Hon. Semple Makes Investigation Of Northland’s Problems

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1939, Page 10

Hon. Semple Makes Investigation Of Northland’s Problems

(.From Our Special Reporter). CINCE SATURDAY, THE HON. R. SEMPLE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC ° WORKS, HAS SEEN FROM THE WATER SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ROADING PROBLEMS IN NORTHLAND. His cruises round the extensive Bay of Islands and Whangaro.a Counties have indicated to him both the large extent of productive land away from the mainland awaiting development and also the difficulties of reading through country which is mostly precipitous and rocky. Travelling leisurely by boat he has also been given the opportunity of enjoying sport with gun and line and seeing little frequented beauty spots redolent of the unspoilt charm of Northland, and which once tapped by roads, become the delight of thousands. In addition the launch excursions have given the ministerial party ,a respite from a busy round of deputations and inspections. As a form of communication, placid waterways have been a welcome rest from travelling on Northland’s unsealed and dusty highways.

The Waitangi Visit. On arrival at Paihia from Russell on Monday morning, the Ministerial party was met by the Hon. V. H. Reed, Deputy-Chairman of the Waitangi Trust Board, and was shown over the estate. As the cars climbed to the top of Mount Bledisloe, overlooking the broad sweep of the Bay of Islands, the Minister commented with- pleasure upon the flourishing state of the afforestation carried out on the endowment land adjoining the National Trust. Here, over 1000 acres will yield revenue, which, under the wise provision of Lord Bledisloe, donor of both properties, will be divided equally between the Forestry Department, which did the planting, and the Waitangi Trust Board.

Encouraging Native Trees. Afforestation undertakings of a different nature are in progress on the adjoining Waitangi Estate. Here every native tree in New Zealand is represented and it is intended to allow the portion not required as a farm to revert to bush.

Well-farmed and with portion forming a nine hole golf course, Waitangi Estate looked very attractive in the summer’s sun. t

The Treaty House itself, built for William Busby in 1833, was a magnet for the visitors, who, under the guidance of Mr. P. Studholme, supervisor of the estate, viewed with interest the relics of first colonisation and the historical pictures hung on the walls.

At Kerikeri. Deviating from the main road to Waimate North, the minister broke new ground travelling along Bull’s Road to approach Kerikeri from the south.

Kerikeri Aerodrome, which will serve a wide district and will probably be a port of call when the air service between Whangarei and Waipapakauri is established, was visited by Mr. Semple in company with Mr. R. H. Packwood, the District Engineer. Formation is completed and grassing will commence when the weather permits. Present work involved construction of three runways, the longest of which will be 880 yards. With an area of 60 acres the aerodrome offers plenty of room for expansion as the needs of the district dictate. t Hosts for morning tea were Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Lyness, whose beautiful home, situated on the highest point of the settlement gives an unparalleled view of the Kerikeri Inlet, The walls are three feet thick, so that Bishop Selwyn, tramping overland from the inland mission at Waimate North to visit his library, stored upstairs, must not have been disturbed by the sound of Hongi Hika’s warriors assembling at Kororipo pah, not half a mile away. Historic Spot. When Hongi planned raiding expeditions to other parts, this pa was the mobilising point for Ngapuhis from all parts of Northland, and it is hoped that before Centennial year it will be restored to its pristine condition. The late Mr E. S. Little made over the land (about four acres) in perpetuity to, the Native people, and responsibility for the restoration of the pa and pallisades has been accepted by Princess Te Puea.

With the exception of Kerikeri and occasional fertile valleys and fertile hillsides, much of the land the Minister had passed through en route from Paihia was comparatively barren, looking at its worst after the dry weather, and a poor advertisement for Northland to southerners unacquainted with what can be achieved from our outwardly “poor” lands.

Barren Land Disclosed. Beyond Waipapa, a further stretch of this country, most of it untenanted and unfarmed, except by the match, was encountered, but a roadside deputation disillusioned Mr Semple of what might otherwise have been uncomplimentary impressions. “At a cost of ten guineas per acre, this ironstone country can be grassed, fenced and made suitable for carrying between Ihree and four sheep to the acre,” said Mr William Hodder, who was the spokesman.

Further along the road was a demonstration plot, arranged for the Hon. F. Langstone, when he visited the district, and which, together with the practical demonstrations of the wellkept private farms, demonstrated that the claim was no idle one.

Land Development Scheme. Development of 14,000 acres of Crown Land, as advocated by the settlers, will be brought to the notice of Mr Langstone, Mr Semple promised.

Regarding the construction of 55 chains of road, to give access to 11 settlers on the Kapiro Block, he suggested that the matter be taken up with the Bay of Islands County Council, suggesting that it be placed on the list of urgent works under the fiveyear plan. Fertile Kaeo Valley, well wooded and with the stream meandering through green alluvial flats, was a source ,of delight to the Ministerial party, which was met on arrival at the hotel by Lfr L, H. Lane, chairman of the Whangaroa branch of the Labour Party.

At Whangaroa.

At Whangaroa wharf the visitors were welcomed by Mr T. H. Hayes, chairman of the County Council; Mr R. J. Fartoon, chairman of the dairy company, and local body members. With Mr Eric Sanderson, who has a wider knowledge than any other man of the harbour and its beauty spots, at the wheel, the launch cruised close to the perpendicular shores which shelve to a depthless harbour-.

Hole in the Wall. Passing the heads, a northward course was steered, and a passage made through the “hole in the wall” — a narrow arched passage, with rugged rocks forming the sides and ceiling. Although the surge was perceptible, negotiation for craft is easy in calm weather, and the experience certainly was a novel one for the strangers. Cruising down the coast, Mr Semple again proved ' his credentials as a marksman, landing a couple of shags from the bobbing boat. “This is as picturesque a spot as I have ever seen in my life,” said Mr Semple, expressing thanks to the hosts and to the ladies, who provided picnic fare at Willow Bay. “Whangaroa is the prettiest harbour in New Zealand, made so largely by its rugged scenery.” In the evening, the Minister was entertained to a social and dance by the Whangaroa branch of the Labour Party.