RICCARTON BUSH

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 73, 27 March 1914, Page 2

RICCARTON BUSH

OFFERED TO THE PEOPLE OF CANTERBURY. A HANDSOME GIFT. (IT TXLEGRAPH— SPECIAL TO THI FOST.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Yesterday the Mayor of Christchurch anounced that the Deans family had offered to the people of Canterbury tho famous Riccarton bush, situated about two miles from Christchurch. It is a famous spot lor it was selected by Mr. John Deans as a homestead site dir the early 'forties, years before the Canterbury Pilgrims arrived, In a canoe, he proceeded up the Avon, and landed at Riccarton. He named both the river and the bush. Since that early time it has remained in possession of the family. To-day there stands 16 acres of virgin bush, the only surviving portion of the forest that at one time covered Canterbury. In it there are ovep 300 species ,oi plants, trees, and shrubs, and the conditions of tlie gift ensure that it will be kept for all time for the preservation of native trees and shrubs. In offering the bush to the people as a gfift, Mr. Deans, on behalf of the family, makes the following stipulations-: — (1) That it be known as tho Riccarlon bush, and -be kept for all time for the preservation of native trees and plants. (2) That it be vested in and controlled by a board of five, two to be nominated by the Christchurch City Council, two by the Deans family, and one by the Canterbury Philosophical Institute. (3) That entrance be free to all, subject to necessary restrictions and regulations made by the board. (4) That provision be made for the upkeep of the bush, such provision >to be not less than £100 per annum, and to be permanent, and not subject to an annual vote by the City Council. (5) That the City Council, ' at the earliest opportunity; secure the necessary authority from Parliament, and carry out the above provisions. £n commenting on the gift, the Mayor (Mr. H. Holland) said that the city made efforts eight or ten years ago to acquire this fine piece of bush, but the financial arrangements could not be made, and the business fell through. The acquisition of the property as ai gift, and under such conditions, however, is a great thing for Canterbury, and the citizens owe their deepest thanks to the Deans family.