ACCESS FOR ANGLERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 300, 2 December 1933, Page 2

ACCESS FOR ANGLERS

Trout-Fishing Areas

LAND FOR ROADS NEEDED

Owing to lack of access to some of the best fishing grounds on the banks of the Rangitaika River in the vicinity of Murupara, and certain parts of the Waikato River and Lake Taupo, anglers are restricted, and concern is felt in the matter by those who frequent these areas. The Rangitaiki River runs through an area of forestry plantation from Galatea to the NapierTaupo road, a distance of over 40 miles, and this is oAe of the areas affected. There is also no access to the river banks at some places at Te Teko, on the Lower Rangitaiki. On the Waikato River from Ongaroto through Atiamuri to the bridge at the 30-mile peg on the Rotorua-Taupo road the same condition prevails, and it also applies to both sides of the Waikato River in some places from the bridge on the Rotorua-Taupo road to the Aratiatia Rapids. The only roads in these areas are those owned by private forestry companies. For several years past these companies have been acquiring large areas of land in the district, and in their planting operations have planted trees to the edge of the banks of the rivers mentioned, thereby blocking access to anglers. This is the main cause of the present position. As regards Lake Taupo, on the north side there is only one road, and that traverses private property, a charge of 2/6 a rod being made for entry. On the western side of the lake there is every possibility that land will be taken for forestry purposes, which will still further obstruct the angler. Legislation has provided that a right-of-way of one chain in width round the margin of the lake shall bo reserved to the public. This also applies to the western bank of the Tongariro River from the lake to its junction with the Whitikau Stream. Other rivers in tho vicinity are included in tho provision for a distance of one mile up-stream from the lake. Private property owners of land over which a right-of-way is granted shall be deemed to obstruct any such legal right l>v the erection of fences if no reasonable and ready access by gates or otherwise is provided for foot passengers. It is evident that the problem is one that can only bo dealt with by the Government, and as fishing in the district is attracting an ever-increasing number of anglers from all parts of tho Dominion, the question is of sufficient importance for early consideration. Tho only solution appears to be that land for roads bo taken under the Public Works Act to provide khe necessary access.