AWAKE LEVIN!

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 November 1935, Page 6

AWAKE LEVIN!

TELL THE WORLD.

(By Colonel S. J, E. Clo’sey)

The most striking irregularity which the visitor notices in this town is the fact that wiiereas all the life and trade of the Manawatu flow r s to and from Wellington, yet Levin which is tho threshold, does not hold nearly tho position, of importance whidh is held by Palmerston North. The commercial agent from the .capital city should obviously work from this town and with its branching highways to the uorth and north-east it must be a cardinal point for all routes.

The first reason for this diversion is obviously the unsatisfactory Whirokino Highway and the improvements now in hand should remove any barrier to the acceptance of Levin as the pivot of road services. The proper centre of activity being then without question, it remains for Levin to acquire as its area of business the great delta and sea-littoral which lies to the northwards and the first step to this adjustment must come from the residents of this Borough. This vast area of fertile land —probably the largest area tf such qua! ity—iis tho storehouse of -wealth for the district, but it has a serious pro blem In its faulty and difficult drainage. This is patently a national matter and demands skilled attention prob ably above that possessed by our own engineers. It is a problem which faced the Netherlands in the Mid Ho Ages and the European Lowlands today are dealing every day with tastes such as confront this district. When the English land surveyors faced similar conditions in the drainage of the fen districts of Lincolshire they were not too proud to call in as consultants the expert engineers of Holland and Belgium. It is not merely a question of plan and specifications —it is a delicate and intricate calculation of curves and gradients, of streamlined bends and smoothed beds to enable tho spate of flood-water to reach the sea without retard. The cost of bringing an expert to New Zealand would be a light charge when measured against I the great wealth which could be gained from the water-freed pastures.

Flax. —There is no more attractive subject for investigation by this district than the economic future of flax and no district which should be more deeply concerned than this. World prices arc low and New Zealand costs are high, but these are purely financial factors and the broad basis of value is that the world to-day gives us more of its goods than in pre-war years. Japan has formed very favourable ideas of the value of our flax and we must noit be negligent ourselves.

A Mountain Retreat. —‘Perhaps the first tactical move worth while siiould take the form of drawing attention to <the major claims of Levin and this must be done to circles outside the district. The mountain area to the eastwards has exercised an attraction over visitoTs from every part of the Dominion and perhaps this could be made the first appeal. A suitable site at a high altitude, but with convenient access, could be established with simple planning and conveniences and the co-operation of several citizens could make this bush retreat a place of charm and attraction. The effect of a week-end at an high altitude is sometimes miraculous when the person has been resident alt low levels and with its wonderful view and magnificent bush scenery there should be established a habit which the New York dweller values more than any other form of holiday. The Tararuas Avould become the Adirondack's of Wellington Province and Levin would draw ter itself the attention which alone ia needed to make it progress.