LONGER LEASES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 3946, 21 January 1948, Page 6

LONGER LEASES

NOXIOUS WEEDS AREA TO BE SUBDIVIDED DECISION OF COMMISSIONER The decision to subdivide the notorious Takapau Rerekau block of Crown land at Spnngdale and let it on permanent tenure has been announced by the Commissioner of Lands, the Hon. C. F. Skinner, following strong recommendations from the Piako County Council regarding the infestation of the block by noxious weeds. “ The position was somewhat complicated by the fact that representations by the Thames Valley Drainage Board had been made that a drainage scheme incorporating the block should be put in hand, and pending completion of investigations regarding this proposal there was some difficulty in deciding on the best utilisation of the Crown area,” said the Minister in a letter to Mr W. S. Goosman, M.P. Drainage Not Economic “ A survey disclosed that the cost of the drainage scheme proposed would be very high and would serve only a limited area. For this reason the scheme is considered economically unsound and the expenditure of State funds cculd not be agreed upon.

“ In the light of this decision it is agreed that no good purpose would be served by allowing the Takapau RereKau Block to remain indefinitely on temporary tenancies, and accordingly it has been decided to subdivide the land into five sections, which will be made available for selection on permanent tenure early this year. When they have secured tenures the lessees will no doubt be more inclined to undertake the work of improving the sections, and this should ensure that adequate measures are taken concerning the control of the noxious weeds which are causing the Piako County Council concern.”