MOTORISTS' CAMPS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 131, 30 November 1926, Page 12

MOTORISTS' CAMPS

SITES NEEDED ABOUT WELLINGTON

MOTOBISTS AND LOCAL BODIES CONFER.

A conference was held yesterday afternoon iv the Wellington Autombile Club's rooms to consider the question of establishing camp sites for motorists. Those present included members of the Wellington ' Automobile Club, and Messrs. W. H. Bennett (Wellington City Council), E. Ai Dawsou (Eastbourne Borough Council), W. L. Beech (Makara County Council), A. J. M/Curdy (Upper Hntt Borough Council), L. T. Watkins (Lower Hutt Borough Council), Dr. G. Anson (Wellington Acclimatisation Society), aud Messrs. 1\ Holdsworth, W. H. Lawrence, F. W. Manton, I. V. Wilson, A. L. Warburton, and A. J. Curtis (Wellington Automobile Club). Mr. P. W. Manton, who presided, stated that the question of camp sites for motorists was one that had given the automobile club some concern. In all parts of the Dominion to-day camp sites had been established, and here, where they were most wanted, the least provision had been made. The club had had many inquiries about camp sites, not only from public bodies, but from individuals who intended making tours of the North and South Island. The Auckland Automobile Club had written to the City Council asking what provision there was for camp sites. Generally, it would be found' that most camp sites in the main were dealt with by local bodies, and that was the reason why the local bodies had been called together to see if some suggestion could be made that the local bodies could lay aside some area of land to be used as camp sites. The sites, Mr. Manton suggested, should have the facilities of water, a roadway, and might be ■ supervised by the local bodies. The club did not overlook the fact that it was^ possible to make a charge for camping on the areas. At Palmerston North a charge of 2s was made. The speaker dealt with the camping' sites between here and Palmerston North, but stated that there were very few between Wellington and the other side of the Rimutaka. There was no doubt that it was essential something should be dene. If camp sites were arranged, they would benefit not only tourists, but' the various districts in which they were. In Auckland, there was a Tourists' League, whose object was to provide attractive sites for motorists who desired to camp out. Mr. Manton referred to an Auckland letter, in which it was stated that the motorists hoped to see a chain of camps from the North Cape to Bluff. At Rotorua, he said; there was a camp site which provided for 150 parties, and it was estimated that the revenue from the campers alone amounted to £1000 a week. If a motorist wanted to camp there, he could do so when the hotel accommodation was booked up. From tourist, health giving, and picnic points of view, he contended that the Wellington district was equal to any of the main centres, as far as the countryside was concerned. The Wellington Automobile Club was anxious to do what it could to assist the local bodies. The 'proposal was supported by Mr. Dawson, who said that the Eastbourne Borough Council would assist. At Eastbourne there was very little ground at tho foot of the hills, and the camp grounds proper were on the hills. Mr. Dawson stated that 500 motor-cars went through Eastbourne every weekend. "We will do all that we can to provide camp grounds," he said. SUPPORT FROM LOWER HUTT. Mr. L. T. Watkins said that the Lower Hutt Borough Council was unanimous in favour of being as helpful as possible.to' the scheme. There were many suitable places, and he thought he could go as far as to say that the council would be immediately helpful. The Christmas holidays were coming on, and the club would no doubt like to see something done by then. He thought one or two places could be allocated, and the club could take over the matter of supervision and proper handling. Mr. Wilson said he would like to see the local bodies make an offer of areas of land. Mr. M'Curdy said he was doubtful if the Upper Hutt Borough had any land. He suggested that the Biver Board might have some. "We have nothing in the Upper Hutt; we have no land to offer for a camp," he said. Mr. Watkins said that it was hoped later on to make a picnic ground out of the banks of tho W;aiwctu. In regard, to Upper Hutt, he said he thought that something could be done with Maidstone Park. • Mr. Wilson said the Public Works had offered a site, on the top of the Rimutaka Hill, and another site when they had vacated a camp. ' Mr. W. H. Bennett said.that if representations were made to the Reserves Committee it might be able to find a place for visiting motorists. The matter must be placed before the City Council. Mr. Beech said that in Makara they had several "pocket" reserves, but they were not suitable •as camping places. Neither! the Hutt' County nor the Makara County had reserves of anygreat extent. He suggested that members of those councils who took an interest in the matter might ascertain the name of any farmer who would be prepared to let people camp on his property. The Makara County Council was"prepared to assist in every pnssiblo way. . It was also stated that there was little to offer as far as Johnsonville was concerned. Dr. Ansan said that with regard to Akatarawa, the Acclimatisation Society was naturally interested in the camps. The society had difficulty with the motor poacher. Otherwise, it would give assistance, 'but would like some control over the camps. The chairman expressed surprise that Makara and Upper Hutt were so short of reserves, and said that he .j thought that the best course was for a committee to view the sites and take the matter in hand.