RESERVE IN GULLY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1009, 27 June 1930, Page 16

RESERVE IN GULLY

FOUR OWNERS OBJECT TO COUNCIL’S PLAN

PROTEST OF NO AVAIL Four objections to the City Council taking land in Grafton Gully for a native bush reserve were received by the council last evening. The objectors were Mrs. E. C. Harvey, Dr. W. E. Thomas and Messrs. J W. Bo vver and J. Burton. The grounds were that the owners 'felt they were better able to look after the bush than council, that there was no reason they should be deprived of their property, and that the rest of their land would depreciate if the council took over. Mr. Bower said about a third of his property would be involved. Another owner said: ‘‘lf the land is taken, the public will have the right to go upon it at all times, and it will become a haunt of undesirables. No recreation ground is required or desirable in that position. The Domain is only a short distance awaj\ It is not certain that the council can or will preserve the bush. Some years ago, four of my most beautiful pungas were cut down early one morning, and I afterward saw them being used as decorations on the council’s property on the occasion of a public welcome to a distinguished personage. Considerable damage has already been done to the bush by the council’s employees in making a survey.”

The council heard the appeal of a deputation of eight, headed by Mr. C. F. Bennett, who said the residents failed to see the need for the park. The land could be as well looked after by th© owners. If the land were taken, there was a moral obligation on the council to prepare the area properly.

It was said for one owner, who had studied flora at Kew Gardens, London, Paris, Madeira, Port Elizabeth, Capetown and Brisbane, that she had come to New Zealand in 1919 and had immediately been deeply interested in the property she acquired in the gully. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, moved that the council proceed with its scheme. The council intended to do its utmost to preserve the fine reserve of bush for the citizens, for all time, and he was satisfied that the result of the completion of the scheme would satisfy the residents. Cr. J. Paterson seconded and Cr. H. P. Burton said the residents would not suffer from the scheme. Development by the council would assist to bar undesirables from the gully. Cr. Ellen Melville supported the deputation, saying she was satisfied tho bush would deteriorate under tho council’s control. She mentioned the results of council control in the Domain. She thought the owners should be allowed to retain possession, with the provision they could not sell to other people. The Mayor declared that the council had always been careful to safeguard native bush. After objections were raised bv several councillors, the council agreed to proceed with its proposal.

INDUSTRIES IN AREA

Permission to extend a garage on property off Symonds Street at the head of Grafton Gully was given Winstone, Ltd., by the City Council last evening. The City Engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, reported that light industries had gained a stronghold in the area and it appeared inevitable that the locality would have to be ceded to light industry. The cost of compensation which would result from the wholesale declaration of non-conforming buildings would be prohibitive.