Board members ‘suffer abuse’

Press, 13 June 1979, Page 7

Board members ‘suffer abuse’

Blenheim reporter

It was a sad reflection on society that some took it upon themselves to abuse members of boards such as the Marlborough Maritime Park Board when its members were acting under legislation developed to protect public lands for the present and future enjoyment of the nation as a whole, the chairman of the board and Commissioner of Crown Lands in Blenheim (Mr I. B Mitchell) has said. “This past year has been one of frustration and anxiety to many board members and staff on account of various issues, one of which resulted in the resignation of a foundation member who had served the board exceedingly well during the last seven years,” he told the board’s annual meeting at Raetihi. “It was regrettable that be felt he had to take this course of action as his

services are a loss to over-all board administration and the community generally.” No other changes to the board have occurred during the year as the Minister of Lands has decided that with the pending appointment of a new board the filling of the vacancy was not necessary. The incident to which Mr Mitchel? referred had its origin in a decision of the board relating to the construction of a dwelling in Jacksons Bay, Tory Channel. Mr Mitchell said that it was noticed in July of last year that a dwelling was being built and that a large boatshed had already been built on what appeared to be a Sounds foreshore reserve.

“Investigations revested that this was in feet correct and that the owner had in the past been informed that he qould not construct living accommodation on restarve land

fronting his property. He had been advised in writing that before any construction commenced he should obtain a survey fix of his boundary,” Mr Mitchell said. “The board resolved to license the boatshed, but declined to recommend to the Minister of Lands that similar action be taken on the dwelling, as the policy of the board and the spirit of section 17 of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Act 1955 has always been not to allow' the construction of living accommodation on the reserve.” Mr Mitchel! said intense pressure was brought to bear on the board, mainly on account of the actions of a newspaper, to amend its decision.

“The original decision stands and legal action, has been taken to facilitate the eventual removal of the dwelling,” he said.