CHOKED WITH RUSHES*

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17611, 16 January 1929, Page 6

CHOKED WITH RUSHES*

CREEPING OVER LAKE. DOMAIN BOARD FACES PROBLEM* PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DESIRED. is Hamilton’s lake gradually disappearing? In a few years, If rushes spread at the present rate, there will be scarcely any water visible. Sporadic complaints have extended over a long time and many residents have nourished grave fears that the town’s greatest scenic asset may soon evolve into a ’ fetid, swampy waste. Lack of means has been the chief factor delaying action, but last night the Domain Board decided to take definite steps ensuring the preservation and protection of this beautiful area. The question was raised by Dr. H. Douglas, who claimed that recently the weeds had crept over a wide section of the lake, and were spreading from the shore in several places. Dr. Douglas said several residents near the lake had spoken to him and were interested in tne project. He believed at leasts one-fourth of the water surface of the lake was being lost through, the growth of rushes. He suggested the co-operation of lake residents should be obtained and a body of citizens formed who would move in the direction of effecting an improvement. All the lakeside residents could be circularised to attend a meeting and the public generally could be given an opportunity to attend. The area for sailing for yachts was very limited, and the owners of boats were also botmd to be interested.

Mr W. H.'Paul, chairman, raised the question of financing the scheme. Dr. Douglas replied that in his opinion a good many residents would be prepared to subsidise a clearing scheme. “No Lake Left.” Mr R. C. Fowler said unless something was done there would be no lake left. The rushes from near the boatshed in the lake ground were stretched in a belt quite half-way over the lake, and the growth was increasing by degrees. “I quite agree with Dr. Douglas,” said Mr J. R. Fow. “It is a matter which should interest all Hamiltonians. People must realise they are losing half the beauty and value of the lake. However, the board should place a scheme before the public, not vice versa. We do not want to waste time. I would like to see pbblic interest fully aroused, but we must know what we are going to do." Mr Paul suggested the Borough Council should take a lead. “Making Ghastly Mistake.” Mr'Fow replied that, the council would probably assist, but it would not act beforethe Domain Board, which after all controlled the area. He considered the board was making a ghastly mistake in allowing the growth to proceed. * ' . Members then discussed the problem of securing a suitable machine for eradicating the snags and rushes. Mr Fow said if the public was assured the work could be done for £3OO he had no doubt there would be very generous support. Frankton would be affected and should be willing to assist. He suggested that the Domain Board formulate a scheme, make enquiries regarding suitable machinery, and obtain expert opinion. Committee to Act. Mr Paul believed a committee should be appointed to do the job, as the question had frequently been raised before, yet nothing had been done. A committee consisting of Messrs Fow, Fowler, Paul and Dr. Douglas was appointed to deal with the removal of rushes at the lake, with power to act. Mr Fowler later explained that the proposed machines could be used at any time of the year, as they cut to a depth of six feet and could be depended upon to eradicate the weeds permanently.