TURUTURU-MOKAI

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 15 September 1921, Page 4

TURUTURU-MOKAI

ENTHUSIASM AROUSED

A SUCCESSFUL FIELD DAY. In spite of the threatening weather yesteruay atternoon, about oO people availed themselves oi the invitation o* the Parks and Reserves Improvement Committee to visit Turuturu-Mokai to go into the proposals tor the development of the historic spot. Judging by the enthusiasm of the visitors it seemed that at last the people of Hawera were becoming aware 01 the splendid asset they have in the reserve, and although Mr Dixon explained that there were difficulties in the path that led to its development the fact that these difficulties were by no means insurmountable was recognised by those present. The Hawera taxi-drivers supplied free transport for the visitors and were subsequently thanked by the Mayor for their loyal support of the interests of their town. A motion to this eSect was carried with acclamation. The party first assembled on the site of the old redoubt—the spot on which Captain Ross and others fell on July 12, 1868, and within the enclosure marked' by tbe ruined trenches the Mayor related the story.of* the historic fight. .He Said that he was sorry to see the earthworks in such a state of decay, and he suggested that if the people of Hawera rebuilt both the redoubt and the old Maori pa they would be providing a resort which tourists could visit and recognise as one of the most historic spots in New Zealand. The party next visited the site or the old Maori pa. Here the trenches were well preserved, and the remark was made by the Mayor thai they were the best of their kind in New Zealand at the present time. The excellent work done by the Reserves Committee in planting shrubs and tree ferns was noted by the visitors. From. the southern end of the pa the Mayor pointed out what might be made; the finest sports ground in Taranaki, if not in New Zealand. The stream,, which had been diverted from its old, course, had I eft a dry bed almost surrounded by hills about 100 ft highland the iresuit was a natural amphitheatre absolutely sheltered f ronf the prevailing wind and bounded on the open side by a stream, which lent itself to further beautification. The Mayor pointed out that the area of this natural sports.. ground was greater than that of the sports ground is the Recreation Grounds at New Ply mouth, and the slopes of the hills before, them were capable of providing seating accommodation for 10,000 people. One of the difficulties was that although they owned the land within the hills they did not own tbe slopes, and it would be necessary for the people to purchase this land and the other historic spot where it was proposed to make the entrance. The whole reserve had great possibilities, but they could do nothing without money. . He suggested that persons might remember Turuturu-Mokai in their wills. A voice: Why could they not assist while they are alive and enjoy the benefit of their contribution? Continuing, Mr Dixon said that he felt" sure some would recognise that the development of this historic spot was a good tiling. It would be seen that they had a very big programme cbefore them. In conclusion, the Mayor said if tney had such a stream as the one close by in Christchurch they would be making a river "Avon" out of it immediately. ' .■■'■■'.!

Mr Lewis, chairman of the Parks aruT" Reserves Committee, mentioned the good work done on the reserve by Mrs Baker, Miss Buchanan and Messrs r Lysaght and Douglas. He pointed out that although the Borough Council may not be able to buy the extra property just yet they could go on with the improvements. They could not hasten natural' growth, -but' by \ planting trees now they would be able' to obtain immediate benefits when they were in a position-to make the use suggested of the reserve. He mentioned the increased settlement in that part of the town, and said that that waW bringing Turuturu-Mokai closer to] many people. In bringing one or two^ more facts' before the notice of the visitors, Mr; Dixon said that he appreciated the' splendid work done by the Reserves Committee. | Mr Murray said that the new railway station would be about three-quar-ters of a mile from Turuturu-Mokai. , Mr Dixon pointed but that the reserve would be nearer ihe station than the station would be to the post office. Mr T. Gormley referred td ; the claims of South Taranaki in connection with sport. He said that ihe .southern end I was sinking into oblivion in regard to] their share of the benefits. He thought j 'that in Turuturu-Mokai nature ha< provided them with one of the best natural sports grounds that it was possible to obtain. He paid a tribute to , the Mayor's strength: of .purpose in making a success of anything h© took up, and said that with his energy behind the development of TuruturuMokai the scheme was bound to be a success.- ---| The visitors then walked over the proposed site of the sports ground, j and afterwards proceeded to the roadj where they boarded the motor cars for Hawera.