OUR VOLCANIC HILLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 128, 2 June 1927, Page 6

OUR VOLCANIC HILLS.

The thanks of the people of Auckland in general, and the residents of Mount Roskill in particular, are due to the-Wesley Trainiu; College Trust Board for its splendid public gift of a considerable area of land forming part of the Three Kings estate. These endowments were set apart when Sir George Grey was Governor of New Zealand for the support of the Training College long maintained at Three Kings, and now transferred to Paerata. In course of time the endowments have become so valuable that the Trust Board has decided to cut up the area for building purposes, special legislation being obtained to that effect. It is interesting to recall the fact that some fifteen years ago the whole estate of about 130 acres could have been purchased by the city at comparatively small cost. Unfortunately that chance was lost, but now that the trustees have resolved to take this irrevocable step they have, with highly commendable public spirit, decided to set apart two valuable areas, amounting to about 14 acres in all, to be reserved as a recreation ground or public park for the people of ■Auckland for all time.

One of these areas, containing over 10 acres, includes the largest o£ the Three Kings peaks; the other is a small but beautiful patch of native bush, about three acres in extent. Everyone who has ever wandered over the Three Kings estate must have been impressed by the beauty of the landscape and the magnificence of the view to be obtained from the summit of the highest cone, and it should be some consolation to those who have long fought for the preservation of our local scenery to know that this beautiful volcanic hill is to be. saved from the hands of the spoiler. We have frequently protested against the destruction of these most picturesque features of Auckland's environment. Quite apart from their natural beauty, their historical associations and the great scientiEc interest attaching to them should ha,ve protected them against devastation. The fate that has overtaken Mount Albert and several lesser peaks has already overwhelmed the smaller Kings, and all lovers of our beautiful city will rejoice to know that through the enlightened generosity of the Wesley College Trust the most impressive of this group, relics of our country's geological and historical past, is to be saved for us and our descendants.