HOW IS THE LAKE FED ?

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17632, 9 February 1929, Page 7

HOW IS THE LAKE FED ?

OPINION OF AN EXPERT. CUTTING WEEDS INEFFECTIVE. MUST BE DRAGGED OUT. That the Hamilton Lake is not maintained by soakage is the opinion expressed by Mr B. M. Finlay, who for years has been engaged on drainage works in different parts of the country. Mr Finlay is well-acquainted with the lake and the large area of swamp adjoining. In fact, it is doubtful if anyone knows it better. Some years ago he sank’an eightinch bore 50 to 60ft in the peat swamp on the south-western side of the lake and failed to strike water. He also sank several other bores in different parts of the swamp with the same result. Apart from this, Mr Finlay considers that the formations of the railway track across the Rukuhia Swamp are so solid that they would act as an effective barrier to soakage even if the swamp was a wet one. In the speaker’s opinion the lake is fed chiefly by rain water and springs. He bases his opinion on observation over a period of years. Mr Finlay revives the call for a stock route stretching from Frankton across the swamp to near the Ohaupo Road. This he believes would answer the treble purpose of providing a. short route for stock, a pretty drive for the public, and an additional barrier against seapage. As to the best means of clearing the noxious growth from the lake he suggests the employment of a light dredge to remove- not only the plants ■themselves, but the roots and the sludge from thc bottom. This could be used for constructing a playing field at the Frankton end, where the land was very low lying. After an absence from Hamilton for three years, Mr Finlay paid a visit to the Lake with his family a few days ago, when he was so impressed with the beauty of the spot that he considers no expense should be regarded as too great to save it. He suggests that as the area belongs to the Crown, the Government might consider lending a hand to preserve it. There are doubtless many Government dredges lying idle in different parts of thc country that might be made available. He told a Times’ representative that he had no confidence in cutting the weeds. The roots must come out. •