THE MAITAI AND THE GOVERNMENT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 20 October 1911, Page 3

THE MAITAI AND THE GOVERNMENT.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —A rumour is afloat in tpwn to the effect that the Government do not now propose to acquire certain port-ions <!>£ the Maitai Valley -estate for scenery preservation Some .months ago a statement was made locally that the Cabinet would wsumo jpoesessdoii of parts of the .M-aitai adjacent to 'the river, and that thest would 'be handed over to the city upon the latter undertaking to pay part of the cost of resumption. I think I am rlight, Mr. Editor, in saying that th<T city voted a sum of £3O& for the purpose and that the citizens would also raise a further sum of £l5O. Is Lt not a fact that the Government survey party surveyed those portions which the citizens wished to acquire for purposes of

recreation? General satisfaction was expressed when it was made known, that this most popular picnicking resort would be available; and bitter disappointment 'will be felt if anything has occurred' to prevent such a desirable consummation. Will you please put the present position before the citizens and let them' know if the rumour has any 'foundation in fact? Thanking you in anticipation, I am, trtc, HARRY ATMORE. Nelson, Oct. 20. (It is understood that the Government has written to the City Council and the Waimea County Council, informing them that the area desired can be taken by t-heon under tho Public Works Act, the Councils finding the necessary condensation, and notifying that in the •civenlt of no .action being taken the removal of the pegs of the Government survey made under the previous proposal to resume a scenery preservation and recreation area along the Maitai will be ordared. Our correspondent is right in his ascumpticn that, .on the Government inquiring trom the 'City Council the approximate sum the latter would find 10 wards the resumption of the Maitai area, the Council \oted an ainoumt (£.SUO) and guaranteed JJ4OO or AWOO ecu tne una'ersuuidmg tinat the public and th<j Waimea County Council would furnish the balance estimated to 'be required as half tne Government subsidy, viz., about £IOO, or £loO, making tne total Neison contribution *-4(JO or j0450. Matters had reached the stage wnen on.y the Government intimation of purposed action was awaited' to begin an active canvass of me city and uiotriet for subscriptions, wnen tne intimation r-oierrta to was received. —Ed. JN.E.M.)