DISTRICT ATTRACTIONS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3794, 12 August 1936, Page 5

DISTRICT ATTRACTIONS

ROAD TO TOP OF KAKEPUKU ?

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTERESTED.

During the course of the meeting of Te Awam,utu Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening reference was made to the project recently advanced by His Worship the Mayor for construction of a motor road to the top of Kakepuku mountain. The subject arose when the secretary of Hamjtlon Chamber of Commerce forwarded a circular letter seeking co-operation in any proposed move for stimulating tourists’ visits by improving the attractions throughout the Waikato, notably scenic, historic, industrial, and pastoral. The local Chamber was asked for an indication of what financial support would be forthcoming from Te Awamutu. Attention was directed to a publicity booklet dealing more particularly with the attractions of Hamilton itself.

Mr Spinley said the Borough Council had received a similar letter, and was willing to co-operate with the Chamber in any movement to make attractions round about Te Awamutu better known to tourists. He added that he had long had in mind the attractiveness of a motor road to the top of Kakepuku, where a wonderful panorama of the vast fertile ,Waipa Valley and neighbourhood could be obtained. He had received many indications of interest, 'from as far away as Otorohanga, and he felt that the local Chamber of Commerce might actively move in the matter. For instance, probably a conference of delegates from, the local and public bodies could discuss details, and probably induce the Government to assist with unemployed labour. Nearer Auckland the Government was assisting with a scenic route to the Waitakeres, and thus a road to the top of Kakepuku could be similarly put in hand. It was mentioned that from Kakepuku all the Waikato towns could be seen, including a splendid view of Hamilton.

Mr Spinley said Hastings had developed a road to a hill-top near Havelock, which commanded a truly magnificent view. He felt that Kakepuku was not sufficiently known. The president suggested that a list of scenic and historic spots near Te Awamutu should be forwarded to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Spinley said that if such attractions were developed, fire brigade demonsliratiqns, band contests, bowls and tennis tournaments, and other such functions could be held in Te Awamutu, with scenic and historic places available for interested visitors. One essential would be more accommodation for visitors. Mr Gifford remarked that the old crater of Kakepuku was easily reached, and from the summit an unparalleled view could be obtained. All round the district there were historic old Maori pas and fortifications. He named Rangiaohia, Whatiwhatihoe, Te Kawa, Parawera, Waiari, Paterangi, Orakau, Matakitaki, Mangatoa.toa, and other old fortified places in the neighbourhood.

Mr Bevin mentioned the transformation effected at Waikeria and Tokanui, and the attractiveness of the pastoral and agricultural areas in those districts. Mr Gifford said that only twenty years ago those areas were practically virgin country, and now they had been made as attractive farm lands as could be found in any part of the province. To the chairman, Mr Gifford said the local Historical Society was actively interesting itself in tracing old place-names, and planned to mark all battlegrounds, pas, and historic spots of interest.

Reference was made to the Selwyn Park and St. John’s Church grounds, both of which had important old associaticfns; also the giant redwood trees at “ Thomcombe,” the hydroelectric works at Arapuni, and the Tokahaere rock at Owairaka. Mr Gifford said round motor trips could be arranged to see most of these sights and also take in some of the finest farms and herds in the whole country. Reference was made to a map of Kakepuku, which showed education and native reserves part way up the slopes, and on the eastern: side a reserve right to the rim of the old crater.

It was decided to forward these suggestions to the Hamilton Chamber, with an inquiry for some indication as to proposed ways and means, Te Awamutu Chamber approving the principle of the scheme and declaring its willingness to cooperate. It was decided that if a conference was convened to further the project for a road to the top of Kakepuku that the president and members of the Chamber attend.