RIGHT OF ACCESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 117, 20 May 1933, Page 3

RIGHT OF ACCESS.

TO MOUNTAIN PEAKS. LEGISLATION IN BRITAIN. NEW ZEALAND INVESTIGATION "The introduction of measures into the British Parliament on access to mountains and the Eights of Way Bill raises the question as to what is the position in Xcw Zealand, particularly in regard'to the former matter," states the president of the Xcw Zealand Tourist League, Mr. G. M. Fowlds, in a letter to the Minister of Lands, the Hon. E. A. Ransom. • "We understand," said the letter, "that here in Xcw Zealand the law lias made statutory regulations governing rights of way (21 years); but apart from national reserves the public have no right of access to mountains, lake-; and rivers where privately owned or leased, except with the express permission of the owners." While there might not appear to be much need for legislation to protect public interests while Xcw Zealand's population was small, the day might come when campers., tranipers and tourists would be pushed further from the cities and towns to what were now unfrequented areas, continued the letter. This might concern the South. Island more than the Xorth Island, as in the South Island there were numerous sheep stations abutting on to the alpine regions, where, at the present time, visitors were so few that 110 difficulty was raised about their entrance to private property. Without infringing private rights, it should be possible to devise something 011 the lines of the proposed English measures, to secure access to scenic and tourist resorts and features of interest not publicly owned. A copy of the letter was received at the meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Town Planning Institute of Xew Zealand, states the "Press." "The question is rather a big one, and I think we should refer it to the technical committee to consider," said the secretary, Mr. E. P. Scott. He moved in that direction. Mr. W. W. Scarf! seconded the motion. The chairman, Mr. A. R. Galbraith, said it was really a very important matter, an<l covered a wide tield; but it came within the institute's province to investigate it. Mr. Ellis said the question of access to mountains had been fairly thoroughly discussed already. He suggested that the Sheep Owners' Union and other interested parties should be consulted. The Rights of Way Bill did not really affect Xew Zealand. Mr. Scarff agreed that the suggestion to consult the Sheep Owners' Union was a good 011 c. , The motion was carried.