MT. HECTOR TRACK.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 11 April 1919, Page 2

MT. HECTOR TRACK.

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOURIST., A special meeting of tho members of the Mount Hector Track Committee (Otaki side) was held at the Town Board Chambers, Otaki, on Wednesday evening. Present-: Messrs 11. L. Beauchamp, W. P. Russling, G. M. Lethbridge, AY. Jepson, Frank Penn, M. HE Ay-re, W. Burns Smith, and H. Nicolso:i (secretary). An axiology for unavoidable absence was reseivsd from Mr W. H. Field, M.P., while It- WKS reported that the chairman, Mu W. Tomp* sitt, was absent through illness.. In his temporary ab.sen.ee Mr Be.auyhanip was voted to the chair. The Secretary reported that since t-he last meeting Messr Lethbridge and Jepson had been added to the committee. Correspondence was read as follows: — From Mr W. H. Field, M.P., stating that he had interviewed the Tourist De-, partment relative to’ securing a grant, and had been promised £SO, which amount, however, would only bo available for building and furnishing a hut. He suggested writing to the Grcytowu Committee, asking that their subsidy; be diverted from the hut to tho improvement- of tho track. From Morgan Carkcck, enclosing a necessary form for tho transfer of money from the old trustees to tho new, anil wishing tho new committee every success.. Ho pointed out that tho old committee had often been blamed for being dilatory', but considered it was not wholly to blame, as Parliament had failed to hand over promised money. Front AY. 11. Field, M.P., stating that ho had interviewed Mr Arthur Seed, of tlic Mayraorn Co., and had asked his opinion on tho track question, and also his assistance. Mr Seed said he was strongly of opinion that Ray’s riigc was the best, and considered there would 1)0 no difficulty about forming it bridle track right up -to Dennau, which was tho peak that tho ridge led to. Tho lower part of the ridge was already felled, ami Mr .Seed was willing to undertake to form the track to the back of the company’s boundary, which was about two miles distant- from the AYniotaura stream. He had also stated that, Ray’s wharo, which contained six\ bunks, would bo available for parties going through, ill - Field thought there would be no harm in having alternative tracks, and a track at Ray's ridgo would be a pleasant change, and the fact there was a wharc was a strong point. However, he thought the best plan would be to stick to tho old track.

From Mark Maxton (secretary of the Greytown Track Committee) staling his committee was very pleased tt (,->■* that the Otaki Committco had bee' ao an artivc body, and trusted it would now push matters along. His committee had now resolved "That in the

opinion of the Greytown Committee tho erection of a hut must be a first consideration, and insisted that its offer of £ for £ up to £SO is for that purpose, but were agreeable that should it not be necessary to expend the £IOO on the erection of-a suitable wharo that any balance of the grant of £SO may be expended on further improvements of the track; also that the wharc must be built on the site selected by' the Greytown sub-committee (on Hector side »£ Dorman).” Mr Beauchamp, as one of tho member?. appointed to report on the track, stated that the committee had gone

over the locality, and found that :» deal of money would have to bo expended to put the track in order so us to allow a pack-horse to truver.ee it, and he competed that to do necessary work to Table Top would cost between £OO and £7O. The amount to be expended on a hut would depend on the style of building required. In the opinion of the committee the hut should be erected on the Otaki side of Table Top, where fair-sized timber would bo available. There was, however, no water in tho vicinity, but as plenty of rain fell barrels could be used. If the but were erected as suggested it would be in a place where there would be a welcome break for tourists. To Dorman the track was rough, and a six-foot track would need to be cut and the debris burned. The question of finance, how-ev.'-r, teas going to be a big thing, and he thought the Greytovn Committee should be asked to divert their grant from the hut to the track, which amount, with the £l2 in the hands of the Otaki Committee, would meet the estimated cost. He considered" £SB from the Government would erect a hut, which should serve the purpose fior which it was needed. He suggested building a galley minus a roof, with log walls, and a covering that could be instantly erected over the galley. 3lr Pen ti stated some year* ago thy. estimate for clearing the track was be* h tween £2O and £23, but evidently tho " track wax in a worse condition now. . . Mr Beauchamp said there was a very" : -bad. place which would need much attention, while a deviation was necessary near top of Table 'Top. Mr Penn considered there was a good "deal in favour of Bay’* track—it was r. better grade, and took one to the top of Dense 2. The cost of the hut would In his opinion depend 02 the locality of erection. The Greytown Committee, probably, wished the hut near Mount Denman -because good water vs* available. Fuel, however, would not he ■plentiful. It .would cost a great deal store to erect the hat'where the Greytovm: Cqiomditee suggested. Mr'Besseisamp raid by erecting a fcffit where he suggested would suit all parties, and' he thought the secretary should write to the Greytown Committee. and ask that the money promised be diverted to the trick, which, would expedite matters considerably; the erection of a hut could be left over for a time.

Mr Penn proposed that the Greytown Committee be written to, the secretary to point out that an estimate of doing :he track had been obtained, that it r?oa uielei* fodtj.tae-huFtill the trarit

was ready, and asking that they divert ■ their subsidy for the track. He thought if this was not done they would bo at a dead end —nothing would result. It was also suggested that Mr Field be written to and asked to ascertain if money could not be secured for improving the track. Mr Beauchamp seconded Mr Perm’s motion, which was carried. Ho point cd out that very little could be done with the fow pounds in hand. At this stage Mr Lethbridge and Mr Fiiissling offered a donation of £3 each towards clearing the track. The offers were accepted with thanks. The Chairman thought now that there was some £lB in hand the work could be proceeded with, provided the Greytown people would assist. Messrs Kussling, Knox, Jepson and the chairman offered assistance to do the work.

It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Jepson, that the matter of rate of wages bo loft to the chairman and secretary, who could confer with Messrs Beauchamp, Bussling, and Knox on the matter, and whon and how to start the work. —Carried.

The Gorge members of the committee wore thanked for. the interest displayed.