WAITAKERE PARK

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24084, 1 October 1941, Page 8

WAITAKERE PARK

NATIVE BUSH AREA PROVISION FOR CONTROL PARLIAMENT PASSES BILL WELLINGTON. Tuesday Tlig Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Hill, establishing a. board to control the Centennial Memorial Park in the Waitakcres, was put through its remaining stages in the House of Representatives to-day, and passed with little discussion. Amendments had been made earlier to the bill when it was before a committee, but no further alterations wore made to-day. Mr. \\ . T. Anderton (( 'overnment,— Eden), the member in charge of the bill. said that approximately 10.000 acres would be embodied in the park, which eventually would contain fine of tin; finest pieces of native bush in New Zealand. He thought the Auckland metropolitan area was to be congratulated on acquiring the land with a view to retaining it lor all time. The importance of protecting such a large area of bush so near to the city was emphasised by the .Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, who expressed the hope that other localities would take similar action. Mr. Parry paid a tribute to Mr. E. E. Vuile. of Auckland, and others who had contributed toward the park. The Attorney-General, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, expressed thanks for modifications made to the bill at the request, of local bodies. He considered that not only New Zealand residents, but visitors from overseas, would take advantage of opportunities to visit the park. "When there is so much destruction of our beautiful heritage," he added, "it is a cause for rejoicing to see such a wonderful park preserved." Mrs. M, M. Drearer (Government — Waitemata') also spoke in support of the bill. Mr. W. I'. Endean (Opposition— Remuera) and Mr. A. S. Richards (Government —Roskill) asked why the Horticultural Society was not represented on the board to be established. Mr. Anderton explained that the Horticultural Society had asked for representation, but provision had been made ir, the bill to bring into various committees to be set up members of the society, and other organisations who could assist the board. MORE SCENIC RESERVES AREAS IN AUCKLAND PROVINCE (S.R.) WELLINGTON. Tuesday Areas sot apart during the year by proclamation or otherwise as scenic or historic reserves covered a total area of Hi, 184 acres, according to the report on scenery preservation for the year ended March 31, which was presented to the House of Representatives to-day by the acting-Minister of Lands, the Hon. J. (J. Barclay. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 1179, with a total area of 841,376 acres. The report says that in the North Auckland district the reservation was completed over an area of 653 acres on Great Barrier Island. A proclamation was issued over an area of Crown land within easy distance of Kohukohu and steps were taken to set apart an area of 203 acres of Crown land about three miles from Hikurangi on the Hikurangi-Marua main highway. An area of 30 acres near Murivvai Beach was also reserved. Reservations in the Auckland land district totalled 2364 acres.