IMPROVING RIVER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21462, 8 April 1933, Page 12

IMPROVING RIVER

THAMES VALLEY DRAINAGE PROGRESS OF OPERATIONS Reporting at a meeting of the Thames Valley Drainage Board on the work carried out by men from the two relief camps on the banks of the Waitoa River, Mr. H. A. Wagstaff said that the clearing of the Waitoa was now nearly complete. A lower cut through a clump of high kahikatea trees had been opened and the river now flowed through it. A lagoon was almost drained as a result, and only needed to be cleared of weeds. All neighbouring ratepayers were satisfied with the work, which had effected a splendid improvement.

The board decided to make an inspection of the work on April 20. The clerk of the Tauhei Drainage Board wrote stating that his board had decided to merge with the Taupiri Drainage Board and inquired if the Thames Valley Board would be prepared to take over that portion outside the Taupiri district which drained into the Piako River. The clerk said the total area would measure approximately 2000 acres. It wis decided to reply stating that the Thames Valley Board was prepared favourably to consider the amalgamation. The secretary of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce wrote that his committee considered it desirable for all local bodies and others interested to attend a conference for the purpose of setting up a joint committee for the purpose of taking concerted action in the event of a licence being granted for the erection of a quartz crushing battery on the banks of the Waihou River. In this manner it was thought that more weight could be given to any action of protest that might bo taken. Tho board was asked to send delegates to attend the conference. Mr. Hallett said that until the sludge channel declaration was revoked little could bo done by any organisation. Finally tho board decided to receive tho letter and take no action.