Forcing Removal Of Lewis Pass Huts

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 1

Forcing Removal Of Lewis Pass Huts

Occupiers of unauthorised huts in the Lewis Pass scenic reserve may have them declared forfeit to the Crown, and have to pay the costs of their disposal, unless they are removed before September 30. Notice of this action has been given by the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr N. S. Coad) in South Island newspapers, and a notice has been tacked to the doors of huts found in the reserve.

The notice says any communication concerning the buildings should be forwarded to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Private Bag, Christchurch. “Any such structure remaining after September 30, 1966, shall become the property of the Crown and shall be removed from the reserve or otherwise dealt with, and the occupier in each case shall be liable to the Crown for all costs incurred in this regard.” the notice says. Mr Coad said yesterday that at least six private huts had been found on the public land comprising the reserve. Some had been there for a considerable time, and at least one was of substantial construction.

the country," Mr Coad said. “As part of the policy we want to get these buildings out The notice in the newspapers and on the hut doors is the first step in the legal formalities required." Mr Coad said it was recognised that people wanted to live in scenic reserves, and the Lands and Survey Department had already disposed of holiday cottage sites near “The Poplars” run, 20 miles from the summit of the Lewis pass. Fifty-seven applications had been received for the five available sites. “Because of the keen interest in these sites we are flying to see if a further area can be .arranged for subdivision,” he said. The Lewis Pass scenic reserve comprises 29,450 acres extending about 20 miles along the highway from the summit of the pass.

“At present there is a new and more active approach to scenic reserves throughout