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Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1927, Page 2

The second problem before the Council on Friday night was Ibe invitation of the Commissioner of Lands to advise the Government regarding special conditions governing the use of Lake Kanicri, seeing that the resort is the source of the town water supply. The interest on the part of the authorities is < nninienilabio. and it is wise for tlie Council to act now before the use or the abuse of ttlie locality is carried too far. Lake Kanicri is a very fine scenic resort, and has not had the public attention it might have bad. It is only of late that more patronage is being accorded the locality. The question of motor boating lias helped to poularise the place as a public rendezvous. and on that account is to be appreciated. The wisdom of limiting motor boating is somewhat apparent for more than one reason. The discharge of oil is believed to have some effect 011 the water supply. It must also have some effect on the fishing in and about the lake. The need,for limiting the number of motor boats plying on the lake has, therefore, some foundation, and it will he wi.se to do so betimes. Dr Teiclielmann offered tlie soundest advice of all at the recent meeting when referring to dead or decomposing animals about the shores of the lake or near its tributaries. The Council did seek for special conditions this season in regard to the taking of opossums this year. But in addition there is the more or less discriminate shooting of deer about the lake, and the ordinary mortality of stock. 011 that account there is some necessity for a system of patrol to assure the avoidance of any foul matter passing into the lake waters. Locations for bathing removed from the vicinity of the water supply intake, are an obvious necessity, and observance of any rules made on the matter, should he enforced strictly. As to the sheds alxmt the lakeside these should he the subject of a permit both in relation to situation and design. With the growing popularity of tlie lake, ill-do-signed structures of any material .should not be permitted, and sonic degree of control might well be enforced in this matter. There arc other subjects affecting the use of latrines and the disposal of residences in the vicinity of the lake side, which should also be taken in band. The problem is one requiring a good deal of attention to break down practices which have grown up in the past because of the lack of effort to control. Once a set of regulations is drawn up. however, the ultimate effect will depend on the good sense of the people, who must realise the necessity there is for regulation in these matters.