OLD WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18952, 23 May 1933, Page 3

OLD WAIKATO.

UNIQUE RIVER

STRANGE GEOLOGICAL HISTORY,

COMMERCIAL POSSIBILITIES. The geological history, together with some commercial aspects of the Waikato River, was the subject of an address given by the borough engineer (Mr R. Worley) at the weekly luncheon of the Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday. Mr J. Treloar presided. “The Waikato, which is one of the unique rivers of the world, is of such outstanding importance from botli utilitarian and commercial aspects lo those residing in its locality that all should know something of its past and the possibilities of its future,” stated Mr Worley. About two million years ago the river, originating at Mount Ruapehu, flowed down ihrough the valley now known as Lake Taupo, and from' there by the shortest route to Hie Bay of Plenty. Later, however, a tremendous volcanic eruption took place and blocked the valley, so forming tiie lake designated Taupo. Its course was similar to its present route until Ilorahora was reached, when it turned north-east and flowed out through tiie Hinuora Valley to the Firth of Thames.

One Largo Lake. At this time, the speaker explained, tiie whole Waikato area was one large lake of great depth. Intercepting a small outlet of this lake in the vicinity of Ilorahora, the Waikato changed its course to the narrow limits of this stream, carrying a huge volume of rock and soil which raised the lake bed and drained tiie valley. The river then flowed out into the Tasman Sea through Port Waikato. “Tiie river level was then considerably lower than it is to-day, and even now the soil and sand being carried down are building up comparatively large areas of land at the mouth," commented Mr Worley. What are now high and dry islands are remembered by old identities as being part of the harbour some years ago. This is having a profound aiffi important effect on the development of the lower Waikato. “From a navigation point of view,” Mr Worley added, “Hie river might play a very important part in the commercial and economic development of the Waikato. At present it is too , shallow, but it is within the realm of possibility that fairly large vessels could be brought up to Hamilton." Full Investigation. Mr Worley stressed the point that no work such as this could be undertaken unless a full investigation into the conditions affecting the river had been made. On Ihe motion ofTlr F. 11. Clapham a vote of thanks was accorded Mi Worley for his illuminating address.