RESTORATION OF KENNEDY’S BUSH

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26968, 18 February 1953, Page 8

RESTORATION OF KENNEDY’S BUSH

PUBLIC APPEAL FOR FUNDS SUMMIT ROAD SCENIC SOCIETY’S PLANS An appeal for funds to preserve and re-establish native trees and shrubs at Kennedy’s Bush is to be made within the next few months by the Summit Road Scenic Society. Preliminary plans for launching a campaign for funds were discussed at a meeting sponsored by the society last evening, and attended by representatives of interested organisations. The chairman (Mr J. W. Jameson) said that the society was prepared to give £2OO towards the fund, and about £lOO had already been subscribed by individuals and societies. The Christchurch City Council had agreed to applv to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for a grant of £750 to cover the estimated cost of fencing Kennedy’s Bush. The council had taken this action after considering a report by the Director of Parks and Reserves (Mr M. J. Barnett). - e The City Council hid commitments at the Sign of the Kiwi, but as these were carried out, the council would endeavouß to put his report into effect over the years, said Mr Barnett. Planting would be necessary to augment natural regeneration and much assistance could be given by organisations such as the Summit Road Scenic Society, in providing labour for clearing, grubbing and planting, as well as in raising funds to buy Shrubs. The reserves department would be able to supply some shrubs, but it had many other areas to plant.

Provision of Tearooms Unlikely There was not much hope of the Sign of the Bellbird being reconstructed in the near future. Mr Barnett said. The cost would be considerable. as tearooms had to comply with health regulations, which would not permit the use of rain water. To provide the necessary amenities would be too expensive at present. When the fencing had been erected, the next step would be to plant trees, and the council planned to grow species that were indigenous to the area. The council proposed to take the fence along a straight line below the Sign of the Bellbird, instead of following the road, Mr Barnett said. Picnickers liked to light files' in sunny spots near the Sign of the Bellbird, and it was better to leave that area for grazing by stock. If it were fenced and the grass allowed to grow long, there would be a greater fire risk.

The area concerned still belonged to the Crown, but was vested .in the Christchurch City Council, said Mr Barnett.

“I hope the City Council will not be diverted into rebuilding tearooms at the Sign of the Bellbird before the area of 90 acres at Kennedy’s Bush is restored,” said Professor L. W. McCaskill. “We should do everything possible to support Mr Barnett’s plan, and the .most importafit step is to do the fencing. Tearooms would be extraordinarily expensive, and not necessary at the present time.” . Though fencing was a specialists’ job, interested organisations could supply voluntary labour to assist with clearing and planting the trees, Professor McCaskill said. “Many people are interested in reserves, and since the Summit Road Scenic Society has given a grant for the project something’ can be done at once,” he said • A resolution was passed authorising the Summit Road Scenic Society to undertake the responsibility of organising an appeal for funds for preserving and re-establishing the bush.