LAKE WAITAKI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 20

LAKE WAITAKI

TREE-PLANTING SCHEME r A NORTH OTAGO PROJECT A plan for beautifying work at Lake Waitaki has been chosen by the North Otago Tree Planting Association as its main objective • for the year 1939. Lake Waitake is lithe. more. than an hour by motor 1 from Oamaru. and the road is being improved and- tar pealed so that in the near future this fine stretch of water will be 1 easier of access than it is to-day;., The hydro-electric power bouse and the- dam with , its v beautiful -.spillway are always a source of interest. The lake itself -, has ah interesting shape. The surrounding hills, mountains 'and valleys form a spacious and inspiring background, but trees are lacking. If trees are grown, the present barrenness and bareness will be relieved, and every one-of the present .attractions of the lake will .be enhanced. When the North Otago Tree. ;Plhhting Association came into being.* one of its first moves was to canvass the idea of planting trees round the lake. The Minister, of Labour sent a large map of the lake showing all the areas available for planting—that Is to say, practically'.all, the area still held by the department and lying .. above ..the estimated high flood level of the lake. Planting was to' have’ been begun- last year; when a hitch- occurtCd ; ? in'-the departmental arrangements. The. matter was. straightened out, but in*the meantime the planting season was missed. .' 'A

The land is available and free; most of the trees are already in .the-asso-ciation’s nursery; the Oamaru Borough Council has- granted free timber for fencing: the Waitaki. County' Council has been most helpful; labour nr expected to be available without too 1 great expense to the association: and the association itself is supplying the organisation and. skilled supervision.