FOREST HILL SCENIC BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 23793, 15 April 1939, Page 20

FOREST HILL SCENIC BOARD

PROGRAMME FOR YEAR DISCUSSED

At the first annual meeting of the Forest Hill Scenic Board the programme of work for the coming year was discussed. It consists of fencing the reserve at suitable places to prevent cattle wandering through the bush and the erection of a stile to provide access to the water. Additional tracks will be cut providing a round trip over the hill-top and topping the trees to provide an outlook. A side track will be formed to open a beauty spot of an acre and a-half of tree-ferns. It was stated that a feature of the reserve is the varied and abundant bird life and in this connection notices are to be erected drawing the attention of the public that the lighting of fires, carrying of firearms on the reserve and any interference or damage to the

scenic features renders the offender liable to a fine of £lOO. Mr E. J. McLauchlan was elected chairman and Mr C. W. Routledge, of the Lands and Survey Department, re-appointed secretary. The balance-sheet showed that the board’s finances finished with a credit balance of £8 10/5.

The report stated that the control of the reserve was vested in the board on September 1, 1938, and a start was immediately made to improve the accessibility of the area to the public. The board had no source of revenue and was entirely dependent pn donations to carry out improvements. The improvements so far effected were carried out under the supervision of the Southland County Council and by utilizing Scheme No. 13 labour substantial improvements were made at little cost to the board. The thanks of the board were due to the council for its cooperation in the work done and the interest, taken by Mr W. M. Norman was greatly appreciated.