TONGARIRO PARK

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 64, 9 December 1926, Page 10

TONGARIRO PARK

MEETING OF BOARD NO MORE HEATHER TO BE ALLOWED A i:;< cling of the Tongariro National Par.; Board was held at the park ou Tuesday. There were present Mr. J. B. Thompson (Under-Secretary of Lands), in the chair, His Worship the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood), Mr. W. 11. Field, M.P., Mr. B. M. Wilson (general manager Tourist Department), Mr. E. Phillips Turner (Secretary of Forestry), Mr. B. C. Aston (president New Zealand Institute), Mr. A. G. Simpson, Mr W. Salt, Mr. J. Cullen- (warden of the park), and Hoani te Heuheu. In perfect weather, the members of the board made a visit of inspection to the Whakapapa huts and immediate surroundings, and general satisfaction was expressed at the excellent progress made with the metalling of tlie final section of the Bruce Road. • In opening the proceedings at the meeting the chairman referred to the visit of Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson to the park, and expressed appreciation at tlie interest she is taking in tlie development of the national reserve. In regard to the -hostel the chairman reported that no applications had been received for the lease, and other rights, offered by the board, although several inquiries had been made. It was resolved that a committee comprising the Wellington members of tlie board be set up to further into the question, with a view of improving the accommodation for visitors.

In regard to the proposed road to the Maugatepopo huts, it was decided to have the route marked with poles and cairns. Construction is to be deferred for the present, owing to the fairlv heavy costs. The question of offering areas for leasing as bungalow sites was again discussed, and deferred. Au application was received from the Tongariro National Park Sports Club for permission to erect a hut at the 6000' feet level on Ruapehu, and the board decided that the application should be granted, subject to certain conditions. An application was also received from the Rangataua Alpine Club for permission to erect a hut at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. This was also granted, subject to special conditions A question of increasing the charges for hut accommodation was left to the committee of the Wellington members to investigate and draw up an amended scale. A letter was received from the Wanganui Scenery Preservation and Beautifying Society conveying a resolution urging the establishment of a Dominion alpine garden in the park. It was resolved that the matter be viewed sympathetically, and be considered in conjunction with other projected development work. It was decided to proceed immediately with the publication of the book on the Tongariro National Park pre-' pared by Mr. J. Cowan. The chairman referred to Sir James Gunson’s projected visit abroad, and twelve months’ leave of absence was granted to him. Appreciative references were also made to the valuable services rendered to the board by Sir Janies Gunson and Mr. T. A. Blytb The eradication of heather at the park, and the introduction of exotics was discussed, and the following resolution was carried unanimously“ The board,’ being of opinion that it is impossible to eradicate the heather, save at a cost beyond the means of tilt board, resolves that no further heather seed be planted, and that steps be taken to prevent the further spreading of the heather now growing in the park. The board confirms its policv of opposition to the planting in the park of anything (except under domestication) not indigenous to the park, and the previous resolution to eradicate the heather is thus automatically rescinded, together with the permission granted to plant Mount Cook . lilies.”