HUNDALEE SCENIC BOARD.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19610, 4 May 1929, Page 11

HUNDALEE SCENIC BOARD.

The annual meeting of the Hundalee Scenic Board was held in Kaikoura, the member! present being:—Messrs P. R. Wilkinson, Commissioner of Crown Lands (chairman), J. Boyd, chairman Kaikoura County Council, J, Trewm, and .Dr. fi. L. Withers. The annual report referred to the increasing popularity of the reserves for a motorists' camping ground, as shown by the .large increase in the individual fees collected during the recent camping season. Despite the fact that the Board considerably reduced its charges at the beginning of the season, the number of campers increased to such an extent that the finances were in a much better position than at the end of last season. During the Christmas and Easter holidays the reserves were visited by large numbers of campers from all over the Dominion, who were well satisfied with the conveniences provided for their comfort as well as deeply impressed with the beautiful scenery. At the same- time it must be acknowledged that further improvements were urgently required for the benefit of campers, particularly in the erection of more sanitary conveniences, fireplaces, and the provision of better water supplies. It had also been pointed out that it was desirable to have the various camping places at the Kie Kie Creek, Para I Point. Goose Bay, Waiharakeke, Omihi, and Oaro denoted by notice boards giving the name of the locality. In speaking of the report, Mr J. Boyd expressed his satisfaction at the working of the Board daring the year and of the improved position of the finances as disclosed by the balance-sheet. Messrs Trewin and Withers said that, undoubtedly, the formation of the Board had been in the interests of both the camping parties and the adjoining settlers, and that the supervision exercised had been the means of protecting the reserves from the vandalism that was rampant before its formation. It was reported that complaints had been received from some of the campers about straying stock, and also that the fenceß erected_ by settlers prevented free access to certain desirable camping places on the reserves. These _ matters were left in -the hands of the Commissioner for action. The question had also been raised regarding th*> rights of the Board to charge fees for camping on the road running south of the. Kahutara river, but these matters had been satisfactorily dealt with by the Minister for Public Work*, who had granted the Board power to collect these fees. This bad cUai-Iy defined the Board's position, an* would obviate further friction. The chairman reported that he had seen advised that the Minister for Lands had eon Rented to the Government grant of *»="... the caretaker's cottage to be free of eono 'Twa. decided to hold the next meetine »* the B6ard in m August "_ 3 Votes of thanks wen pi>ssea i CroW n RteveTison. late Commissi"""■ « n th Land*, for his services <J> «»| MM grs the formation of the Board..» Be ». J. Bovd. P. Oorran. H- **sf a „ d "W. X ner A. W. Barker A Bo-rf Klvy for services renderea j darinr tb* WW* » e * r "