THE ROUND BUSH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1820, 30 April 1918, Page 3

THE ROUND BUSH.

The Mayor proceeded to Wellington on Saturday, and in conjunction with Mr W, 11. Field, M.P., interviewed the Minister for Lands (the Hon Mr Guthrie), in reference to the acquisition of 42 acres of the Round Bush, which it is desired should be set aside as a National Reserve, The area was recently surveyed and valued. The Prime Minister promised that the Government would contribute a sum of £425 towards its acquisition. The Government valuer assessed the land at £l9 per acre. The Harbour Board objected to the valuation as being too low. The Borough Council decided by resolution to pay to the Harbour Board the difference between the valuation represented by the amount the Government is prepared to give, and the improvements, a sum of £l2. The. Government, in the Harbour Board Amending Act, inserted a clause prohibiting the destrm iion of any ti’ees in the area, but prior to this the Board had sold the right to fell white pino trees.

The Minister informed the Mayor and Mr W. If. Field that the promise made by the Premier to contribute £425 towards the acquisition of the area would be adhered to. The Minister stated that the man to whom the Board had sold the tim-ber-cutting rights had lodged a claim of £304 a.gainst the Government for cancellation of cutting rights. This claim had not yet been considered.

Mr Field expressed the opinion that such claim should be contested by the Government. The claimant had only paid £IOO for the cutting right over a small portion of the millablc timber, and hud continued cutting after the Bill hud been passed prohibiting the further destruction of the bush. It was pointed out that public protests had been made against the destruction of the bush, yet 80 per cent, of the millablc timber had been cut.

The Minister did not express an opinion re the Harbour Board’s suggestion that the purchase price of the land should be referred to arbitration. Other matters in connection with the reserve were discussed with the Minister. In the meantime the Board has decided to lease the grazing rights of the land for a period of twelve months.