SCENIC RESERVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 September 1938, Page 3

SCENIC RESERVE

FORTY-SIX AREAS ACQUIRED. lI’EB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, September 6. A statement that during the last year the Lands and Survey Department h- d acquired 16 areas of a total of 61,862 acres for scenery preservation purposes was imide by the Minister i'< Lands (Hon F. Lung-hone) when the Estimates of the department w-re under consideration in the Hous of Representatives to-night. The '■ areas, Mr. Langstcnc said, were mor ly bush.

T • Leader of the Opposition (Hon. Adam Hamilton) asked whether the Gc w . ament had acquired any scenic si : ■ during the year. Most members weald have some areas in their electorates which they considered suitable for setting aside as scenic reserves, and no doubt there were many private landowners who would be willing to hand portion of their lands over to the Government for that purpose.

Mr. Langstone: We have assisted in the purchase of land in many cases where the people of a district have found a certain •amount of money. The areas purchased then become Crown lands.

Air. T. 1-1. McCombs suggested that the Government might assist with the purchase of a piece of land at Green Point, Akaroa, where in 18-10 the. South Island was proclaimed British territory. 'Pho spot was on private property; but it. might not be necessary to buy more than about 20 square yards. The Minister: We usually give about £ lor £ in cases of that kind. Replying to a. request by Mr. S. G. Smith fol' greater assistance for the Egmont. National Park Board, the Minister said (here were eight or nine national parks in New Zealand, about; 1000 scenic reserves, and about 8001 domains. Consequently he had io distribute the money available with great- care, in order that all areas might, be' treated fairly. Those parks which benefited from the Estimates one year would have to stand down in the next year, so that some ol the others could receive 'attention.