THE ROUND BUSH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1736, 2 October 1917, Page 3

THE ROUND BUSH.

VISIT BY MESSES FIELD AND ELL, M’s.P.

- Sonic time ago it was deckled, at a local public meeting, .'to invite Messrs Field and Ell, M’s.P., to visit the ‘‘Pound Bush,” with the object of ashing the Government to acquire' this magnificent bush as a scenic reserve. The bush is portion of an endowment handed over to the Harbour Board from the Marine Department, when the Board was re-constituted. The invitation was sent-to the members above mentioned by the Borough Council, and the members, accompanied by Mr Ashton, representing the Government, arrived on Saturday. The party was met .by the Mayor, and after partaking of lunch, proceeded to the Round Bush. The visitors were accompanied by (he Mayor and Messrs Henncssy and W. E. Barber (representing I lie Harbour Board).

During the inspection, the Mayor made a few remarks, having previously handed Mr Pick! a copy of the resolutions relative to the object passed at a public meeting of citizens held some time ago-.- The Mayor said ho earnestly hoped the Government would aequiro the bush to be hold as a scenic reserve for the people. He pointed out that it was the only piece of bush suitable for scenic purposes within a radius of at least 10 miles. Boeing the whole of the district was interested in its preservation, he 1 bought it was the duly of Ihe Stale to purchase it/

Mr Ilennessy said that the Harbour Board Averc Avilling to negotiate Avitli the Government on a fair basis of valuation. Ho considered the commercial value of the land was at least £3O per aero, and also thal the Board Avmild he prepared to accept Government debentures in lieu of cash for'thc land. He did not consider it fair (o ask the Board to accent a low price for the land, as by doing so the Harbour Hoard, Avonld he making a sacrifice, and other local bodies interested would escape free. Mr Eli, in reply lo Mr Hcnuessy, said that if the Harbour Board was going to fix the price of the land on its prospective Amine, there would be an cnd_ of (lie matter as far as the Government were concerned. If the Harbour Board Avere prepared to accept present Govcrnmeiit valuation, then the Slate would probably acquire it. By accepting this,, the Harbour Board would not be making any unfair sacrifice, as (he Board’s district included all the local bodies interested. He thought as a safeguard that the bush should he vested in the Crown for the people, and not in the Borough Council. lie said local bodies wore not always good custodians of reserves. Mr Field, M.P., thoughl the bush should be present'd. He suggested that a A'alualion be made by the (,'ovarium id, and if satisfactory to the J’lat'bour Board, a survey be made lo include the whole of (he bush. This was agreed 10. lir Ashton, Government analyst, look samples of soil, and leaves and bark of various shrubs, and ini ends coming back again to make a thorough botanical survey of the hush. The'Mayor thanked the parly for the visit. After partaking of light refreshments kindly supplied by Mrs Barber, the visitors left for Shannon to cale!i the Napier mail train for Welling! mi.