CAWTHRON PARK.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 24 April 1914, Page 3

CAWTHRON PARK.

A GENEROUS GIFT

The old Dun Mountain freehold in Neison, one of tJie historic properties of the Dominion, was sold to Mr James Cawthron. by Mr Joseph Smythe in July, liii.T., and Mr Cawthron has dedicaced this property as a public parK for the city of Nelson. Tne property consists of 2639 acres, bounded on all •sides i>y Government reserves. The old Dun Mountain tramline was constructed from the Port of Nelson to the saddle between the Roding river and the South Maitai. This was 12 miles in length, and was laid down in 1855. The Dun Mountain was origiaaliy intended to be worked as a coppermine, and the first scrip of the company was signed by James Morrison, of the firm of James Morrison and Co., of London. Alex. Sclanders, of the firm of Selanders. and Go., London and Nelson and Oswald Curtis, Superintendent of Nelson Province. Later on it was decided to work the property for chrome iron, a;id many thousands of tons were, shipped to England. The freehold was afterwards purchased by Mr Joseph Smythe, oi Christ-church, and although it was sold to Mr Cawthron in July, 1913, the completion of the purchase was only made on the 20th instant-. The delay was caused over the right-of-way over the tramline, and over the right of roads, over certain private properties, which had been held in abeyance, thinking that rthe owners would not insist upon their rights. The Dun Mountain property is of historic interest to Mr Cawthron, because as a young man from Cornwall, his first jrreat work was accomplished there. Mr Cawthron's reminiscences of this period of his life are very interesting;, and lie loves to talk of those early day?,, and contrast them with present-day conditions. In hi© generous gift to the oeonle of Nelson of this splendid park, he is also nreserving n happy memory of his youthful struggles.