DELECTABLE SPOT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 6

DELECTABLE SPOT

BETHUNE’S GULLY RESERVE FORGOTTEN BY PUBLIC Although one of the least known of the city’s recreational reserves, Bethune’s Gully is one of Dunedin's greatest assets, and it looked a truly delectable spot when an official visit was paid to it yesterday afternoon by the chairman of the Reserves’ Committee, Cr D. C. Jolly, and the superintendent of reserves, Mr M. R. Skipworth. They were accompanied on their inspection by a Daily Times reporter and photographer. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Normanby tram terminus, it is difficult to understand why this reserve has for so long been forgotten. Bethune’s Gully, which is under the brow of Mt. Cargill, is the largest single area under the control of the Reserves Department, and comprises about 213 acres. It is one of the department’s most successful efforts as far as afforestation is concerned. The trees, most of which are Oregon pine, are of a particularly lusty growth. A fire ravaged two or three acres a few months ago, but the more valuable trees escaped damage. A small stream, which drains the valley and eventually links up with Lindsay’s Creek, provides a few paddling pools for younger children. It has recently been cleared of surplus boulders and vegetation. Cleared Areas Two areas, with splendid soles of grass, have been made available for games, and a third, higher up the hillside, has been planned, but work on this has been held up pending the construction of a bridge to replace the skeletonised structure, the dilapidated stream may, at times, become a raging torrent. The whole valley is well sheltered, and during yesterday’s visit, was bathed in sunshine. Some amenities, however, are obviously called for before Behtune’s Gully can become one of the city’s show places. A shelter shed is urgently needed, and some improvement is called for as far as the approach is concerned. After a period of heavy rain the path from the road would probably be impassable for motor traffic. Either this should be metalled or some provision made for drainage. Some years ago the Automobile Association erected a sign post indicating where the picnic ground was to be found, but this has disapDeared, and it is conceivable that hikers and others have passed the entrance without knowing that such a spot as Bethune’s Gully exists at -all. Golf Course Proposed Even less known is an area of about 45 acres in Norwood street, almost opposite Bethune’s Gully, which was bequeathed to the city by Mr W. Forrester. This valuable area is at present leased for grazing, and, although no plans have been made for the immediate future, a suggestion has been made that it should be converted into a nine-hole golf course. There is no golf course in the North End, and there is no doubt that such a move on the part of the Reserves Committee would be extremely popular.