RECREATION RESERVES

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 50, 28 February 1901, Page 3

RECREATION RESERVES

PROPOSITION BY MR DELAUTOURHAITI HILL AND THE ORMOND QUARRY TO BE RESERVED. At the meeting of the committee of the Beautifying Association last evening Mr C. A. DeLautour sprang a surprise on members, and submitted a proposition which should be taken up with favor by town and country residents. “The future scope of our work,” remarked Mr DeLautour, “must be on a larger scale than it has hitherto been. Looking ahead in this district I sec that there is no provision for tho future. We are going to have a largo place here, and land must jump up in value. We are losing a valuable opportunity, and it is time some ono took action. Wo have got an association that is privileged to have a committee of somo of the ablest and,leading men in the place, and, it seems to me to bo mere nonsense to meet here unless wo can do something that is to the benefit of tho place. Cannot wo go on with tho work and seek to educate the public to this extent, that they will be prepared to support us with these domains that we should have. It is of no use having able men in your local bodies unless you have the people to support them. All their best efforts are marred and of no avail. I

think that with our largo committee we might organise things a little better. Let us rally the public of the district, so that they may havo tho same confidence in tho district that we have. No one will

disagree with me when I say that we are living in a district that must have a great future, and yet wc are frightened to provide for that future, not to say discount it. In one sense it is difficult to indicate the lands that wo should have, because we invite the owners to raise the price of them. But wc must give them credit for being public-spirited, and if wc are mistaken in that, then there are means to take the land in your own way. My own opinion is that wo should in the first place secure a substantial portion of the Haiti Hill. Wc do not want

10 natural building sites, but only

tho area towards the summit, such as Mount Eden is for tho people of Auckland. What wo require is 80 or 100 acres of tho liill-top. Ido not know a grander place than that for a recreation ground if it wcro'proporly handled. Wo might also look further afield, for I do not think this should bo a Borough Association. It should consider both town and suburbs. Now there is the Ormond quarry, for which the Borough Council have been coquetting with the County Council, but the Council would not take up the matter. Now wc find that that beautiful place—the only relic of native bush that there is —is being devastated by trespassers; marred by people having no right there whatever. That site should certainly be secured as a public reserve, for the people of the district. If it should turnout that it is required as a source for a water supply for Gisborne, then it would be the more easily available. Tho fact of it being acquired as a domain would not interfere with it as a source for a water supply. Of course there aro difficulties, but gentlemen, my idea about difficulties is that they are made for sensible people. Both sites are Nativo land, ajjd it may be said that you cannot do anything, but all objections can bo overcome if the right course is pursued. Our negotiations can be confirmed by Act of Parliament, and the land obtained. I have no doubt that with the influence that this district has in Parliament that dffiiculties arising could be overcome. No one seeks to rob tho Natives or anyone else. Ido not want to say any more, but simply ask you to make up your minds whether you can see your way to lend mo your aid.” Mr DeLautour then moved the following resolution: — “In the opinion of tho Association lands as public domains and recreation reserves suitable in area and position for tho use and pleasure of a rapidly-increas-ing town, suburban and country population should bo acquired without delay. Tho acquisition and temporary supervision and improvement of such domains and reserves is fairly within the scope of the Association’s programme. A committee, - consisting of His Worship the Mayor, Mr Barton, S.M., Mr Kennedy, Mr W. D. Lysnar, Mr R. N. Jones, and the mover, be asked to report at an early date as to the land which should be acquired, tho best methods of acquisition, and tho prospects of acquisition by private treaty.” In conclusion, Mr DeLautour said that the key to tho whole matter was finance, but members would have to popularise tho Association, and undertake such works as would secure their sympathy and support. Ho left the matter in the hands of those present.

Mr Townley was received with applause as he rose to second the resolution. He had plcasuro in doing so, for the reason that for years ho had tried to got the places, but without success. With reference to Kaiti hill ho thought that it was one of tlic most suitable places that they could get. Both places mentioned by Mr DeLautour were increasing in value, and the sooner some public body got them thp better. He did not know whether the Kaiti hill was European or Native property, but tho Waihirere section was Native land pure and simple. Tho object to be achieved was a worthy ono, and

they should endeavor to get one or both of the sites.

Continuing, Mr Townley said [that the endeavours to get the waste piece of land in the Wai-o-hi-harore block, near the railway-station, had not been abandoned. The Borough Council had succeeded in getting the ten chains frontage to the sea, and a footpath would’shortly [be formed. He thought that the past year had been one of progross, and he was sure that the public of Gisborne would shortly see a great improvement in the public pleasure resorts of the place. He had pleasure in seconding the President’s report. Mr W. D. Lysnar supported the motion. It was what he had in his mind when the Association was formed. He considered

ihat the Haiti Hill was an ideal spot, for a

garden or health resort, and tlie Beautifying Association and Boroiigh Council w'ould be neglecting their duty if they did not endeavour tc> secure it. With regard to the destruction of Native bush at Waihirere, it was nothing short of a disgrace that the present' state of things should be allowed to continue. At the spot referred to was a beautiful stream of water,running over the rocks with fine Natifo bush on either side, extending for a distance of perhaps three-quarters of a mile. The Natives were cutting the bush down for firewood and bringing it into town. The bush would’ soon be destroyed -unless prompt means were taken to save it. Ho did not think the Natives would offer any opposition. ■ Mr K. N. Jones congratulated the -President on bringing the motion forward. It was a stop in the right direction. There were other places close to town, which could be obtained, and he thought the. Association' should secure the frontage to the Wainui beach. There were spots • fronting the Waimata River which could also be obtained. It was necessary to take prompt action in order to secure places at reasonable prices. He would do . his best in any way he could to assist the : Committee.'

Dr Williams wished to emphasise what Mr Jones' had said with regard to the Wainui frontage. He predicted that in the near future the Wainui would be- a popular health resort. [ Mr Symes said that he could bear out what Mr Lysnar had stated with regard to Waihirore, and thought that it should have a preference to Haiti for a start. After further disoussion the motion was put to the meeting, and carried amidst applause,