FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22155, 8 July 1935, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO

THE WAITAKERE RANGES CREATION OF PARK URGED The value of the Waitakeres as a groat recreation area for the public of Auckland was being recognised even 50 years ago, when they were still regarded as a considerable distance into the country and not merely as 011 tlio outskirts of the city as to-day. In a letter to the Xkw Zk.vi.ani) Herald of July S, 18S5, a correspondent wrote: — " While our citizens ore just now experiencing a sensation of pride and satisfaction, mingled with feelings of gratitude, to .Mr. Market no for his munificent gift of £-10.000 to our Art Gallery, 1 think the time is fitting to draw attention to the possibilities of the Waitakere Itanges and Falls as a natural public park. Could not some of our wealthy citizens generously come forward and secure to the inhabitants of Auckland and surrounding country for ever the benefits of such a natural park as the Waitakere Banges would provide ? " It is within easy distance by rail; a large population certain to spread out toward Avondale; the \Yha.u canal to be cut in a few years, and above all. the sound of the busliinan's axe already at the roots of the trees; all these reasons point to the urgent necessity for securing this beautiful park for the city of Auckland. 1 trust some gallant knight ' will come forward and rescue the land from the destroyer." The sentiments expressed in the letter have been increasingly recognised with the passing of years. Although much timber has been taken fro:n the kauri forests that formerly grew there, areas have been preserved in the Cascades Park and in other public parks, while the City Council waterworks' reserves have saved a large area from being cleared with the intrusion of civilisation.