NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY With which is incorporated the NORTHERN MAIL DAILY. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1918. PROFITABLE RECLAMATION.

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1918, Page 2

NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY With which is incorporated the NORTHERN MAIL DAILY.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1918. PROFITABLE RECLAMATION.

Registered for transmission through the post as a newspaper.

The wisdom of reclaiming the mud fiats surrounding Whangarei harbour has been urged in and out of season by the "Advocate" for several years past. It was therefore particularly pleasing to us when the Board decided to undertake the reclamation of an extensive area lying between Limeburner's Creek and Kioreroa. Under the guidance of the Board's engineer (Air W. Fraser) the land was drained and stop-banks and flood-gates erected. The result has been more than satisfactory. The area which comprised some 80 acres rapidly dried and proved the existence of rich sandy soil which gave j excellent promise for future cultiva- J tion. The Board, however, decided i to wait until the salt had dried out j and conditions became favourable for grassing. At the last meeting Messrs J. R. Mclnnes and A. McLeod were appointed a committee to inspect the reclamation and they went over the ground yesterday in company with the harbourmaster (Mr A. Drever). In conversation with a representative of the "Advoente" upon their return to town both gentlemen expressed their hearty approval of what had been • ! done and said that in their opinion Ihe reclamation had been a complete success. It was decided to plant a few acres immediately with mixed grasses, while experiments will also j be made with vegetables and cereals to ascertain what are the most suitable grasses and crops to permanently cultivate. This is a wise precaution as it will prevent mistakes and provide valuable information to guide the Board in dealing with other large areas which we sincerely hope will be taken in hand without delay. There is, however, little doubt that these reclaimed areas will provide luxuriant growth. A sample of white clover waa brought to the office of this journal and is now on exhibition to those interested. It was self-sown and sprung up in an ordinary sandy patch and its growth and healthy substance is an eloquent proof of what can be done with these vast areas of waste land. With the reclamation of these flats the entrance to Whangarei should be one of the garden sights of the Dominion. At present the depressing view of mud and mangrove gives the visitor a very bad first-impression of the town, and in the past this dismal outlook has been no small factor in turning away settlement. The proof has now been given however that substantial profit can be made at moderate expense and with such justification it is to be hoped there will be no languishing of good intentions to secure improvement.