NATIONAL PARK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23113, 11 August 1938, Page 12

NATIONAL PARK

WAITAKERE PROPOSAL MR. GOODFELLOW'S GIFT COTTAGE AND 174 ACRES £15,000 FUND SUGGESTED An offer by Mr. William Goodfellow ' of a valuable Waitakere property as a donation toward the proposed Waitakere National Park was announced by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, at tho meeting of the Metropolitan Centennial Executive last night. The subcommittee dealing with the park proposal had submitted recommendations for the purchase of certain land as an addition to the proposed park area, and the Mayor stated that Air. Goodfellow, a member of the executive, had offered to give his Waitakere property of 174 acres, with a G-roomed cottage, of a total value of £SOOO, toward the scheme. This was conditional upon the park proposal being finalised. Tribute -to Generosity Sir Ernest said he desired to tender to Mr. Goodfellow the very best thanks of the citizens for his public-spirited gjesture, -which won Id be great ly appreciated. It was characteristic, of Mr. Goodfellow's generosity, said the Mayor, and he hoped that other largehearted people would not be slow to follow his example. It was decided to forward to Mr. Goodfellow an acknowledgment of his gift. In its report the sub-committee recommended that an effort be made to raise £15,000 to acquire certain lands for the proposed park. It was suggested that £SOOO might bo contributed by the Auckland City Council as a Centennial gesture, £SOOO might' be contributed by the Government from the Scenery Preservation Fund of the Lands Department, and that the remaining £SOOO might be collected by public subscription, Mr. Earle Vaile being suggested as an organiser. Other Likely Areas , - In addition to land adjoining the Waitakere Scenic Drive not already held for the public, the Piha Valley and bush-clad lands in the vicinity of " the Maro-wharo Stream, similar land in the vicinity of the Karekare Stream, the Pararaha Valley, bush-clad land bordering Cascade Park and portions of the Anawhata Valley adjoining the watershed area were named by the committee as suitable areas for pur chase if sufficient funds could be obtained. Tho report was referred to the special sub-committee on memorials.