CENTENNIAL PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 23, 28 January 1939, Page 13

CENTENNIAL PARK.

WAITAKERE PROPOSAL.

VALUABLE OFFERS RECEIVED.

General satisfaction was expressed at a meeting of the executive committee of the Waitakere National Park Citizens' Association at the progress being made in connection with the Waitakere Park proposal.

It was reported that the R. Cunningham Bruce Trust, of Hunterville, had offered to contribute £1000 towards the purchase of land, provided that Waitakere Park is made the principal centennial memorial for Auckland. Mr. Wm. Goodfellow had offered a valuable property on the same conditions. Upwards of 4000 acres had already been donated for the park, and confidence was expressed that certain institutions and citizens of Auckland would readily provide any funds required.

It was pointed out that it was not absolutely essential to purchase 20,000 acres and that the area acquired would depend upon the funds available.

The cost of development and maintenance was discussed. It was thought that camping grounds with safe fireplaces, fences and' tracks, would be necessary; and, if a memorial in full keeping with the wealth and importance of Auckland were desired, a suggestion was made for the continuation of the Scenic Drive by the existing road to Bethell's, thence along the West Coast, joining with the present road to Whatipu. It was pointed out that a good road on those lines would provide one of the most magnificent drives in the world.