HUTT RIVER BOARD.

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 6, 17 June 1927, Page 6

HUTT RIVER BOARD.

A meeting of the above board was held on the 9th inst, Mr. W. T. Strand presiding. Messrs. Maby, Gostelow and Smith were also present. The tender of Norman & Bryant for removal of cottage on Mandel Block was accepted. The agreement between the Johnsonville Golf Club and the tenant of Gear Island was submitted for endorsement. A deputation of Taita ratepayers waited on the board to protest against the exchange of properties between Mr. J. W. Walker and the board. Mr. Foley, who acted as spokesman, stated that the ratepayers of the Taita district were not in favour of the proposal and hoped they would be in time to prevent it. The deputation were quite in accord with the board's policy of acquiring land for river protection purposes, but would prefer such land being taken under the Public Works Act. The 8£ acres of land it was proposed to exchange for 30h acres was considered to be of much greater value as it was not subject to flood. Their estimate of value of Mr. Walker's land was £1 an acre, whilst the smaller piece was valued at £50 per acre. The residents of Taita were particularly anxious that a block of land in their district should be set aside for recreation grounds. The chairman pointed out that it was the policy.of the board to secure land with river frontages for protection purposes. In the case of Mr. Walker's property the board considered an exchange would be more advantageous than facing the cost of acquiring under the Publiq Works Act. It was further pointed out that the land acquired would be improved for the benefit of the ratepayers and not for any individual. The chairman also stated that, it was not the function of the board to provide recreation grounds, but was quite conscious of their importance. The deputation were all agreed that in the event of the property being taken under the Public Works Act, their district would be prepared to be saddled with the cost. After the deputation had retired the matter was more fully discussed, and on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Smith, it was resolved that if it be possible to withdraw from the exchange steps should be taken in' that direction. The Wellington Rugby Football Union made application for a long lease of 50 or 60 acres of Gear Island. It was felt that such action would create a monopoly and defeat the objects of the board. Mr. Gostelow then moved, and Mr. Smith secondedseconded: That the board are not prepared to grant a long lease to any one sports body, but are prepared to consider a comprehensive scheme to embrace all forms of sport. The Lower Hutt Progress League wrote reaffirming its opinion given

in 1925: That Gear Island be retained as an open space for all time. It was agreed to reply that the board would be pleased to receive any practical suggestions the League jp.ight be able to put forward for the development of the island. Six applications were received for the contracts to clean two lengths of the Waiwetu Stream. The tender of E. W. Taite of £380 was accepted.