SCENIC RESERVES.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19179, 9 December 1927, Page 3

SCENIC RESERVES.

. * KAIKOURA BOARD.

The first jneeting of the newlyconstituted Scenic Reserves Board to control the Hundalee scenic reserves took place at the Public Library, Kaikoura, on Wednesday. Present: Messrs Stevenson (Commissioner of Crown Lands), James Boyd (County Council), B. Falck. (president Canterbury Automobile Association), Dr. R. L. Withers, and the Bev. J. G. S. Dunn. Messrs Wilkinson (Deputy-Commissioner Crown Lands), and Dewar (Lands Office), were also in attendance. Mr J. Trewin forwarded an apology for absence. Mr Stevenson gave a brief history of the reserves covering > a period of 500 years from the time of the landing of the famous Ngapuhi tribe from Auckland, until the Government was approached , three years ago for the purpose of conserving the and providing popular camping sites along tho foreshore. The reserves had previously been under the control of the Lands Department, but it was considered that there should be a representative from the Kaikoura County Council, the Automobile Association of Canterbury, and three other local _ representatives who were enthusiastic regarding the preservation of native scenery and interested in camping, sites. The Board had to protect the reserves and demonstrate that there was no misplaced confidence in appointing it. The late Mr Auchinlech had previously acted as ranger under the administration of the Land' Board. Mr Janies Boyd said "he wished the Board every success, but said he felt hurt that the road reserves should Lave been taken from the County Council in face of a recent decision of the Privy Council in reapect to the Greenhill roads. If the Board was armed with such power, then it was useles for the Council to take in hand the work of tree planting on its reserves. He instanced a case of destruction of scenic bush where prosecutions had not ■ followed when information was supplied. However, he was willing to assist the Board, but saw difficulties ahead of it. There was some nice bush along-the Oaro river in which trees had been felled. The Commissioner said he thought that perhaps this bush might be brought under the jurisdiction of tho Board. ... Dr. Withers urged the appointment of a ranger, but said sufficient revenue would hare to be raised to pay for his services. ' Mr Falck said that at Queenstown and other places camping sites were allotted at a tee of 10s per week and 2s for each additional day, the sites having 25 feet frontage. Regulations were "required for the purpose of dealing with the campers and for securing revenue. A fee should also be collected as a guarantee that the camps would be kept clean, to be refunded if they were left in order. The Canterbury Automobile Association had considered the matter and was prepared to assist the Board in every way possible. Should vandalism occur, his Association would deal with members responsible. Mr Boyd said there was not room for one tenth of the campers along the south road, and the north road had to absorb them. It was resolved that a fee of 10s per week be charged for sites, Is per day for each additional day, and 2s 6d for a single day. Mr Falck moved that those portions of closed roads at Hundalee Reserve be added to the areas specified in the schedule of reserves under the control of the Board. The motion was seconded by Dr. Withers and carried. Mr Falck said ho would endeavour to secure a grant up to £ls from his Association, provided an equal amount was raised locally and a subsidy of £ for £ granted by the Government. ' It was decided to invite applications for the position of ranger for a term of four months. It was decided to invite Messrs G Gray. J. MeTaegart, J. J. McGrath, A. Barker and P. Curran to act as honorary rangers.