ROSS CREEK AREA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26027, 15 December 1945, Page 6

ROSS CREEK AREA

PICNIC SPOTS AVAILABLE MISUNDERSTANDING REMOVED Any misconception that has existed with regard to the availability of the Ross Creek area to the public for the purposes of tramping and picnics should be removed by an explanation of the position, which was given by Cr L. J. Ireland, chairman of the City Council Water Committee, in an interview with a Daily Times reporter yesterday. The reporter was conducted over the area from Cannington road to Wakari road and Tanner road overlooking Woodhaugh. There are several ideal spots within half a mile of Cannington road which have not been closed to the public, and are still available. Cr Ireland said that one of these spots had been specially developed as a large picnic ground immediately adjoining the reservoir. This picturesque corner also has access by footpath through the bush from Woodhaugh. It is equipped with a brick fireplace and a water tap. On the northern slopes of the reservoir area there is dense bush, which is recognised as one of the finest native bird sanctuaries about Dunedin. At all hours of the day, the call of the bell bird or the tui may be heard. The road through the School Creek reserve along an avenue of stately trees takes one out to the Wakari road near the water contol station. Actually, the only area completely closed to the public is the water basin, which is surrounded by high barbed wire fences. The Health Aspect “After all, the health of the community is the first consideration,” said Cr Ireland. “If this area were opened, it would be impossible to keep out dogs, and there is always a constant danger of pollution from refuse left about by picnickers.” He added that there had been instances in the past where persons had been seen bathing their feet in the upper basin, which is a direct source of supply to the citizens. Drinking parties had not been unknown in the reservoir grounds. There were no organised conveniences for men, women and children, and it would be unreasonable to expect them to be placed there. Cr Ireland also referred to the danger of fire and other forms of vandalism if the public at large were admitted to the inner areas. It had to be remembered, he said, that some of these heavily bushed areas were as dry as tinder underneath. I Another very fine native bush reserve which was always available, he continued, was Fraser's Creek reserve. It was readily accessible, possessed several delightful picnic spots, and baths with all conveniences. Because of the shortage of labour during the war years, he added, bush tracks had become partially overgrown. This area was under the direct control of the Reserves Department, and he was not in a position to say what its plans were, but he believed the tracks would be cleaned up. and restored at the earliest opportunity. Water Committee’s Policy The Water Committee will report to the meeting of the City Council on Monday night that the question of the exclusion of the public from the council’s water reserves has received further consideration as a result of representations from the Dunedin Amenities Society that the privileges available to citizens prior to the war be again made available. The matter, it is added, has been the subject of investigation by the city engineer (Mr S. G. Scoular) during a recent visit to the North Island and a report has been received from that officer on the matter. The report together with a letter from the Medical Officer of Health (Dr G. Dempster) on the subject, will be laid on the table for the information of councillors. The committee adds that the indiscriminate admission of the public to the reservoir areas was the subject of complaint for many years prior to the war and steps had already been taken to restrict admission to these areas. In 1936 fishing was prohibited in all reservoirs and the Sullivan Dam area was closed for picnic purposes. In 1934, at Ross Creek, picnics were restricted to the level area below the reservoir, and although the surrounds of the reservoir are fenced off, the public has access to a large area to the west of the reservoir site. With a view to acquainting councillors with the position, arrangements have been made to visit the Ross Creek area prior to the meeting of the council.