HOUSES FOR RANGERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 13

HOUSES FOR RANGERS

Two To Be Built At Culverden

Whether the building of two rangers' houses at Culverden should be proceeded with in view of the amount of nassella tussock control work needed in the area was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board.

Mr L. R. C. Macfarlane said he considered the two houses a waste of money. “I was outvoted in this matter some time ago. My contention is that there is very little nassella tussock control work for these two rangers to do in Culverden. Surely one man stationed at the Waiau headquarters could do the job in the area just as well.” The chairman (Mr M. C. Hyde): This has been thrashed out before. Mr Macfarlane: I live in the area: I should know the situation. ‘‘We have already arranged for these two sections, and are now negotiating with the State Advances Corporation for the houses. This is a late stage for us to cancel arrangements,” said Mr Hyde. “Just because a large amount of time is spent in the Culverden area looking for nassella does not mean money is being wasted,” said Mr D. R. Wilkie. “Our best method of attack is to prevent its growth starting. When this board began operations, it was suggested we extend our activities south of Christchurch. Many persons scorned this, saying nassella would not grow there, but it is growing. If a ranger can report there is no nassella tussock at Culverden, then this is all to the good." It was decided to continue with the arrangements for the building of the houses. Camp For Gangs The Lands and Survey Department advised that the Glenbourne Homestead would be made available to the board for 30s a week rental as a camp for grubbing gangs.

Three gangs were at present being employed, said the secre-tary-manager (Mr F. J. Foley). With Glenbourne becoming available soon, a fourth gang would be stationed there.

Approval had also been given fpr the sale of six sections at Waiau owned by the Lands and Survey Department, and these were being transferred to the board. At Waipara, further sections were being purchased. Mr Foley reported that architects were working on plans for two camps at Waiau and Waipara. Twelve men will be accommodated at Waipara and eight at Waiau.