Doubtless Bay Foreshore

Northland Age, Volume 28, Issue 32, 11 April 1928, Page 2

Doubtless Bay Foreshore

The Visit of The Commissioner (Own Correspondent) March 9lh was a red letter day in the annals of the few pioneer settiers on the Doubtless Bay foreshore, for it was marked by a visit of inspection of Mr Campbell the North Auckland Crown Lands Commissioner. He was the first official visitor to travel over the newly formed road from Kaingaroa through Waingakau to the great Eastern Beach of the County. The rain that fell in the morning delayed the arrival of the Commissioner, however, and most of those who had business to transact met him en route. He spent quite a time at Mr S Urlich’s place and was evidently pleased with the promise of the pasture, and surprised at the amount of tne work done in breaking in the swamp. He examined the outfall northward for the section occupied by Mr Brunton whose labours have been la gely handicapped for want of proper outlet for the Winter floods.

He proceeded some distance over the newly formed road to Merita Bay. But a promise to examine the drainage work done by Mr Churchill compelled him to forego the pleasure of the view of the Bay, and to motor back down the ninety mile beach to Mr Churchill’s where he was surprised at the amount of work done and at tne promise of the experimental plots growing. This farm appealed to him as an ideal place to grow flax. The sand menace was brought to his notice by the occupier. And he promised to assist by every means in keeping the cattle off the area which the two new settlers hope to reclaim by marram grass and lupins. It was evident that Mr Campbell’s visit had put heart in the settlers who all feel that he thoroughly understands their difficulties and gave them much practical advice. What perhaps pleased the settlers most was the Commissioner’s openly expressed wish to come again and spend a few weeks holiday on the Beach away from office and the telephone. All were pleased to think that owing to the energy of Mr Tracey and his men the road had been made passable for car traffic through to the Beach just in time to enable the Commissioner to motor right through overland returning to Kaitaia via the Beach and Lake Ohia. As showing the growing interest taken in the foreshore land part of Mr Smeaton’s work in visiting the district with the Commissioner was to examine the land of two new sections applied for. It may interest those who may desire to motor through the new route to Doubtless Bay, to remember that this is only a passable route in fine weather, after rain it probably proving, for a time,

troublesome here and there by soft places.

Now that there has been some more money spent on the road access to the Beach from the Lake Ohia and that way will be passable throughout the year.