WAITOA RIVER.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18257, 19 February 1931, Page 9

WAITOA RIVER.

danger of flooding. DRAINAGE BOARD’S SUGGESTION. (Special to Times.) TE AROHA, Kednesday. Two years ago very strong representations were made to the Minister for Lands by district local bodies urging the removal of willow trees whose gnarled roots impeded the flow of the Waitoa River to such an extent as to flood low-lying lands along its banks. The then Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, told various deputations that Government aid would not be forthcoming until district drainage boards amalgamated and assumed control of the river. This suggestion, however, has not, as yet been acted on owing to opposition from the boards, and in the meantime the river has become even more congested as a result of the tangled mass of willows that continue to obstruct its course. At the meeting of the Piako County Council, the Waitoa Drainage Board suggested that the council utilise scheme No. 5 of the Unemployment Board to clear the growth of willows along the banks of the Waitoa River north of Wiseman’s Road. If this was done, said the board, it would be of great benefit to ratepayers, and would not entail the county in much expense. Members were favourable to the proposal, which, they considered, was well worth investigating. It was decided to obtain further information as to the value of the work proposed.