WILLOWS AND FLOODS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22733, 20 May 1937, Page 14

WILLOWS AND FLOODS

HOTEO RIVER MENACE COMPLAINTS OF SETTLERS [BT TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WHANGAREI. Wednesday The necessity for clearing willows from the Hoteo River was again impressed to-day on the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple, by a deputation which waited on him at Warkworth. The deputation pointed out that the willows were a prolific cause of flooding, which blocked the road and railway and were responsible for considerable damage to farm lands. Sir. Semple said a thorough survey had been carried out covering the 56 miles of the river over which the willow nuisance existed. It was estimated that the cost of clearing the willows would be £20,000. It was a job that had to be done, but the Railway Department, the Main Highways Board, and the Rodney County Council were all concerned. The next step was to get the three parties together to discuss matters of finance and to arrange for the apportioning of the cost. Mr. Semple added that the engineer in chief of the Public Works Department had informed him that proposals for willow clearance might involve legislation. Certain rights of private property came into the picture. The Government appreciated the gravity of the situation and would take action as soon as possible.