SCENIC RESERVES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 3

SCENIC RESERVES.

FEOPOSED ACTION BY

THE CABINET

'By Triograpb.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The Rotokane Domain Act Repeal Bill was introduced by Governor's Message in Parliament yesterday, the Premier asking that the bill be read at once as a matter of urgency. He explained that the object Avas to prevent the further destruction of a piece of native bush in a reserve near Hawera, a contract having been let by the Domain Board for the falling of the bush. Under an Act passed in 1899, the reserve Avas vested in the Hawera Borough Council, AA'ho leased a portion of it, the falling of the timber being rtfade compulsory. The bill provides for compensation to the lessee. The Premier stated that the only Avay to prevent further vandalism Avas to' re-vest the reserve in the Government. On the motion to go into Committee, Mr Duthie objected that there was insufficient data before the House. Some idea of the amount of compensation should be given before the bill Avas passed. Mr Tanner said that the bill showed fully. Mr Massey held that the Hawera Borough Council, and not the consolidated fluids, should bear the cost of compensation. Mr Major, member for the district, stated that the reserve was let in order to provide funds for fencing, etc. Mr Rutherford declared that the Government were as great vandals as anybody in the destruction of beauty-spots. Mr Taylor hoped that the debate avo :ld result iii the introduction of some comprehensive measure dealing with the preservation of forest reserves. The Premier said that the Hawera Borough Council had shown a lack of business capacity, and thought that the reserve should not be again vested in it. He suggested the setting up of a Royal Commission. Mr Taylor: Another Royal Commission. The Premier's remedy for everything. Mr Seddon added that some tribunal should be set up to go through the country from one end to the other, and to say AA'hat spots should be set aside as reserves for the toAvnships, and for climatic reasons. Compensation could be paid to the owners, and the areas vested perhaps in the Tourist Department. The Cabinet Avas considering the matter, and probably a comprehensive scheme Avould be laid before the House this session. Mr Allen thought that the disclosures made in connection with the reserve ought to make the Government more careful in making inquiries before permitting a local bill to be passed vesting reserves in local bodies. The first reading of the bill was agreed to, and a debate on the question of treating the bill as one of urgency, and taking it through all stages then sprang up. The debate lasted until the dinner adjournment, after AAiiich it was decided by 42 votes to 19 that the question Avas one of urgency. On the second reading Mr R. McKenzie suggested that the bill had been introduced Avith the object of finding out how many pliant members Avere in the House whose votes could be depended on in an emergency. Mr Taylor, amid some laughter, expressed the opinion that the Premier would not take advantage of members in Ihis Avay. Several members urged that there was no'necessity to hurry through Avith the matter. The bill was read a second time on the voices. Mr Taylor then moved that it be referred to the Waste Lands Committee to investigate and report. This went to a diA-ision, and was lost by 48 votes to 23. A couple of hours AA-ere spent in Committee, and the bill was finally passed.