THERMAL WATER

Press, Volume C, Issue 29500, 29 April 1961, Page 12

THERMAL WATER

Permit Needed For Use (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, April 23. A test case may be required before it can be determined whether owners of land in the Hanmer Springs town and township areas are free to make use of thermal waters running through and under their land. A letter from a partially disabled former serviceman in Christchurch has set off much discussion in the Tourist Department and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Reading that land could be bought privately in the Hanmer Springs area, he decided to’ buy land there and establish his own private thermal bath on it. Though a final decision has not been made, it is unlikely that he can do so. Last year approval was given for land to be bought in Hanmer Springs instead of being leased from the Crown Last week an area of 937 acres, covering what is known as the Hanmer town area and Hanmer township, was gazetted a "thermal water area.” An act passed in 1908, and intended to preserve scenic attractions, empowered the Minister of Health to "declare” any area in which hot springs and mud pools were found. This declaration prevented commercial use of thermal waters Though there have been a number of amendments, this power is still vested in a Minister—the Minister In charge of Tourist and Health Resorts (Mr Shand).

If an owner of land in this area desires to use thermal water on his property for heating or bathing, he must first obtain the permission of the Minister, who must consult the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

In the case cited, the department has recommended that permission be refused, because of a shortage of thermal waters. It is feared that if property-owners use the water on their properties there would not be sufficient left for Queen Mary Hospital and the baths.