MARUIA SPRINGS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

MARUIA SPRINGS.

MURCHISGN'S COUNCIL'S PROPOSALS.

TO BE "FREE TO ALL."

(From "The Colonist," Juno 4.) . Replying to the letter of the Waimoa. County Council, asking for further information, • Mr. Hugh Eraser, clerk to the Murchison Couuty Council, stated that if the Maruia Springs were vested in the Murchison County Council tho Council would manage the •springs. Tho scheme of management provided for the setting aside of a portion of the springs, also a reservo for camping and grazing of visitors' horses which would bo free to all. "My Council recognises," continued Mr. Eraser, "that there will be many seeking tho benefit of these springs who will not be in a position to pay for baths, and for accommodation at tho house it is proposed to build, and your Council can rest assured that such visitors will be able to use the waters absolutely free of charge, and make their own arrangements as to accommodation—that is, by pitching tents on tho reserve set aside for the purpose, if they do not care to_ stay at tho accommodation house. There w/a however, be a- minimum tariff fixed by the Council to meet tho requirements , of visitors of limited means, and the .lessee of the house will have the right co cater as he thinks fit for the botter-tw-do class, and make his own charges." The matter was considered by the Waimea County Council yetserday. Or. Hoult said it would bo an ?act of cruelty to take tho control of the springs from tho Murchison County Council. It the springs were in the Waimea County he would be in favour of the Council obtaining control over them. Cr. Macmahon said tho reservo was unfenced, and was run over with stock at tho present. If the Murchison County Council had control parts. of the reserve would bo fenced, and visitors would bo able to paddock their horses. Tho general Government did not seem inclined to do anything, and be was sure, even if tho local body had control, tho Government would assist in road construction. He urged that the Council use its influence to get the springs vested in tho Murchison Council. Cr. Hoult said he would move that the-Council use its influence in having the Maruia Springs 'vested in the Murchison County Council. Cr. Macmahon seconded the motion. Cr. Drummond supported the motion, and said ho felt sure that the Government would make a grant towards the development of tho springs. Cr. Hewetson said he did not think the Council had sufficient information to warrant him in supporting the motion. j Or. Macmahon mentioned that the I Reef ton people wanted to get control |of the springs, and it. would he to the ' advantage of Nelson to _ have the springs vested in the Murchison County Council. ' The Chairman said the springs were a national asset, and the Government should take control. Tho Murchison County Council, in his opinion, would not have sufficient money to develop tho springs in a. proper manner. The rateable value of tho Murchison County was not as valuable as the Stoke riding. If the Government took it in hand"'they could carry it out on the lines suggested by 'the Murchison County Council. Cr. Macmahon:. The Government have had control for years, and have done nothing. The chairman said the Government had not been able to develop all the hot springs in the Dominion. Ho did not think tho buildings, etc., could be erected under £500, and as yet there was no good road to the springs. Ho would rather wait awhile, and give the Government a chance to develop the springs. • ~,.,.' Cr. Hoult. said perhaps the Murchison Council would spend some hundreds of pounds on the springs. The chairman: They have not got the money. Cr. Hoult said it was the bounder duty of. the Council to support tbt Murchison County Council. The. motion was put and carried, tho chairman and Cr. Hewetson opposing.-