“NO ENCROACHMENT”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21581, 7 December 1944, Page 6

“NO ENCROACHMENT”

■DOMAINS AND RESERVES LOCAL BODIES DEFENDED (P.R.),. . WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. “Unfortunately there is a growing tendency with local governing authori- . tics, when needing to expand their buildings or what not, without demur to encroach on our public lands" if there is a domain or reserve they can get,” said Mr. F. Langstons ' (Govt. Waimarino), in the House of Representatives yesterday when the Christchurch Hospital Amendment Bill was under discussion. “Not only hospital boards are doing it but others, 100, and there is a responsibility on the House to see that the existing open spaces are protected,” added Mr. Langstone. who contended that more, not fewer, open spaces were needed. The chairman of the Lands Committee said that as a member of the committee for nine years, lie wished to refer to Mr. Lnngstone’s claim that there was a growing tendency for local authorities to encroach on reserves. The. Lands Committee had dealt with such requests ahd he was satisfied the ■position was not as stated by Mr. Langstone. In the past, as at present, he liad found members of the committee Very zealous in conserving to the full the rights and prerogatives of the Crown. Ho would riot like any suggestion to go forth that the rights of the Crown tVcre lightly set aside.