NATIONAL PARK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19722, 13 December 1926, Page 13

NATIONAL PARK

DELAY TO HOSTEL SCHEME NO TENDERS RECEIVED. FINANCIAL POSITION BLAMED. The efforts of the Tongariro National Park Board to obtain the assistance of private enterprise in the erection and conduct of an accommodation house within the coniines of the park have not met with outside response. At the meeting of the Board held lat Taumarunui this week it was announced that although tenders for the erection of a hostel were called four months ago, not a single application had been received. The meeting was attended by Air J. B. Thompson, Under-SecretJary of Lands, chairman, Mr B. M. Wilson, general manager of the Tourist Department; Mr E. Phillips Turner, Secretary of Forestry; Mr W. H. Field, M.P.; Mr C. J. B. Norwood, Mayor of Wellington; Mr B. C. Aston, president of the New Zealand Institute; Messrs A. Cr. Simpson (Hunterville) and W. Salt (Wanganui), Hoani Te Heuheu (Tokaanu) and the warden, Mr J. Cullen. Disappointment was expressed by members at the failure to obtain practical support for the hostel scheme. The chairman said he hb,d been in communication with an interested party, whose sole reason for not tendering was the financial position which prevented him from floating the necessary syndicate. The gentleman in question had assured him it was only a matter of time before an improvement in the financial outlook would enable him to put his plan into practice. In view of the failure of private enterprise to take up the scheme suggested by the board the latter should take what steps it deemed necessary to meet the new position. Meeting the New Situation. Mr Field said it was very unfortunate that tenders had been called at a time of financial stringency. Mr Norwood said that while it was unfortunate the hostel scheme had not met with success, it was evident things could not be allowed to stand where they were. He moved that the hostel committee and the Wellington members of the bofard be asked to bring forward recommendations for the board's guidance. The motion was seconded by Mr Cullen and carried. The question of providing better accommodation for the ranger at the Whakapiapa cottages was discussed. The chairman proposed that a new building be erected, containing an office, a storeroom and living quarters for the ranger. Now thtit the fate of the hostel scheme had been decided at least temporarily the board would be fully justified, he feaid, in proceeding with improvement of accommodation. He proposed that the hostel committee be authorised to prepare the necessary plans and proceed with the erection of the building as soon as possible. The suggestion was adopted. Mr Cullen raised the question of maintaining a restaurant at the huts to cater for the needs of guests, particularly Sunday visitors, who were increasing in number. The chairman said the proposal Appealed to many members and would be discussed by the hostel committee. Accommodation in Holidays. Authority was given for the hire of

large tents to meet the influx of visitors in the coming holiday period. Accommodation, it was stated, would be f well taxed at Christmas. Suggestions for establishing a Dominion alpine garden in the park were received from the Wanganui Scenery Preservation and Beautifying Society. The chairman said proposals were in hand for improvement of the Whakapapa site and something might be clone to prepare flower beds for the reception of native plants. It was decided to fence a-portion ot the park boundaries near Ohakunc at a cost of £7O. The Tongariro National Park Sports Club was granted permission to erect a hut at the 6000 ft. level on Ruapehu. Similar permission was given the Rangatau Alpine Club to erect a hut at the foot of the mountain.

The question of leasing certain areas at Mahuia and Whakftpapanui as cottage sites was brought up, it being stated that a number of Auckland people were particularly interested in the proposals . Discussion was deferred, the chairman stating that concrete proposals would be brought forward. It was reported that the Prisons Department was ready to construct a five mile road to the Mangetepopo huts. Charges and Revenue. A book on Tongariro National Park prepared by Mr James Cowan was reported to be nearly completed. It was left with a sub-committee to arrange for its publication. Accounts totalling £1825 were passed for payment. The revenue acount

! showed that park fees amounted to • £270 for the period April 1 to Novem- ; bar 30. The finance committee was in* . strutted to amend the scale of charges 1 for with a view to in,l creasing revenue from this source. 1 It was decided to thank Mr T. J. | Blyth for his useful service to the board at the Ohakune end. A visit to the Whakapapa cottages prior to the meeting elicited much favourable comment concerning progress of the Bruco Road, the access route to the bus from the National Park-Toka-nnu Road. Metalling carried out by the Prisons Department has now reached an advanced stage and members expressed the, view that when completed the road would give an excellent service, and alter the whole outlook of the park.