DAM SCHEMES, WISE AND OTHERWISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21579, 26 February 1932, Page 10

DAM SCHEMES, WISE AND OTHERWISE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l notice that there is an agitation to have the Waitati Bay transformed into something other than .what it is. There is plenty of unoccupied land in New Zealand without our having to go to the expense of reclaiming this bay. On the dismal run per train from Christchurch to Invercargill, the Waitati Bay, when the tide is coming in, is the only beautiful spot on the whole journey. Mr Ansell and others would prefer to make it an eyesore by having it studded with cow byres and pigstyes. While on the subject of wanton exenditure iu New Zealand, one only needs to look back and see what has taken place. The needless Otira tunnel, the Arapuni “ wash-out,” the Waitaki “white elephant,” are a few to think over. Following these, there is another dam scheme at Hawea to provide water to a few dairy farmers and orchardists. New Zealand is yet a young country with a meagre population, yet the Government will squander millions of pounds on any scheme that is agitated for by any band of fanatics, and allow the country really to get beyond itself. This does not apply to the

present Government alone, but also to Governments in the past. In times like the present the Government would be wise to put a damper on the Hawea scheme and all other useless and expensive proposals, as all the money available will be required to feed and clothe the vast number of unemployed this winter, next winter, and in winters following. The Government is like a city council, ever ready to squander public money, and I think the time has come when the greatest economy is required, and that no further expensive and needless undertakings should be considered for the next 20 years at least. Otherwise New Zealand will be well and truly dammed. —I am, etc., Hydbotite.