Motutangi Drainage

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 5

Motutangi Drainage

(Spec.) KAITAIA, This Day. Some time ago an attempt was made by the Motutangi swamp settlers to strike a rate for improvements and maintenance to the drainage of that area. Because of the refusal of some settlers to accept a flat rate, the plan had to be dropped. The settlers who refused, it was alleged, were those c.n higher ground, having little or no drainagae problem themselves, yet the water draining naturally from their land added greatly to the problem of the settlers on tlie low-lying area. On February 19 another meeting of the settlers was held, and they decided to classify the area with a graded rate, as had been suggested previously by the authorities. Further, the settlers were prepared to find £2O on a £2 for £1 subsidy basis to cut a deviation into the North drain. At present this drain cuts through sandstone and. by continued subsidences, cannot be kepi open. The proposed deviation follows a natural munga and would give better drainage with less maintenance. Mr. Evans, of Houhora, through whose land the drain deviation would go, was entirely in agreement with the necessity of the' deviation and gave permission to have it cut as suggested.