There have always been weeds and reeds growing under the water and over the years of my memoriy many methods have been used to cut the lake floor where required and recover the cut material.

In the past, at the present and in the future, the same problem has and will occur.

As I see it the present method of cutting and harvesting is the only way.

There will always be a bit of weed that will float away from the cutting machines.

During 1956, prior to the rowing and canoeing events being held on our great lake, many areas of the lake were cut and the weeds and reeds were allowed to float to the lake edge for removal and collection.

What a sight that was during the week prior to the Olympic Games events.

Hundreds of volunteers and council workers threw large hooks attached to long ropes to drag out the harvest from the water.

Guess what? The lake was almost clear, allowing hundreds of skull and canoe teams from around the world to train and then compete on our lake.

While I accept that times have changed may I suggest that the grizzlers who have made complaints this week use a little tolerance and understanding when using this, or any other facility in the future.

Mr Mayor, you don't have to take the blame just because the lake has burst back into life and I congratulate all involved in getting the lake up to its present standard of presentation.

Finally, may I suggest that those responsible for managing the lake be not too proud to ask a few of the old timers around Ballarat who have a wealth of infromation on managing the lake.

PAUL JENKINS

Alfredton