NATIONAL PARK.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20756, 17 January 1933, Page 6

NATIONAL PARK.

HANMER SPRINGS PROPOSAL. The establishment of a national park of 4000 acres at Hanmer Springs is now under consideration by residents of the district. It is understood that a public meeting will shortly be called, and that if it endorses the project a request for enabling legislation -will be sent forward to the Government through the local member who is the Prime Minister (tho Et. Hon. G. W. Forbes). The proposed park extends from Jollic's Pass road on the cast to the rabbit netting fence on the west and the Clarence river on the north. The area is Crown land and is at present leased by St. Helens Station, of which Mr F. J. Savill is the owner. Mr Savill's absence from New Zealand has handicapped the promoters of the scheme, since he wquld be vitally affected, but they are hopeful that the transfer of the land for a national park could be arranged. An Unfavourable Opinion. The area comprises pastoral land and is fairly high, reaching about 4000 feet. "There is a little bit of a waterfall but no great scenic features," said a resident of the district with whom The Press communicated by telephone last night. He did not see the advantage of concerting the land into a national park. "People can waik all over it as it is," ho explained. "They could only cut tracks on it, but that would mean the expenditure of more money, and it is questionable Whether the Government or the district can afford to spend it." It is understood that the Forestry Department favours the establishment of the park. The Amuri County Council has so far expressed no opinion, but it is belioved that the project will shortly be brought officially before tho Council and other bodies aud interests in the district.