A SCENIC FEATURE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1921, Page 4

A SCENIC FEATURE

BLENHEIM, Aug. 2 A conspicuous scenic feature on tho Blenheim-Christehurch road is threatened with extinction. This a block of 79 acres of typical native bush south of the Clarence river. The Scenery Preservation Board recommended the acquisition of this area and an adjoining 34 acres, and an offer was made by tho Government to the Maori owners, but nothing come of it, and the larger block has passed into the hands of a private individual, who is preparing to fell the trees and grass the land. This development has stirred public feeling in Marlborough. Tho Coast Farmers’ Union and the Chamber of Commerce at Blenheim have moved m the matter, and replying to an urgent appeal from the latter, the Minister of Lands pleaded the pressing demands on the financial resources of the Government, but undertook that the acquisition of the land in question for scenic purposes would bo approved if the local ! bodies or persons interested were pro. I pared to find £226, representing half the estimated cost of purchase. The feeling here, however, is that tho Government should deal with the matter in a national spirit, and not allow the fate of a magnificent piece of bush on a Dominion highway to depend on the tesult of its vague bargaining with local sentiment.

The Beautifying Society took tlv' ease up last night, at the instance of Mr W. Pollard, the Honor of AVatorlea Park, who said it would he a great shame if the Government allowed a lovely national adornment of the Blen-heiin-Christchurch route to he destroyed for the sake of a paltry £20(1 or so.

A strong resolution was passed, to he forwarded to Sir Francis Bell, and it was decided to communicate with the Kaikourn and Awatere County Councils, the Land Board and the Canterburv Progress Longue.