MOUNTAIN ACCESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22610, 29 June 1935, Page 3

MOUNTAIN ACCESS

PRIVATE INTERESTS HUT-BUILDING RIGHTS WHAT IS DUE TO OWNERS With the request that nationally-owned mountain areas ihould bs controlled in such a manner as to give the general public fret access to them, the following resolution was carried at the annual meeting of the Federated Mountain Clubs •f New Zealand: — "That this meeting is of opinion that H should be the continuous policy of the federation to use all available means of publicity and political pressure to secure the recognition by this and by successive Governments of the principle that nationally-owned mountain areas should neither be alienated nor controlled in a manner to restrict full reasonable use of such areas by the general public and in particular tor tramping, ski-ing, and climbing, reasonable use for web. purposes necessarily including the right in authenticated clubs to build huts where such facilities ars not provided by the authorities." On matters of national interest, the federation acts for 4000 members of affiliated clubs, all of which, with one exception of consequence, belong to the organisation. These clubs are vitally interested in the preservation of free to mountain areas and, together with an ever-increasing public,- they have every right to ask for a place in the sun, in a.country so bountifully endowed with scenic attractions. ALIENATION OF RESERVES. When one takes into account alienation in the Fiord. Southern Alps, and Tonga-, riro districts, it can be realised (says a writer in the Evening Post)' that vast blocks of country, equal in area to that of a province, have been set aside for departmental and private interests. The lesses have acquired tremendous powers, including those of life and death—literally so, as they have the control of the guides operating in their areas. Unfortunately, the mountain guides' legislation is ineffective owing to the deletion of the clause referring to the appointment of an honorary board and no regulations have been issued. The increase in climbing and glacier excursions makes the employment of experienced guides and their control by a qualified and disinterested authority a matter of extreme importance to the public. • Affiliated clubs support the holders of these interests to a ( substantial extent, as witness the bookings each year for -the national ski championships at the Chateau and the Hermitage. Club members are very pleased to be able to avail themselves of the facilities afforded by the establishment of hotels in such, places, but,'nevertheless, insist on the enforcement of the economic principle that the air and scenery shall be free to all. The federation cannot agree with the imposition of irksome restrictions on the surrounding and outlying areas and, within reason, mountain enthusiasts must be permitted to roam freely through the countryside and erect huts for the convenience and safety of climbers in places where such facilities are not provided by the authorities. HUT FEES. In order to encourage further use and not to promote disuse by a state of inconvenience and disrepair, fees collected for outlying huts should be .allocated to - their maintenance. With reference to these huts, it was stressed that the federation expects all users to pay the necessary fees when they are in a position to get into touch with the controlling authorities on return to civilisation: In the United Kingdom, the question of access and right-of-way has given rise to much concern, and legislation has been advocated which is designed to provide that no owner or occupier of uncultivated mountain or moorland, or property surrounding rivers or lakes, shall exclude any person from walking or being on such land, provided that such person is there for the purpose of recreation or scientific or artistic study. It is also designed to prevent a person from purchasing or leasing Ben Lomond, for example, and prosecuting anyone who dared to trespass. The closing of right-of-ways across fields and alongside canals and rivers has been the cause of considerable trouble abroad, and in course of time, if not already, as our anglers will agree, the problem will be a very vexed one in New Zealand. The matter has been brought forward several times of late years by Mr G. M. Fowlds, of the New Zealand Tourist League, but so far with little success. PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS. Thanks to land owners' generosity, coupled in many cases with friendly hospitality, it is possible to approach many back-country reserves with comparative ease. The federation is extremely grateful for this welcome courtesy and desires to have it widely known that the affiliated clubs and the federation would be more than pleased to act in cases where club members abuse the privileges granted. It is to be regretted that some people do abuse property and, whether they belong to clubs or to the general public, it must b« clearly understood that the _ land owners are entitled to every consideration and will receive all possible help from the federation. Many clubs issue periodical literature, including instructions of. an educative nature, and club parties as a general rule are controlled by a responsible leader whose duty it is to enforce such instructions and to report any misdemeanour to his club. Some clubs forbid the presence of dogs and firearms on outings, and where these rules do not exist it is absolutely necessary to obtain the express permission of each and every land owner concerned. In some caseß permission will be refused and such refusal must be accepted in a good spirit as there will be some very good reason for this, action. There are many points which receive the attention of club members and of the public, in pursuance of a policy of earnest endeavour to assist the land owners. Rather than clamber over a fence, crawl through the wires. Don't leave open gates that are found shut, and do not disturb or frighten stock. If you should chance to find unauthorised stock in reserves refrain from shooting them out of hand v It is far better to report the matter to the owner and to the authority concerned. The careless lighting of fires causes expense and inconvenience, and renders the culprit legally liable for the damage, besides giving the owner the idea that the next visitor is tarred with the same brush or stupidity or deviltry. - MUSTERERS' HUTS. Persons intending to use privately owned musterers' huts must obtain permission and must ascertain whether the tiue of the visit is convenient. Firewood used should be scrupulously replaced or renewed if found depleted. It must be remembejed that the wood supply is often very scarce, and has, no doubt, been collected after great trouble by the musterera, who depend on finding the supply intact on their- next visit, possibly under very adverse conditions such as snow. If by some mischance you are unable to replace firewood or food supplies used, report the' position to the owner and eo reduce the resultant inconvenience. Any damage to equipment, especially first-aid gear, should also be reported. Lock all doors and windows. A hut filled with snow w an unpleasant place. Perishable food should be properly enclosed or destroyed, and all litter

should be burnt or buried. Above all, resist the urge to damage the haven which has sheltered you. By adherence to ordinary standards of decency and by exercising care and forethought the present pleasant associations with kindly land owners will remain unaltered.