INAUGURATED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 268, 7 February 1941, Page 5

INAUGURATED

OHOPE DOMAIN BOARD

CROWN LANDS INTEREST

"I want to congratulate the residents of this wonderful beach on the step they have taken to watch over and preserve their own interests. I appreciate the desire on the part of those who have come forward l to make this l>each what ii should be and what it will be and can assure you that the Crown Lands Department will always be of asu sistance in the matter of effect-

Ing improvements." In this way the District Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr A. K. Graham) addressed members of the newly constituted Ohope Domain Board last Wednesday.

The inaugural meeting took place In the CaptgirfV Cabin Hall, Ohope, xind by the Rev. J. G. Laugh ton, Messrs F. Maliy, W. Sullivan, H. C. Kennedy, C. H. Brebner, C. Kingslej r -Smith and the Mayor of Whakatane, Sir B. S. Barry, and riding member, Mr C. McCready.

The initial business of appointing a chairman and a secretary was quickly dispensed with bjyi the election of the Rev. J. G. Laughton and *G. Kingsley-Smitli respectively. The new domain areas taken over for administration cover a total acreage of 187, and include the large tract of native bush at the beach approach in which the county reservoir is now situated.

Mr Grahaiji explained that, he himself had been elected a member in accordance with the department's policy of maintaining a link with Domain Boards. It was necessary to do this he said to avoid the peculiar, position arising as at Rangitoto and Bowentown Heads, where campers had been given the right to erect baches on Crown reserves. Such c\ thing should never have been permitted.

Disposal of Sections. The question of disposing of certain sections on the northern end of the beach was discussed, the opinion of some speakers being that as isolated and small they were worth little as reserves and could if sold furnish the Board with'much nccd--•ed funds.

Mr Barry was very emphatic that these should be retained. They were very handy for picnic parties, members of which did not desire to make use of the crowded central reserve. Mr Barry was. supported bjyi Messrs Graham and Sullivan and it was decided to write the County Council -urging that the sections he vested in the Domain Board for future control.

Danger of Fire,

Discussing the danger of fire at Ohope, Mr Graham admitted that this was a very real threat to the natural beauty of the spot. How'ever he suggested special notices of warning against the lighting of fires, which he thought should be effective. Mr Brebner's suggestion of concrete fireplaces was also approved. Mr Graham stated that the Lands Department was at present compiling a comprehensive plan of the whole beach and he would be pleas>cd to forward a copy to the Board -when available. Seven Year's Service. The Commissioner notified that '•each member was expected to serve on the board for seven years. It was necessary to give a week's notice of all meetings and the books and accounts were open to Government audit annually. On the motion of Mr McCready it was decided to hold meetings quart l erly. A su\Jfcmmitteo comprising Messrs Brebnerf* Laugh ton, Mahy and the Secretaryvwas set up for the purpose •of formulating a programme of undertakings for the adoption of the "Board at its next meeting. Question of Grants. Outlining the method of approaching the Department for grants, Mr Graham stated that it was necessary to have in mind some permanent undertaking. No money would be forthcoming for work of a temporary nature. The Department in the past had judged the applications on their merits, and where it was deserving' a liberal subsidy was forthcoming. The question of caretaker for the new bathing sheds was mentioned Idv Mr Maliy, who reviewed the damage which had been done during the Christmas holidays and the equipment. The Commissioner suggested that a man on Social Security, who

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was permitted to earn up to Kl per week would be ideal for the purpose. Appreciation. A special vote of appreciation to the Progress and Ratepayers' League was passed lor the work which, had been done, also a vote of thanks to Mr Graham for attending and to the chairman.