TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1925, Page 3

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK.

HOSTEL SITE CONTROVERSY. BY TELEGIUI fI—I'RESS ASSN,, COPYRIGHT TALMAIU'Nn, February 25. A full meeting of the Tongariro National Park Hoard was held yesterday at Waiinnrino, 'including also the lion. A. D. Mel,cod. Minister of Lands. The question of the hostel site was reopened by Mr \Y. Salt, who moved in accordance with notice of motion, (I) that the previous resolution of the hoard in favour of the Haunted Where site for the proposed hostel be rescinded and (2) that the Whakapapa site be chosen instead. Mr T. A. Ilivth seconded and after a lengthy discussion the first section of Mr Salt’s motion was carried, Messrs ,T. Cullen and J. S. Collet dissenting.

Sir James Gun,son then moved that Mr Salt’s amendment to the second section of the motion to read that the Government architect be requested to report on sites between Whapapanui River crossing and the Whakapapa huts site with a view to selecting a site kif 'commanding and lipfeu position.

Mr Salt agreed to the alteration and Sir James Gun.son seconded the motion which was carried, Air Bl.vth dissenting.

The chairman. Air J. IS. Thompson, submitted tentative plans of a hostel prepared by the Government architect, the building to comprise one hundred rooms and to cost fifty-four thousand pounds. The chairman said there would bo no other hostel to compare with it in Australasia. It was resolved, on the motion of Sir James Gihihoii, seconded by Air S. J. Collett, that the Government architect report to the Board with plans adapted to the site recommended by li i m.

The nuestion of heather also provoke;'* a lengthv discussion. Eventually Air R, A. AVright moved that the Hoard is of opinion that the heather now growing in the nark should be eradicated. Hr Marshall seconded. Mr J. Cullen. Park Warden, said it was impossible to eradicate the heather now planted and growing in the park. The Hon A. T>. .McLeod said the eradication would lie a tremendous expnnse. The motion was carried, the voting being as follows:’ For—-Wright, Field, Heiiheu. Salt, Myth.. Turner and Marshall. Against—Guuson, AfcLeod, Cullen. Simpson, Collett and Thompson. Sir James Gunson moved and AH’ Field seconded, that the board approve - of the leasing of suitable areas of the park for building small bungalows in terms of the Act and on conditions approved by the board. A oepv of the report on this matter is to be prepared bv Sir James Gunson and ATr Cullen, and circulated to members to be considered at the next meeting. and that a preliminary survey be authorised. The motion was earned unanimously.