A GENEROUS GIFT

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 505, 13 February 1920, Page 2

A GENEROUS GIFT

TO PAPAKURA.

(Contributed.)

At the meeting of the Papakura Town Board on Monday last, a letter was received from Mr. Gilbert Wilson, of this district, * in which he made an offer of something over three acres of land as a gift, free of all cost, for the benefit of the public. This offer was at once appreciated and accepted. This piece of land is historical, and interesting, in that it is an old Maori fort, as well as a burial place of the natives. The situation is one which the Maoris displayed great judgment, being easily made impregnable, rising in a gradual yet commanding slope, which overlooked the whole of what Hockstetter termed the Manukau Basin. It terminated at a height of over 400 ft from sea level, with a sheer wall at the back, and each side. The breastwork from side to side is still well defined, and unvandalised, as also are the rifle pits, and the old fort gives one of the most varied and extensive panoramic views that the writer has seen.

Accepting the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, the members of the board and their wives, and one or two friends made a tour of inspection of the locality, and were delighted with the surroundings. Money could not have purchased the area, so that the value of the gift can be judged accordingly.

Afternoon tea was served on the crowning point of the scene, whi.h all were loath to leave some hours later.

There is a little native bush on the place, not a tree of which is to be cut down, and further planting will be taken in hand. In fact, Owen Wilson, a son of the donor, has left a memento in the planting of some flax and trees, and we hope to see more of this done by residents. Motor-cars can reach the spot in 15 minutes easily from the post office.

Perhaps when fragments of its history and legends can be put together, which so far has not been done, you will allow a little further space, so that they can be placed on record. And perhaps it would be well to get suggestions for a name, and one to begin with is Fort, or, Mount, Wilson.

Outward acts betray the ecret intenation. —L. Max.