OLD AHURIRI LAGOON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 6

OLD AHURIRI LAGOON

Stock Grazes on Former Sea-bed Work of Reclamation Within a mile or two of Napier city, stock grazes and grass grows green on what, little more than seven years ago, was the bed of the salt sea. The 7000 acres of the Ahuriri Lagoon are rapidly being brought into cultivation. The tractor tills where formerly the yachtsmen cruised, the sheepdog heads the flock where the fisherman made his haul, and where the tidal waters rose and fell to the pulse of ocean, crops ripen and clover buds. After the earthquake of 1931, which raised the bed of the Ahuriri Lagoon above the level of the sea, the land was left salty and sterile. No blade of grass would grow there. A shallow mere covered a large part of the area, which by no means could be regarded as dry land. To drain it, 500 miles of ditches were driven across and across it, dividing it up into a gigantic grille. Along these ditches powerful water-pumps drew off the remaining water and permitted the land to dry. At the same time two long earthworks walled the meandering stream that traversed the fiat and was augmented by the outflow from the pumps. As well as draining the area, this system enabled the salt to work out of the land. Every fall of rain brought fresh water to dissolve the salt and carry it off along the drains. By last year it was found possible to plough and plant some 2000 acres along the edges of the lagoon, where the de-salting had proved most rapid and effective. In the Taradale-Green-meadows corner of the lagoon, where perhaps the salinity was reduced by fresh-water flowing into the lagoon off the hills, and where the same influences have been at work to purify the soil, the recovery has been most rapid. To-day a farm-house with sheepyard, shearing shed and dip, cattlebails and farm-hand’s whare, stands on the Bay-View corner of the former lagoon. Seven thousand sheep and 200 cattle graze on the newly-planted pastures. The aerodromes of the East Coast air-line and of the Napier Aero Club are both well grown with good grass, and carry sheep. Around the lagoon edges three sheep to the acre is not regarded as a burden on the land. Lambs have been found to fatten well there. Rid of its salt, the soil promises fertility, and there is little doubt that in time the Ahuriri Lagoon will be the most fertile corner of a fertile province. Of course at present it is not all reclaimed, or being so at an even speed. There are extensive salt-pans in places. Elsewhere are wide tarns, home of stilt and oyster-catcher. A great area is taken up by the drainage system and pumping plant and by the central channel of the main outflow. From the air, or even from the heights of Napier Bluff, the one-time lagoon presents a remarkable sight, with its tracts of green, its sheets of shallow water, its scattered flocks, white roads, and patches of green pasture.

It is estimated, however, that at least another 10 years will be required before the maximum area of the flats is in full production, and farming can become intensive in the area. When it does, however, the value of the land will be rapidly realised, as the soil is stated to be rich in minerals deposited by the tidal waters of the past.