RANGITAIKI SWAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17274, 25 September 1919, Page 8

RANGITAIKI SWAMP.

WORK WELL IN HAND. MUCH DONE LAST YEAR. [TIT TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL, KEPOBTEK.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. The work accomplished during the past year in connection with Rangitaiki drainage operations, as dealt with in the annual report of the chief drainage engineer, Mr. J. B. Thompson, was as fob lows :— Excavation by dredges, 229,659 cubic yards, new outlet drams, 11 nines, deepening and widening outlet drains, 23 miles, cleaning outlet drains, 47 miles, roads formed (new), 4£ miles, levels taken, 40 miles. In addition, general improvement and maintenance bo existing works has been effected, together with numerous other minor services. The total length of drains in operation to date is as tollows : —Dredge cuts, 21 miles, main drains, 86 miles, road drains, 17 miles. The year ending March, 1919, has seen -considerable') improvement in drainage mafctersi, the dry season having helped the works very much. One great drawback to the general appearance of the country are tire large holdings, several settlers having a considerable acreage on which not even temporary drainage has been constructed, thus spoiling the general appearance of the whole block. However, now that several properties have been cut up and are changing hands at high figures, more work will of necessity be done on the land to give a return for the outlay. Hence in the future the appearance of the country should be very much improved under active cultivation. A great deal, of fall has been taken up in many drains, and the improvement in the drainage 13 increasingly apparent. Land that a short time ago was in raupo and flax is now carrying good maize and grass. A considerable amount of timber has been met wi'.h in nearly ail the drains that have been deepened, entailing a free use of explosives in order to make a satisfactory job. The report concludes :— " Dredging machinery has been acquired for placing on the- Tarawera River, and is now being rebuilt. A powerful boiler is being made for this machine, as none was included in -he purchase. Other important structural lite rations are also being made, but owing to the shortage of boiler plates and skilled labour, and to the influenza epidemic, much delay has arisen as regards this work. However, delivery will bo given very soon now.