FOXTON RESERVES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2971, 5 December 1925, Page 2

FOXTON RESERVES.

I LOW THEY WERE ACQUIRED.

We are in receipt of a letter from Mr. John Kebbell, of Levin, in reference to the acquisition and dedicating of certain Foxton reserves. Mr. Kebbell states that some time ago a correspondent writing to the Herald credited the late chief Tliakara Tukumane with giving certain portions of land to Foxton. “In this your correspondent is far from correct,” says Mr. Kebbell, and continues: The Awnhou Block was purchased [from the Maori owners] in 1858, and I was present at the signing of the decal. It was not, however, finally completed by the Government for some years on ac-* count of the Maori wars. There was a lot of surveying done and several sections were sold before 1868.

“In 1 y(it) an Act was passed by the Provincial Council setting aside •in area of land for racing and oilier purposes and appointing live trustees, namely: Messrs. F. Robinson, T. \Y Cook, Alex. Grey, J. T. Dalrymple and myself. These are briefiy the facts- concerning the racecourse, which I believe, next to Wanganui, is the oldest racecourse on this coast.

“Wlith regard to the “Target Reserve [now a borough reserve], this was Government land and was first used for target shooting when the militia was called out in 1868 in Foxton and was shortly after set aside under the following circumstances : Some time in 1809 I happened to be in Foxton (I then lived up the river) and at tl ie hotel I met Colonel Harrington, O.C, of the New Zealand forces. He ,told me Sir Donald McLean was staying at Otaki a day and wanted to inspect my company of militia. On my remarking that the time was short, as my 120 men were scattered over a wide area, lie replied “do your best.” I succeeded in putting 80 men on parade. After the inspection was over, I had an interview with Sir Donald and asked that the ride range might be made a reserve. He replied: “Get il surveyed and show me the plan.” I replied: “We have no money!” He then agreed to have the survey made and asked who were to he the trustees. I suggested the Defence Depatrment. The reserve was thus dedicated and, as far as I know, is the only target reserve for shooting between Wellington and Wanganui. This reserve was subsequently transferred to the Foxton Borough Council, with a proviso that ride shooting privileges he retained. My opinion is that any revenue accruing from this reserve should be set aside for shooting prizes. “I think I have shown that Ihakara did not give those two reserves. Wtilh regard to others, no doubt Ihakara gave the old burial ground [now known as Ihakara Garden] and Ihe school site. I have my doubts that lie gave the Court House site."

Referring to the acquisition of the site of the old stockade in Duncan street, erected in 1868, Mr. Kebbell says: “1 think it is up to the Borough Council to secure the site as a public reserve for all time, just In keep in rcmomborance what the early settlers had to go through. 1 noticed school garden plots on part of the site, but that portion oil the hill, the site of the stockade, is only required now.”