THE NATIONAL PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 84, 9 April 1925, Page 4

THE NATIONAL PARK.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS.

BOARDS FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT XEE^D.

On his way north from Wellington, the Mayor, Sir James Gunson, stayed over for a few days at the Tongariro National Park, and while there went across to the Waihohonu side of the mountains, passing over the northern face of Tongariro, with a view to seeing the condition of tho track there. Discussing his stay at the big playground at the top of the island, Sir James stated this morning that he would bo reporting to the board on this track and a number of other matters. "The work of the board," he added, "is developing steadily. While many think that a great deal more should have been done than what the board has accomplished' since it was brought into existence, two years ago, they probably don't always consider the board's difficulties. The board was without any funds at all at the outset, and since it started to function it has received by donations and by other means which it invoked, notably assistance from the Auckland and Wellington City Councils of £1000 each, which carried Government subsidies of similar amounts, a total sum of about £7000. The expenditure throughout the term of the board's administration has been on the improvement of the huts at Whakapapa, Certain repairs to track work, and the new service road, known as the Bruce Road, from the main road to the Whakapapa hut site. This is a work of considerable magnitude and will absorb roughly about £4000. In addition to this, there is the cost of bridges across the streams to carry the road through to its terminus. When this work is completed the present finances of the board will be practically exhausted. The board will then be faced with the position of having to raise the necessary money to meet the cost of the proposed hostel, the plans for which are now being prepared by the Government architect.

Reliance on Public Assistance. "The question of site for this hostel will be definitely determined by the board at an early date. Until that is settled and the plans are ready it is useless to deal with the financial side of the undertaking, but it is certain that a very considerable sum will be needed. The board is hopeful, however, that public spirited citizens and those who have been actively interested in the park will provide by voluntary contributions a substantial sum. The board possesses no endowments and has no fixed means of raising large sums, such as are necessary if this property is to be adequately developed. The Government has already shown its interest in the development of this splendid national playground, firstly, by the formation of the board, and secondly, by its contributions and subsidies on donations, by both of which means it hus contributed to date £3000. Of course, these sums are relatively small compared with what will be required almost immediately. The development of the on practical grounds is, therefore, not so much dependant on this or that particular policy, as it is on the all important one of finance. Once the money is available minor questions and details of development work, about which there is always bound to be difference of opinion and controversy, will smooth themselves out and open the way for rapid progress. At any rate, one tiling , is certain —all members of the board are desirous of promoting the best interests of this magnificent area of mountain and open land, river and bush attractions. While differences of opinion may exist, once the policy is settled all parties will devote their energies towards ita fulfilment."