THE PANMURE BASIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 April 1929, Page 13

THE PANMURE BASIN.

SCHEME OF DEVELOPMENT.

WATER AT FIXED LEVEL.

LAND AND WATER SPORTS.

A suggested plan to turn the Panmuro basin into an ideal recreation area has been submitted lo the Mount Wellington Road Board by Mr. E. V. Blake. It is proposed that a weir should be built at the narrow outlet neck connecting with Tamaki estuary arnd the water within the basin retained at a definite minimum level, a device already applied to the Orakci basin. The Panmuro proposal goes further, however, by providing for the development of recreation areas and sports grounds around the lake and for planting trees, etc. . Mr. Blake suggests that the development could proceed gradually, so that no heavy cost would be involved at any ono stage. The final result would be a park providing lor land and water sports and the transformation of the basin itself, which, under present conditions, is an unsightly mudflat at low tide. In a letter to the board Mr. Bluke explains his suggestion as follows: —"The purpose of the plan is not to say that the actual details shown thereon should bo carried out, but to draw attention lo the wonderful possibilities of this area for recreation purposes, and to initiate discussion on tho form of treatment to bo adopted. "The layout ! have sketched is quite practicable and could be carried out in successive stages at no great cost, its principal points of interest being that it is proposed that a weir should be constructed at the neck to retain the water at a definite minimum level and that a stone or other retaining wall be erected at varying distances from the present highwater mark and the space behind reclaimed by means of a suction dredge.

"The banks of the existing and future waterfront reserve would bo planted with suitable shrubs and trees. A good deal of such planting could be put in hand as the first part of the scheme. Very little land would bo purchased, as most of the chain strip around the basin would be acquired as subdivision proceeds, and if a definite scheme is decided on it is possible that adjoining owners would assist the board.

"Provision has been allowed for football and crickot grounds, tennis courts, bowls, etc., enclosed places for model yachts and canoes and a large area retained of open water. With greater expenditure a larger area for sports purposes at the western end could be reclaimed, but, as already stated, my plan lias been propared as a basis for discussion and to give the board some plan on which it could begin to work." The Mount Wellington Board decided that the scheme was a matter for the Panmurc Domain Board and district sports bodies, but decided (o bring it before district residents at the annual meeting to be held shortly. The basin itself lies between Mount Wellington and Panmure and is close to (lie new Patuuure railway station. Mr. Blake's plan of the area appears on this page.