RIVER TRAFFIC BLOCKED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22140, 20 June 1935, Page 8

RIVER TRAFFIC BLOCKED

MASS OF WATER HYACINTH FARMERS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED The Upper Coldstream River, in New South Wales, has been blocked for nearly five miles above Briner Bridge, near TJlmarra', by a mass of water hyacinth, and all navigation in the waterway has' been stopped. Farmers in the area will be unable to get their sugar cane to the Harwood mill by water for the season, which will begin in a few weeks, unless remedial measures are undertaken immediately. About 3000 tons of cane are affected.

Although a channel was cut through last year by men working from boats, similar action will bo impossible this year, because the obstruction is greater than any experienced before. So strong is the growth that children cross the stream on it by means of two planks, walking on one plank and throwing the other ahead, although the stream is 20ft. deep in the middle. Mr. A. S. Henry, M.L.A., in seeking Government assistance, has suggested fitting a drogher with cutters in front, as was done in similar circumstances in America. The method used on the Richmond River has also been discussed, but it is stated that it would be impossible to use booms to drag the hyacinth downstream, as an obstruction to water traffic farther down would result. Potato in the district have decided not to plant again until the stream is cleared, as road transport is too costly. Other tributaries of the Clarence River are affected, and in_ the main river dense masses of hyacinth have seriously interfered with punt traffic. The Grafton Chamber of Commerce has suggested a conference of councils to discuss possible remedies, and Grafton Council has agreed to attend. "When the matter was before Orara Shire Council, the president, Mr. G. W. Fitzgerald, paid that to deal with the menace was completely outside the financial resources of local government bodies, as it would cost thousands, and probably millions.