THE HIKURANGI SWAMP.

Northern Advocate, 21 March 1931, Page 3

THE HIKURANGI SWAMP.

To the Editor. Sir.—l have read with much interest Mr F. C. Elliott’s statements in his letter published by you on Friday. I regret tfiat my effusion should have excited Mr Elliott to use strong terms. Ho contends against me on three issues, ■first, that the farmer has derived no benefit from the drainage works, secondly, that there has hardly been an occasion when the floods on the Jordan Road have lasted for more than three days, and thirdly, that I suggested that the rate on the land would be 12/- a farm. The last was not what I suggested, and Mr Elliott knows that it was not. His statement that the Jordan land has not been subjected to floods for more than throe days, I answer by asking Mr Elliott when it was continually under -water in 1930, in spite of the phenomenal June floods, for more than that time, I remember it used to be under water for weeks. As to the statement that no farmer has made five shillings out of the Government drainage, Mr Elliott would have me believe that the farmers~at Hikurangi by McLeod’s Elat, running from the Jordan Road up to the main road, have not received any benefit. Mr Elliott, who knew that country years ago, may reply. Has Hikurangi town had no benefit? Mr Elliott felt that as a speaker at fTitT meeting he should rush into print to his own infinite confusion, in spite of his righteous indignation and Ins pouring out of stiong words. When Mr Elliott calmly and collectively reviews the position, no one will be more sorry than he that •he has rushed in so hastily and carelessly to defend an impossible position T am, etc., SWAMP HEN.