LAKE ELLESMERE LEVEL LOW AGAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19272, 8 January 1931, Page 13

LAKE ELLESMERE LEVEL LOW AGAIN.

VALUABLE LANDS NOW AVAILABLE TO FARMERS.

Successful operations at the outlet have lowered the level of Lake Ellesmere to 17 inches below zero, and farmers on the shores of the lake are at present getting the full benefit of the additional land made available. In some cases, small islands which have never* appeared before have risen above the surface. Yesterday’s meeting of the Ellesmere Lands Drainage Board was stipplied with a detailed report on the operations by the secretary, Mr James Mackenzie. The report stated that the work of letting the flood waters out by means of a tractor and scoup was commenced on December 9th. The water started running out on December 14th at 4.30 p.m. A change to southerly weather blocked the channel again the following day, and the work could not be resumed until December ISth. The “ run ” was commenced on December 20thL The channel scoured at a rapid

rate, and at 8.45 p.m. on December 24th the cutting was running five chains wide and the water was down to lft 3in. On December 27th sea level was reached. On this occasion the rate of scour was very rapid indeed, the lake having run down in a week from the time of reopening. At Bp.m. on Monday the cutting was over six chains wide and the lake was down to 17in below zero, with no signs of closing. The Minister of Public Works, the Hon W. B. Taverner, has agreed to make an inspection of the area, but no definite date has yet been fixed. In reply to the Board’s request for a grant of £3OOO towards the cost of the work the Minister replied that Cabinet had considered the request but could not grant more favourable terms than a £2 to £1 subsidy.