SAND-DRIFT MENACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17429, 26 March 1920, Page 6

SAND-DRIFT MENACE.

A KAIPARA EVIL.

COMBATIVE " MEASURES.

PLANTING TO BE UNDERTAKEN. [by TELEGRAPH. ■ cOKßßfflroNTflarr.] * HELENSVTLLE, Thursday. A public meeting, convened by Mr. R. P. Grenrflle, Commissioner of Crown Lands for «&he North Auckland Land District, was held at Parakai this evening to consider means of arresting the sand-drift menace along' the Kaipara coast. There was a very representative attendance, the whole erea, as far south as Muriwai, haying sent delegates. Mr. H. Aitkenheaa, chairman of the Waitemata County Council, presided. Mr. Grevflle explained that the proposal was to establish a nursery for growing marram grass plants, which, when planted over the dunes, arrests the drift. Toward this end the Government has voted a sum of money. The commissioner assured the meeting that with the co-opera-tion of the settlers something practical would be accomplished. All the settlers present whose lands abut the beach formed themselves into_a committee, Mr. R. Hoe, of Woodhill, being appointed chairman. Mr. Hoe, who has some 50 acres in marram grass, and Mr. F* V. Gregory, who also has carried out planting operations, offer -to donate plants to help to stock the nursery. 1 The difficulty presented by the presence of native-owned areas in "the sand zone was discussed, it being pointed out that if these areas' were not included in a general planting scheme much of the work would be nullified. Mr. GreviHe undertook to obtain a plan of the coast lands showing the various owners.