CAMPING AREA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 44, 1 December 1939, Page 6

CAMPING AREA

SMALL SITE AT RAKAIA BRIDGE. PROPOSAL BY COUNTY COUNCIL. OTHER BUSINESS AT MEETING. A proposal to establish a. camping npea. for motorists at the new Rakaia Bridge was placed before the Ashburton County Council this morning by the Works Committee. It was stated that tha 'area had been cleared and would be levelled. It was decided that a plan be prepared -for th© planting of the area, •and to quote for the provision of all facilities necessary., such as pump fireplaces and a shelter. It was also recommended that railway lands at the other side of the road at the approach of the bridge (be taken over by the Council if approved by the Railway Department, and planted, to improve the approach to the Ashburton County. The approach is at present covered with broom.

It was decided to make an inspection of the 'approach to the Rangitata Bridge, at Ealing, with a, view to improving this area, and establishing another small camping site. There were present: —Messrs H. J. Crothers (chairman), J. Lowery, J. Gland, A. N. Grigg, M.P., J. Moore, H.' C. B: AVithell, AV. G. Gallagher, J. Carr, C. A. Campion, A. Doig, F. Frampton, S. ,P. Taylor. Low rainfall and. strong north-west winds made difficult the distribution of water during most of November, stated the Engineer (Mr H. A. Vezey). The gale on November 10 caused widespread blockages at flumes, sluice gates, junctions, pipes and even fence crossings. Every blockage caused waste of water and many races failed. It was almost a week before all races were again running normally. Since then, a fair fall of rain had been experienced over most of the County and the water supply was in a much better position. A detailed report on the various races and work carried out on the main highways during the month was given. Offer of Aerodrome. The Minister qf Defence wrote thanking the Council for its offer of the aerodrome .for training purposes. It was pointed out that arrangements had been completed for training at various centres in New Zealand, but should it become necessary to establish another school in the South Island, the claims of Ashburton would not be overlooked. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote stating that the control of the Sharplin’s Fulls reserve had been vested in the Council.