Reserves Which Are Nobody's Responsibility

Chronicle (Levin), 7 April 1948, Page 2

Reserves Which Are Nobody's Responsibility

"Your executive was surprised to find that the reserves set aside from time to time by the late Mr, W. H. Field, M.P., are • toddy nobody's responsibility," says . the annual report of the Waikanae Beach Progressive Association, which will be submitted to members at the annual meeting on Saturday. "They do not come under the control of the Domain Board and the Horowhenua County Council has declined to take them' over after their dedication as such. 'Today they are overgrown, tangled wildernesses, a menace as fire hazards and of very little value or utility having regard to the purposes for which reserves are set aside." The quality of the water supplied through the water supply undertaking had proved, on the whole, satisfactory, continues the report. The loan was being repaid at a satisfactory rate and there should be no debt at the end of five or six years. Before then, the adequacy of the supply would have to be considered. "Your executive congratulates both sports clubs on what they have achievecl offcer the past year. The Tennis Ciub has laid down an additional court and the Bowling Club has not only erected a very much needed pavilion, but has made the green and Its surroundings one of the most picturesque spots in the neighbourhood of the township. Your executive visualisfes further extension of such and similar clubs on the area set aside in the block of 110 sections, portion of the Field Estate and put up for sale on March 6 last. Here, a reserve of between two and three acres has been set aside in one block. It was due to the vigilance of your executive that this -was done, otherwise the usual practice would have been followed — that of scattering reserves of small area promiscuously throughout the block, thus increasing fire hazards and rendering acdess more difficuit as between one locality and another."