LOSS OF SCENIC AREAS ‘Public Should Be Compensated’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31093, 23 June 1966, Page 3

LOSS OF SCENIC AREAS ‘Public Should Be Compensated’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 22. “When scenic areas and recreational assets are destroyed or adversely affected by public works, particularly by power schemes, the departments concerned should accept the principle that equivalent amenities should be provided to replace those that have been lost,” the Nature Conservation Council said in its annual report to Parliament today.

“In the Tongariro scheme, for example, the new amenities could take the form of access tracks to the lakes that will be formed and to scenic spots at present difficult of access,” it said.

“It is reasonable in the council’s opinion that the cost of providing compensatory facilities should be treated as part of the cost of the original scheme.” The council said it had been told that the scenic value of a chasm on the Tongariro river called the Pillars of Hercules might be destroyed by the engineering works. It had made a series of recommendations to preserve this feature with very little damage. The council had also made recommendations on the river gorges. The Minister of Works (Mr Allen) had told the council that all its recommendations would be examined.