afforestation work on the sand-dune areas on the West Coast from Hokio to the Manawatu River, the Minister of Public Works, Hon. J. M. Bitchener, in a letter to Mr. Linklater, advises that suitable proposals that will enable , a commencement to be made with the work, have been prepared by the Public Works Department.

The proposals provide for the commencement of work on the stretch between Hokio and the Manawatu River. The areas that would be first dealt with include a large Crown block, north, of Hokio, and privately owned blocks (between that point and the Manawatu River. In respect to the privately owned blocks, arrangements would be completed under which a large portion of the area would be ceded to the Crown, the reclamation work including the securing of the dune areas with marram grass and the subsequent tree planting for afforestation purposes. The proposals as constituting a practical and balanced method of dealing with this difficult problem have boon approved. It is too late ;in the season to undertake very much work this year, but it is proposed to establish two camps, to provide a water supply, and to start a tree nursery, -the necessary labour- to be arranged for through the Unemployment Board. Accordingly sufficient funds have been authorised to enable its commencement, with the anticipation of authorising a larger programme next season. An immediate commencement will be made with the work to be done this year.