MOUNT HOBSON SAFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 231, 29 September 1928, Page 12

MOUNT HOBSON SAFE.

NO CAMPING SITE.

MINISTER WON'T AGREE.

AUCKLAND M.P.'S SATISFIED.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON,- Friday

When the Minister of Lands (the Hon. A. D. McLeod) stated in the House on Thursday night that special legislation would bo required before a motorists' camping site could bo established on Mount Hobson, it appeared tiiat the last had been heard of this contentious matter, but the whole question was revived again to-night, when the Public Reserves Bill was in the committee stage. Auckland members gave the Minister no peace till he assured them that subsection E of clause 52 (permitting' the establishment of parking places and the erection of buildings on reserves) would not become operative till he had given his approval, and that he would not agree to a camp on Mount Hobson reserve

Mr. Dickson (Parnell) said he thought the offending provision should be knocked out altogether. The Minister of Health: But camping sites are necessary in other places, Hamilton, for instance.

Mr. Dickson: They may be necessary in Hamilton, but not on Mount Hobson.

Mr. Lee (Auckland East) said that, despite Mr. McLeod's statement on the previous evening, the position seemed to be as bad as ever. It was not desirable that camps should be established within city limits. Tents and gimcrack buildings should not be put up to shelter motorists from afield. Mr. McKeen: The common sense of the local body should be an adequate safeguard. Mr. Lee: Not in Auckland. Safeguarding Amendment. The Minister introduced an amendment providing that this section should apply to sites for the lite of persons visiting the domain, and not for all and sundry. Mr. Wilford: How could they camp on it without visiting it ? Mr. McLeod: It has been suggested that people might want to live there permanently. The Leader of the Opposition: And build wiiares there. Mr. McLeod: The trouble is that a few members seem to think that Mount tlobson is New Zealand. That is not so. This legislation is required for the whole Dominion, and for that reason ■the clause is 'warranted.

Mr., Lee took objection to this statement. He agreed that other places should have camping tacilities, but protection should be provided' for Mount Hobson, which was a characteristic New Zealand beauty spot. He would not like to see it dotted with shacks. It was a favourite resort of Aucklanders when the visiting fleets were coming up the harbour. He had seen its sides studded with thousands of spectators. A remarkable panorama could be had from the summit. It was a part of New Zealand to be treasured. Practically everyone who opposed the erection of a camping site was in favour of having a camp outside -the city limits. Mr. McLeod: Is the City Council the Domain Board?

_Mr. Lee: It is, but then the Auckland City Council at the moment is hardly a popular body.

Mr«*Dickson said he would like to know how this clause got into the bill. It was remarkable that the City Council had not included provision for the .Mount Hobson camping site in a recent bill which provided for an access road to Mt. Hobson. It was astonishing that the City Council should come along at this stage with a proposal to spoil this beautiful volcanic cone. He hoped the Minister would put a clause in the Washing-up Bill to prevent the establishment of k Mount Hobson camp. Mr. Lee: There are .plenty of places outside' the city boundary. Mr. Martin (Raglan): Up at the Zoo. Mr. Dickson: Nearer Dixieland would be in keeping with some motorists. The Minister's Assurance. Mr. McLeod: I think it will be all right if members will take my assurance that this sub-clause has nothing to do with Mount Hobson. Mr. Wiiford: Have you just discovered it ? Mr. McLeod: This clause has been under consideration for two months. 1 Mr. Wiiford: Sureiy this clause woukl apply to Mount Hobson? Mr. McLeod: Yes, it would. The Leader of the Opposition said he con!rl understand Auckland members wanting to protect Mount Hobson. but he could nut; understand them wanting to deprive the rest of New Zealand of the provisions of the bill. Mr. Lee: liobson's choice. Mr. Savage (Auckland West): If we can get the Ministers assurance that what is proposed will not be done we can't get much further. He wouldn't be likely to do this in face of the opposition to it. Mr. McLeod: No, ccrtainly not-. Mr. Dickson: We have the Minister's word that he won't'do it. A United Member: There mi-dit be another Minister. Mr. McLeod: You are safe for a little while.

The committee stage of tlie bill was completed.