TE AROHA’S WATERWAY

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5482, 2 May 1917, Page 3

TE AROHA’S WATERWAY

THE SILTING AND DRAINAGE PROBLEMS AGAIN DISCUSSED BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE At Monday’s evening’s meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the acting-president, Mr C. Rayner referred to the liver silting question, and explained that the conference at Paeroa regarding water carriage and drainage matters had evolved into the appointment of a representative committee of all the public bodies interested to advance the claims of the district as from one united conference. *

Mr Graham asked if any reply had been received from the Government Department iu regard to the proposal to construct a groyne near the traffic bridge. The chairman said that no reply had yet come* to hand. However, he understood f hai rhe united committee would advance Te Aroha’s claims. The big scheme affecting the lower reaches of the river would be the main consideration, but the chamber might well keep in mind the need for the construction of the groyne at Te Aroha.

Mr Andrews suggested that the shipping company be asked to advance the wharf about 12ft. This would give deeper and more permanent berthage, and the cost would almost certainly be less than the expense of the proposed groyne. The present wharf was always in slack water.

Mr Graham thought this suggestion better than the scheme for constructing a groyne.

Mr Hedge concurred

Mr Andrews mentioned that the shipping company's business with Te Aroha had increased considerably from year to year, and the past year’s business had, he believed, very largely increased despite the war. The chairman said he did not think the chamber was favourable to bearing portion of the cost of the groyne. The water-way was an asset to the town and district.

The chairman reported having arranged, in the unavoidable absence of himself and Mr G. W. Mace, for Mr F. M. Strange to represent the chamber at the conference. Mr Strange had very ably represented the chamber, and members were doubtless familiar with the business transacted, as full reports of the proceedings had appeared in 'the local Press.

Mr Stanley protested that Te Aroha’s needs had not been considered at the conference, where drainage schemes had occupied all the discussion. Te Aroha was vitally interested in the deepening of the river to allow of cargo barges coming right up to Te Aroha. The chairman again supported unity of action in river matters. Mr Stanley was of opinion that by extending the wharfage some 30 feet down stream the trouble would be avoided. On Mr Graham’s motion, it was decided to write to tho Public Works Department pointing out that no advancement had been made in the matter of improving the river near Te Aroha, and urging that a decision be come to as soou as possible.