PELORUS RESERVES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 April 1932, Page 8

PELORUS RESERVES

BOARD’S ANNUAL MEETING A PROGRESSIVE POLICY The annual meeting of the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Board was hold at the reserve, the following members being present: The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr P. R. Wilkinson), chairman, the chairman of the Alarlborougli County Council, Air A. AL W. Adams; the Mayor of Nelson, Air W. J. Aloll'att; Messrs C. J. Bryant. A. Gould, and the secretary (Mr W. J. Elvy). Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs R. P. Furness, AI. McKenzie, AL Grace, and Dr. S. A. Gibbs. The chairman presented the following report: — “Jn presenting the sixth annual report, we have to express pleasure in recording satisfactory progress during the past year in the protection and improvement of the reserves under our control. Despite the dry season, it is satisfactory to record that no fires have been reported on any of the reserves, this showing that the public are exercising due care, and are utilising the fireplaces provided for their use. The usual large number of picnic and camping parties visited the various reserves, and, except for neglect in isolated cases adequately to clear up the litter in some camping spots, no vandalism or damage has been reported throughout the year. “The disastrous flood that occurred in the Rai and Pelorus Valleys in April last was responsible for some damage, shifting the motor bridge off its piles and washing away the lifesaving apparatus from the bathing hole. The motor bridge has been reinstated and more securely fastened to its piles, and the lifebuoy was subsequently found some five or- six miles lower down the Pelorus Valley, hut the rest of the life saving gear is still missino-. As it was reported that the flood at its peak height was some 20 feet above the normal water level, and was in some cases two feet deep in the bathing sheds, it is a matter for congratulation that such a small amount of damage and loss occurred. During the year the Board has installed a much-needed water supply to the main picnic and camping ground, building a concrete dam at the spring on the north end of the reserve and laying some Si chains of piping. As this will obviate the long walk to the spring or .scrambling down the rocks to obtain water, it will doubtless be much appreciated by visitors and campers. Other works effected during the year are the- clearing of fern and blackberry, digging new rubbish dumps, clearing of tracks, and the provision of a shelter shed and camping conveniences at the eastern end of the reserve. The Board will continue with the provision of further improvements as its funds and opportunities permit.

“The revenue of the Board is mainly derived from local body and motor association subscriptions, assisted by camp fees, the rental of small areas of pasture on the reserves, and royalties obtained from the disposal of dead timber trees. The various amounts collected during the past year were as follows: —Donations' £57 17s (Id, cam]) fees £l9 18s (id, rents of pasture and stall site £9 15s, firewood and timber royalties £G 5s Sd, and miscellaneous receipts £1 Is ad —total £B4 18s Id. Of this amount £ls was contributed as special donations to the caretaker’s cottage building fund, and has been put aside for that purpose. The expenditure consisted of water supply and extra conveniences £43 0s 3d, commission of camp fees £5 9s 2d, advertising and printing £2 11s 3d, insurance 15s sd, tools and labour 15s (id, bank charges 12s Bd, petty expenses 3s Gd, and donations to building fund £ls, totalling £GS 17s 9d, leaving a surplus over the year’s operations of £lO 2s 4d. The total amount standing to the Board’s credit at 31st Alarcli is £l4 4s 9d, of which amount £57 14s 7d is liekl as special donations to the caretaker's cottage building fund. “The economic situation prevailing throughout the Dominion has prevented tlie Board making as much headway with the cottage project as it would have been liked. Nevertheless, the Board is steadily pursuing its objective in this direction by building up a fund, and hopes that, with the aid of its surplus funds and further, contributions, it will not be long before this much-needed requirement is installed.

“In conclusion, the Board wishes to extend its thanks to the honorary rangers, local bodies, automobile associations, and all those who have rendered assistance during the year.” In presenting --the report the chairman expressed satisfaction that, in spite of the hard times, good progress had been made in improving the reserve, and said that, as funds permitted, further improvements would follow. Certain improvements were still being made in the clearing of walking tracks, and it was hoped that, with the aid of special donations, a suspension bridge would be swung across the Rai River to give access to the fine area of reserve on the east side. Mr J. Brownlie, of Havelock, had already donated £lO to this object, and had given the Board full authority to use any wire rope belonging to the firm of Brownlee and Co. that may still be lying about. Mr Moffatt expressed his appreciation of the considerable amount of work done in the six months last visit. He was very pleased that the water supply authorised by the Board at its meeting in September had been so successfully carried out; also the provision of foot tracks and the installation of the shelter shed and lavatories at the cast end of the reserve. He gave the Blenheim mcmjbers full credit for the enterprise and energy displayed in prosecuting these Works. Mr Bryant also wished to record his satisfaction with the progress imade during the last year, and also ’iliis appreciation of the Nelson members’ attendance at this meeting and their words of praise. He stated that 'many visitors from all parts had also eulogised the work done and expressed their admiration of the wonderful scenic attractions of the Pelorus Reserve. The reserve was now a recognised stopping place for most private -cars travelling between Nelson and Blenheim, and their occupants generally spent a pleasant half hour or so inspecting the reserves. Dr. Gibbs sent a letter of apology Ifor his non-attendance at the meeting, ,which was due to lack of time pending .his departure for England within a • few days. He also enclosed a donation ;of £5 to the Board’s funds and for warded best wishes for a continuance of their successful administration in

,his absence. —A vote of thanks was .passed to Dr. Gibbs for his donation [and the secretary was instructed lo forward a letter' congratulating Dr. Gibbs on his appointment to the chairmanship of the Motor Transport Board and the Board's wishes for a pleasant voyage. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr J. Bryant for his able supervision, and to tiie Marlborough “Express” and Nelson “Kvoning Mail” for publicity given to the Board’s operations. The shelter shed donated to the Board on the eastern portion of the reserve was inspected, and a vote of appreciation was subsequently passed to the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous.

The Board inspected the water supply lately installed, and found a satisfactory flow. It was decided to erect a small concrete box at the outlet to hold a supply for large picnic parties, and to rail oil’ to prevent damage and contamination by straying stock; also to improve the track leading to the supply pipe. Other works contemplated by the Board arc to improve the road into the eastern portion of the reserve, where the new shelter shed is erected, paint the motor bridge, remove dead trees and provide more tracks within the reserve.

In connection with the proposed suspension bridge to give access to the reserve on the northern side of the Rai and Pelorus Rivers, the Board traversed this portion of the reserve and found that this work would open up some picturesque views, at present unknown to the public. One view in particular —looking upon the site of the bridge down the Pelorus River, through the gorges is probably unrivalled. The Board also contemplates opening up a track up the Pelorus River, which will afford further beautiful vistas of rock, river, and hush scenery.