SANDHILLS RESERVE

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1042, 31 October 1947, Page 2

SANDHILLS RESERVE

COMMISSIONERS SUGGESTION MODIFIED. SCHEME CAMPING AREA Following on representations by the Opotiki Borough ’ Council to the Minister conccrhccl, that the Sandhills Rcservq sho'uld be vested under the control 'of the council instead of as at present, under the Domain Board, Mr.’' E. Wakelin, Commissioner of . Crown Lands, visited Opotilja, and accompanied by the Mayor and Ur. Davidson, made an inspection of the reserve. The Mayor explained the council’s idea that it should be possible to let sites for building purposes close to the beach and that the area should in time be developed as an attraction to tourists. He also expiessed the hope that later on it would bo possible to give bridge access direct ,to the town.

The Commissioner has since addressed the following letter to His Worship the Mayor and the communication was read at the monthly meeting of the council held on Tuesday night:— „ . “On thinking over matters arising out of our discussion on Wednesday, L have conic to the conclusion Mi at the proposed bridge and the developing on a large scale, of the sandhills reserve are really beyond the capacity of the Borough Council at present, even fi arrangements could be made for the cancellation of the Reservation as originally suggested by you. Special legislation would be necessary to give full effect to your proposals.

The project- however, could be kept in view as an ultimate objective, with the eastern end of the reserve -as the logical area to be used for ’ housing, but in the meantime, th’e borough council as Domain Board could embark on a more modest scheme.

“What I suggest- is, that the water supply be extended to the basin in the sandhills immediately behind Gordon’s property, opposite the continuation of St. John Street, and that conveniences, etc. be erected in order to make a suitable camp site on the area. Tent ami car parking sites could be cleared fairly cheaply amongst the lupins, and you could then see whether motorists would be attracted to the reserve. “Only comparatively small expenditure would be required, with no loading to speak of, and the only capital expenditure would probably be for water supply, sanitation and a cookhouse. It would of course, be necessary for the council to consult the Health Department to ascertain its requirements for a public camping ground, and it would -also be necessary for an area to be formally set aside for ; the ' purpose, by resolution of the Domain Board, which would be submitted to the Hon. Minister of Lands for his approval.

“If a modest scheme such as this were gone on with, I- would be prepared to recommend the Hon. Minister' of Lands to make a grant out cf" the funds provided by Parliament for sijch purpose, such grants 'being usually on a “pound for pound” basis.’* The question of levelling a small area and also commencing a treeplanting scheme was briefly discussed. It was stated by the town clerk that some fifty pounds would be available from Domain Board funds - arid that .with a subsidy of £ for £ £IOO would be available to prepare the first area.