HAURAKI PLAINS WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 10

HAURAKI PLAINS WORK

RELIEF OF FLOOD AREAS THREE-MILE CUT PROPOSED [BY TELF.Gn Am —OWN correspondent! TE AROHA, Monday Following upon a recent tour of flood areas, the Thames Valley Drainage Board has decided to support tho movement organised by Tahuna and Patetonga settlers to secure the joint action of the drainage board and tho Piako and Hauraki Plains County Councils, with a view to removing permanently the flood menace from the thousands of acres of grasslands; adjoining the Piako and AVaitoa rivers. The proposal is to dredge a straight three-mile cut between tho junction of the Waitoa and Piako rivers and the Patetonga landing. At present the Piako River between these two points winds in a great half-circle, a distance of seven and a-half miles, meandering in its course, and restricted with willows and snags. This river has been a constant source of flood trouble for many yoafs. not only in itself, but because of its tendency to "back up" its slower-rising tributary, the Waitoa River. The proposed straight cut, estimated to cost £IO.OOO, would eliminate tho winding half-circle and allow of a much moro rapid passage to tho sea. During tho recent tour of the area members and officials of both county councils, together with the drainage board, met and discussed the scheme with tho settlers concerned. It was stated the chief Government drainage engineer was sympathetic toward the scheme, but had intimated that the department had no money for such a purpose. It was decided, however, to secure the joint action of the three bodies concerned, with a view to securing a Government grant for the work.