OLD HOUSE TO BE SHIFTED

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1931, Page 10

OLD HOUSE TO BE SHIFTED

DAWSON FALLS IMPROVEMENT.

UNEMPLOYED AT RESERVE.

The . shifting of the . old house at Dawson Falls and the improvement of its accommodation were decided- upon at the annual meeting of the South Committee of, the Egmont National Park Board at Hawera yesterday. There were present Messrs. W. G. "Walkley (chairman), A. G. .Larcom, E. Long, A. V. Tait, M, F. Barker, G. J.- Bayley, L. Abbott, T. B. Crump, F. Gamlin, H. Symmons, R. Syme and L. O. Hooker (secretary). In his report the . chairman referred to the decision of the committee in March last to engage unemployed labour to effect improvements in the committee’s, area. Nine men, each married with three children, or more, had been working continuously since then, and they had. done excellent work in clearing and stumping the old horse paddock and improving the tracks. More work would have to be found to keep these men going, said the chairman. As far as he could see, there were two jobs upon which they, could be used, the removal of tho old house to a new site, and the stumping operations. It was decided that the stumping of the horse paddock be proceeded with, and the chairman was asked to present a report at next meeting on tfie feasibility of. the construction of the lake in the horse paddock, as previously suggested. The lake proposal included the planting of shrubs and the formation of what would in reality be a children’s playground. The condition of the old house had been the subject of comment from the time he had first become secretary of the committee, stated Mr. Hooker, in his -report. “It was thought that • the house could be renovated,” stated the report. “After considering the suggestions, I would recommend that the committee consider the advisability of pulling it down, moving it to a more suitable site, and reconstructing it on better lines. The men are at the reserve, and it would be a good time to get this done. The cost, without the reduction of the Government’s portion of the unemployed labour, is estimated at about £77.” As just one example of the insufficient accommodation offered by the house, the report quoted the annual gathering of the alpine clubs at Dawson Falls. The old building was a distinct eyesore. A good site would be at the top of the paddock, as it would be convenient .for water and drainage. Proper bathing arrangements could be attached at the same time. '.

It was pointed out by the chairman that the present was a good time to have such work put in hand. Work would be provided for unemployed and at the same time could be completed' at small cost to the committee. The house in its present position was an eyesore in the immediate foreground of a’grand mountain view.

Mr. Long said that if the house was to be shifted it might be a good plan to sjpend', an additional sum of money and bring the building up to presentday, requirements. ' ’ 1•'• . ; .■' It was then decided that the money from the Robson bequest be devoted to the Yhoving and re-erection of the old house,.together with additional improved facilities. '' ‘ The question of providing bedding and cooking /utensils for the use of visiting campers was raised by the secretary. It was" decided to defer this matter until the completion of the improvements and shifting of the old house. WEDNESDAY RUGBY PLAY. The team to represent Ohangai against Eraser Road at Fraser Road to-day will comprise Simon ’ Trott, Moderry, Guest, Cunningham, Baldwin, Salt; J. Hinga; R. Church, Gill; T. O’Shea, Jas. Hinga; G. Lander, L- Radford, A. Clark. Emergencies, H. Palmer, H., Bell, Tura and T. Hamilton.

The Fraser Road team will bq: H. Dickson, Whareaatu (3); J. Pullen, T. Davy, T. Pokau, Ngakai, J. Bishaw, W. Pokcre, H. Toka, M. Rangi, Hauraki, Toss, D. Walden, J. Smithy, Lynch’, S. Korau.