SCENERY PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81829, 23 August 1906, Page 3

SCENERY PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

A meeting of members of the Scenery Preservation Society wis held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, Mr W. Skinner (President), occupying the chair.

Tho President said the Society hud not held its annual meeting, principally because the appointment of Hie Royal Scenery _ Commission had somewhat, usurped its function. The Commission had recommended the reservation of 11 large number of scenic- and historic spots in Turanaki, but it had been found impossible lo reserve nil of these, as Unit cocrse would involve (he expenditure of half a million of mo.iey. Mr Skinncr_ out'ined the work of the Society during several years past. After dealing with (he various histori. and scenic reservations made, Mr Skinner said that after a great deal of effort the Hallway Department was induced to plant the strip from Belt road to (he Bayly road, near the old Mission burying ground at Waitapu, but all hone of making a nice shrubbery along tho sea front disappeared when the Department let grazing rights over that strip of land. The treasurer, Mr Collis, reported that m the year 1904-5, no canvass had been made for members' subscriptions or donations. There was now a credit of £59 Is 6d. Of that £35 was specially ear-marked for fenciug Maori burying grounds. Mr Hughes complained that stock was damaging young trees ou Pukirangiora, near Huirangi. The Chairman said the beaut" of the place had gone, but it had been recommended as a reserve for historic purposes.

I. Dealing with Paritutu the chairman 'said the Society had had nothing to do with the recommendation that Paritutu be reserved as a national reservation. It came not .come from this Society, but from tho Commission. He considered, however, that Paritutu should he left intact until all other stone had been used. There were fears that the rock might he ruined in finding out that it did not contain suitable stone for harbor works. At the same time lie had no wish to block harbor development.

Mr Hughes thought that by starting in at tho mixing house and sinking gradually, an immense supply of stone might bs obtained by the Board by going down even below low water mark. Mr Skinner concurred. Mr Govctt said he felt for Iho harbor board, who had to make the harh ir. If (hey found they could not do without Paritutu,' it must go. The board was certainly doing good work. He moved that this Society respectfully suggest to the harbor board that most careful surveys be made before anything is done to interfere with Paritutu, as ootlr'-.ig but extreme necessity would, in the opinion of the Society, justify the destroying or disligjring such a noble landmark, and all available material should first be used. Mr Carter seconded, and the motion was carried.

The election of officers resulted: President, Mr W. A, Collis; vicepresidents, Iho Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr F. Simpson) and Mr Govett; committee (reduced from nine to five members] Messrs Skinner, Dock?ill, Carrington, Newman and Carter. Mr Hughes suggested more use might bo made of the prisoners in keeping the paths on Marsland Hill in order.

The Cbairman said there was only need for a hint, for Mr O'Brisn took a keen interest in maintaining Ike hill.

I'ii the motion of Messrs Carter tmd Collis, the meeting passed a vote of appreciation of tho services rendered by Mr W. 11. Skinner as President for eight years and as a member of the Society sir.ee its inception.

A recommendation was made to the committee to have the Esplanade continued, if possible, as far as Moturoa. At a meeting of (he committee hold subsequently, Mr C. Carter was elected secretary and treasurer. Messrs Collis and Newman were deputed to enquireas to the cost of erecting a board to act as a guide to visitors in selecting p'aces to visit in and near New PlyMouth.