SCENIC RESERVES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 113, 12 May 1908, Page 5

SCENIC RESERVES.

THE DANGER EROM FIRE. The extension of Auckland's scenic reserves was touched upon toy his Worship the -Mayor,-in the course of. an interview with the Hon. Jas. MoGowan' this morning

.■Mr. , ;Myers said that adjoining the Council's laud at Waitakerei was a large kauri forest belonging to the Kauri Timber Company? In-view of the approaching extinction of the kauri it was thought that this might, well be. preserved as a-scenic reserve, partly because of its virgin state, and also on account of its,easy access to the city. With this end in. view the Council asked the Government to contribute half the cost ,of securing the property, the municipality paying,the remainder,- and _thus acquiring it : as a park and' recreation ground for visitors from all parts of New. Zealand as well as the citizens, of Auckland. The forest = contained .1836 kauri trees containing 4,764,603 superficial feet of timber, 136& rimu,- containing 1,451,633 superficial feet, 256 kahikatea containing 406,787- feet, and 196 totaTa containing 144,589 feet.- • •, ■

Mr. McGowan, in reply, said the matter came more directly under the control of the Minister for Lands, and he would be. glad to represent .their;request to him. Many scenic reserves had been made, and he,, feared that some of thehi would be carried off by fire. ,■ The greater -the number of sightseers to these places the , greater was ; the .danger from-fire. ; •

Sir. Myers pointed out that rangers had- already- been appointed, and the proximity o£ the water ■•works- \Voijld always necessitate the employment:,of a staff in, the vicinity. ; .t ..*.

' ■ Mr; McGowan said, that broken, bottles i were, left about by picknickers,. and. these/ improvised , burningi passes caused. ! fires which promptly'put .down to: gumdiggers or bushmen. • . Mr. Myers: That -would apply to all ■ '. '• -

Mr. McGrO-wan commended the- Council for their foresight in. preserving a-valu-able piece of bush. Personally, he saw no objection to the- proposal, and promised to bring the-matter before the Minister for Lands. - ■.••'