FALL IN LAKE LEVEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21578, 24 August 1933, Page 10

FALL IN LAKE LEVEL

CONCERN AT ROTORUA THERMAL DISPLAY AFFECTED DEPUTATION TO MINISTER [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] ROTORUA. Wednesday Tho question of raising the level of Lake Rotorua was brought before the Minister of Public Works, tho Hon. J. Bitchener, last evening by a deputation from tho Rotorua Borough Council, consisting of the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, Mr. F. Goodson and Mr. W. H. Wackrow.

Mr. Jackson pointed out that, owing to' tho level of Lako Rotorua having fallen considerably during the past few years, much concern was felt, and it was considered that something should bo done to restore the level to what it was formerly. Tho lowering of tho lake level restricted tho feeding area for fish and it also affected thermal activity in the neighbourhood. It was considered that these two factors wero adversely affecting Rotorua, which depended a groat deal on its attractions. Since tho cleaning out of tho Ohau Channel, through which the waters of tho lako flow into Lako Rotoiti, the level of Lake Rotorua had gradually decreased and, although winter rains had increased tho amount of water in tho lako, the level was extremely low. Mr. Jackson said ho thought the position could be remedied without much financial outlay. Mr. Wackrow said he considered that if some means could be found to raise the levol of Lake Rotoiti it should liavo tho effect of raising tlio level of Lako Rotorua. There had originally been 42in. pf water at Mourea. but this had fallen in summer months to 15in., while at present it was about 28in., which was higher than for some time past. Mr.. Goodson said that tho pressure of tho cold, water from the lake had a great effect on thermal activity. Tho present difficulty in negotiating tlio Ohau Channel had spoiled one of tho most attractivo tourist trips in the district, and he trusted that something could bo done to bring about an improvement. Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P. for the district, reminded tho Minister that the matter had already been brought before the department. Ho contended that if the level of Lako Rotoiti were raised 3ft. or 4ft. the resulting rise in Lako Rotorua would not be more than Ift., and this could not possibly causo damage to property owners. He suggested that tho level could bo improved by constructing a concrete groin across the outlet of the channel, which would not bo an expensive matter. Mr. H. Watkinson, district engineer of the Public Works Department, said he did not agree with Mr. Clinkard's suggestion and he pointed out that it would be necessary to control flood waters. This could only be done by constructing flood gates, which would bo an expensive proposition. The fall of tho lake level was no new thing and was common to all lakes in tho district. In 1915 Lako Rotorua had fallen to a lower level than it was at the present time and yet it had risen again and had overflowed the road at one point. In reply, the Minister said he would go into the matter with the other Ministers concerned.