WONDERFUL WAIRAKEI

King Country Chronicle, Volume XII, Issue 1174, 15 February 1919, Page 5

WONDERFUL WAIRAKEI

GOVERNMENT PURCHASE SUGGESTED.

The proposal to exploit th e thermal wonders of the Taupo district by means of a limited liability company came in for general condemnation at the meeting of the Hamilton Chamber of Com-, mere© last night. The president, Mr G. Parr, who introduced the subject, said it wash-egret-table that Wairakei, with its natural wonders, should be allowed to pass into the hands of a limited liability company. The district was one of the greatest assets of the Dominion, containing, as it did, the finest thermal wonders of the world- It should be secured by the Government for a national park. Mr Lowry said that while the best sight* were on Crown land which could not be sold steps should be taken by the State to secure the whole. Mr Gruar considered that it would be nothing short of a national calamity if this property were allowed to fall into the hands of exploiters, who, no doubt, would seek Government assistance to develop it by means of a railway. An effort should be made to consider it as a national park for the people of the Dominion. Mr Parr moved: "That this Chamber of Commerce is concerned at the proposal for the Wairakei thermal wonders being allowed to pass into the hands of a limited liability company, and hopes that it is not yet too late for the Government to purchase the propertv on behalf of the people of New Zealand." Seconded by Mr Fairbairn, and carried.

It was decided to ask support in this matter from the Auckland and other Chambers.