“THE PEAK”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 200, 7 August 1928, Page 5

“THE PEAK”

DELIGHTFUL FLACE TO VISIT MANY RECENT IMPROVEMENTS. FUNDS FOR BEAUTIFYING REQUIRED. There is probably no place in New Zealand where the people have the opportunity of spending a more deligottul nay's ounng tuau the citizens ol Hastings have in le Mata Domain. Since this maguiticent park, given to the people by the Chambers brothers, most esteemed settlers of Havelock North, some time ago it has been under the control of le Mata Domain Board. Since the creation of that body a considerable amount of work has been done in the way of loading and tree planting. A “Tribune' ’representative who went out to The Peak during the week-end was greatly impressed with the works carried out by the board. A good metalled road ot a surprisingly easy grade has been constiucted to within half a mile of The Peak. There is plenty of room at this spot for parking cars and for turning. For the purposes ot continuing the road a grade has been struck oh over a good halt of the remaining distance. Even if the road it not continued, visitors can complete the trip to the summit by an easy walk. From the end of the graded track the path follows a fence which bounds a precipice to the summit. The climb is surprisingly easy to make, not in the least fatiguing.

THE VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT. From the summit, which is 1320 feet above sea level, no inter view ot the Heretaunga Plums and Hawke s Bay is to be had. On a clear day, the silver streaks ot the lutaekuri and the Ngaruroro rivers can easily be fallowed irom where they leave the hills until they reach the seu. Hus in itself is a most beautiful sight. The Peak immediately overlooks the luki luki river, which also adds to the loveliness of the aceno. It is impossible to imagine the beauty of the panorama afforded by the fertile plains—it has to be seen. The town of Hastings, encircled by belts of trees extending for miles, is reminiscent of views to be had in many quiet parts of the Old World. Lying eva»g, in a quiet gully close to The Peak, is a pretty area of native bush, where visitors may have a pleasant rest. Provision is being made by the bourd to have the park planted with suitable trees, and already over 4000 —mostly eucalypti—have been put in. It has to be remembered that the income from this domain is limited, being merely the proceeds of rent, but it is being expended most advantageously. In order that further funds be made available for the board to extend its activities, the question of annual grants from local bodies interested should be considered. This would greatly assist the board and would be certain to meet with the unanimous approval of the ratepayers. As time goes on and the trees grow up, the value of this park —the greatest gift made to the people of Hawke’s Bay—will be further appreciated. In the future years, when the park will have becoms the popular playground for the people of Hastings, it will stand as a monument to its esteemed donors.