THE PEOPLE’S HERITAGE

Patea Mail, Volume XLIX, 7 October 1927, Page 4

THE PEOPLE’S HERITAGE

CARE OF PUBLIC DOMAINS. TOO MUCH INDIFFERENCE SHOWN FRESH LEGISLATION PROPOSED.

The lack of interest displayed by many local authorities in the maiuten"race of public domains under their control, was referred to in the House of Representatives by the Hon. O. J. Hawken, in replying to a brief discussion on the Public Domains report.

Many recreation grounds and reserves, the Minister observed, are not looked after by the people, while in other districts, one or two local enthusiasts took 'a lively interest ami cared for them. “I believe it is one of the first duties of .citizenship,” he said, “to see that the reserves that an; provided for the people should be made proper use of for future generations. As time went on young people would want their recreation, but he was satisfied that in many cases people were not looking to the future, but allowing reserves to go to waste and become overgrown with weeds.”

Mr. Hawken said that the Public Reserves and Domains Act not meet the position, but the Minister of Lands, who was responsible for the administration of the Act, iwiis no doubt fully aware of the precautions that were necessary in dealing •with reserves which were rclilly the property, of local people. It -was a mistake for small areas to be scattered about, perhaps in places difficult of access. The Minister for Lauds hud the whole matter in mind and proposed to bring down legislation in regard to it. It was evident that in some of the larger towns where land had been continually cut up into building lots, the present Act iwas not altogether satisfactory. It- lacked certain provisions for the future and that .should certainly bo rectified.