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Plans are afoot to reclaim several hundred acres of flat land in close proximity to Gisborne. The Lands Department has a scheme for converting the 700-acre bed of Awapuni Lagoon into land suitable for farm purposes. Last month a first step was taken to burn off surplus raupo and tussock grass so that a drainage scheme could be inaugurated. A drain is to be cut along the northern edge of the lagoon to intercept underground seepage. It will take ground water into the Waipaoa River, at which point a floodgate will control returning water.
As fire burns: a view across the lagoon bed from the sandhills near Centennial Drive.

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Almost as flat as a bowling green. After fire has swept through growth, lagoon bed is revealed to be exceptionally level.

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A typical section of the lagoon bed near the seaward side, showing present coarse growth.

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Wet mud is treacherous. Here lie the jawbones of a beast which at some time has been trapped.

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Cross-section of creek which drains through lagoon shows remarkable mosaic pattern of mud. Small holes are made by crabs, which infest creek.