WHANGAREI COUNTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 190, 13 August 1928, Page 8

WHANGAREI COUNTY.

KAMO TOWN BOUNDARY.

DEVELOPMENT OF BEACHES

IBy Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHANGAREI, Saturday

When notification was received last month that it was proposed so to alter the boundaries of the Kamo town d'stric-t that an area embracing the Kamo Spring flat should be excluded and revert to the country, the Whangarei County Council decided to lodge objections. The matter was reviewed yesterday, after advice had been received that a commission had been appointed to take evidence. The members for the two ridings principally affected agreed on the point that the area cited was really one embracing mostly farmlets, and" both felt disinclined to place any obstacles in the way of the wishes of the holders, though they were not anxious to take on the responsibility of the main north road running through it. However, rather than interfere with the wishes of those most directly affected, they were agreeable to the withdrawal of the opposition. The council agreed, and no evidence will be tendered on behalf of the coun oil against the proposed alteration. A petition signed by settlers of the Ruakaka district urged that the council should assist in further popularising the Ruakaka and Waipu beaches as camping grounds, by improving the road access facilities. It was pointed out that eight miles of beach between the mouths of the Ruakaka and Waipu Rivers was an ideal holiday area, with almost unsurpassed coastal scenery, in addition to which possibilities existed of a motor speed track being constructed. Safe bathing places in the rivers were handy to the surf, and all that was needed was better access, which was obtainable at an estimated cost of £300. The member for Waijlu said that the expenditure would be an unreasonable charge against the riding funds, but agreed that the proposed development would be a great asset, and it warranted an application being made for a Government grant. The Waipu and Ruakaka beaches _had advanced suddenly in popularity last summer. The council resolved that the engineer prepare an estimate of the cost of the work, and submit it to those settlers who were prepared to undertake the custodianship of the domain. Members expressed gratification at the receipt of a reply from the Minister of Public Works, that steps would be taken to obviate the difficulties arising out of the present necessity of sending in returns so early to secure a rebate on the petrol tax on fuel for stationary engines, particularly milking plants. Ihe Minister expressed full appreciation of the difficulty of observing the existing, regulations. The attention of the council was drawn by the Public Works resident engineer to the dangers in the Wheki v alley, on the main road from Whangarei to Dargaville, due to the cant at the corners being lacking, or even the wronf | way. The engineer was instructed to .make provision for having the muchused road made as safe as possible