ACCESS FOR ANGLERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21663, 1 December 1933, Page 12

ACCESS FOR ANGLERS

TROUT FISHING AREAS RESTRICTIONS INCREASING LAND FOR ROADS NEEDED [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] ROTORUA, Thursday ' Oiving to lack of access to somo of tho best fishing grounds on the bankfj of tho Rangitaiki River in the vicinity of Murupara, and certain parts of the Waikato River and Lake Taupo, anglers are restricted, and concern is felt in tho matter by those who frequent these areas. The Rangitaiki River runs through an area of forestry plantation from Galatea to the IsapierTaupo Road, a distance of over 40 miles, and this is one of tho areas affected. There is also no access to tho river banks at some places at To Toko, on tho Lower Rangitaiki. On the Waikato River ftsm Ongaroto through Atiamuri to the bridgo at tho 30-mile peg on tho Rotorua-Taupo Road tho same condition prevails, and it also applies to both sides of the Waikato River in some places from tho bridge on the Rotorua-Taupo Road to the Aratiatia Rapids. The only roads in these areas are those owned by privato forestry companies. For several years past these companies have been acquiring large areas of land in the district, and in their planting operations have planted trees to the edge of the banks of the rivers mentioned, thereby blocking access to anglers. This is the main cause of thfc present position.

As regards Lake Taupo, on the north sido there is only one "road, and that traverses private property, a charge of 2s Gd a rod being made for entry. On the western sido of the lake there is every possibility that land will be taken for forestry purposes, which will still further obstruct tho angler. Legislation has provided that a right-of-way of one chain in width round the margin of the lake shall be reserved to the public. This also applies, to the western bank of the Tongariro River from the lake to its junction with the Whitikau Stream. Other rivers in the vicinity are included in this provision for a distance of one mile up-stream from the lake. Private property owners of laud over which a right-of-way is granted shall bo deemed to obstruct any such legal right by the erection of fences if no reasonable and ready access by gates or otherwise is provided for foot passengers. It is evident that the problem is one that can only be dealt with by the Government, and as fishing in the district is attracting an ever-in-creasing number of anglers from all parts of the Dominion, the question is of sufficient importance for early consideration. The only solution appears to be that land for roads be taken under tho Public Works Act to provide the necessary access.