MT. EGMONT RESERVE

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1929, Page 12

MT. EGMONT RESERVE

IMPROVING NORTHERN FACILITIES,

MEETING OF COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the northern committee of the Mt. Egmont .National Park Board was held at the northern house yesterday afternoon, when there were present: Messrs. G. Fraser (chairman), W. D. Armit, W. H. Skinner, W. H. Moyes, J. Hine, V. Griffiths, J. Stewart. W. R. Johns and J. Whitehead.

The committee first inspected the work of extending and improving the old house. The makeshift lean-to and buildings that were attached to the back of the main buildings have practically all been pulled down, and a new and substantial lean-to is under construction In it will be provided ample bath accommodation for both men and women visitors, as well as a kitchen and a bedroom. There will be three showers of hot and cold water for men, as well as a bath, and a shower and a batn for women. The floor is of concrete, and a thoroughly good and sanitary job is being made of the improvements- The cottage has also been extended, a bathroom, washhouse, etc., being provided, and other improvements made. The cottage is meantime being occupied by the caretaker. The chairman of the Park Board (Mr. T. C. List) was present, and, with Mr. Armit, explained the provisions of the letter "of delegation of the powers of the board to the north. These virtually give the north committee power to control and administer the affairs of the northern road, houses and tracks. After a full discussion the proposals were approved. In connection with the building of the lodge at the entrance to the park, Mr. Griffiths explained the reason for the delay in starting the work. The contractors (Messrs. Boon and Sons) had agreed to build the lodge in stone, and depended upon the road contractors to get out the necessary stone. Unfortunately the contractors left earlier than anticipated, and Messrs. Boon and Sons could not tljemselves secure the stone. Now they offered to build the lodge in clinker brick, with cavity walls. This would prove drier and better, dud he recommended the committee to accept the offer. The work would fie commenced as soon as the weather permitted. The committee agreed to authorise the change in material. Mr. Griffiths reported the repairs and Improvements to the old house and cottage would run into about £3OO, and he felt good value was being received for the expenditure. He suggested that I’’? present boiler in the old house should be replaced by a more suitable * heating service.—The matter was referred to the building committee. Mr. Stewart reported that the Highways Board had offered the Inglewood County Council £3 for £1 for the reconstruction of the Egmont Road from the Village to the radius line in macadam. The coune’l had pointed out .to the board that in such a wet climate and with the heavy motor traffic, the road would not stand unless sealed, and asked for the same subsidy towards a bitumen-sealed road. —The matter was now being considered by the Highways Board.

Mr. H. Baily, at a previous meeting, intimated his desire to be relieved of the duties of secretary of the committee, and Mr. L. Lovell was appointed to the position. The chairman, Messrs. List and Armit spoke in eulogistic terms, of the services rendered to the committee by Mr. Baily over a long period of years, and the meeting placed on record its appreciation of his work.

It was decided to procure slag for dressing the lawns, and to clear and repair Blundell’s track from Ngatoro Gorge to the track to Dawson’s Falls.

The chairman and Messrs. Armit and Connett were appointed a committee to go into the question of selling the committee’s horse and dray (consequent on the horse being unable to hold a full dray on the bitumen road) and purchasing a suitable motor. The caretaker was authorised to try out the experiment of placing blocks of wood in corners of the road where excessive scouring was taking place iu heavy rain. Accounts to the amount of £O4 19s 4d were passed for payment.