SILTING OF WAIKATO

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV, 16 August 1929, Page 2

SILTING OF WAIKATO

INSPECTION BY MINISTER Settlers affected by the silting of the Waikato liver are looking; forward to the opportunity to-morrow of placing their case before the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Ransom. Arrangements are already well forward so that the Minister’s investigation may be as complete as possible in the time available. Mr. Ransom will arrive at Huntly by the express from Wellington, and arrangements have been made for the ri\er-boat to start from there at 8 a.m., calling at Rangiriri at 9 a.m. and Mercer at 11 a.m. Representatives of the various districts will join the boat at these points so as to give the Minister the benefit of local knowledge. The itinerary has been so arranged that local trains will connect with the boat, and refreshments will be provided on board. It is proposed to examine all the country between Huntly and Waikato Heads. Settlers in the affected districts consider that Auckland would do well to support their efforts toward river improvement. Too much is heard they contend, of bringing in inaccessible black-blocks land while rich country at Auckland’s back door is allowed to revert to swamp with periodic inundation, when, with reasonable expenditure and effort, these river lands could be converted into some of the richest and most productive in the province.