PARITUTU.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144850, 30 November 1915, Page 3

PARITUTU.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—lt is not generally knoßav-.±o the public, and especially the Sew Plymouth business portion of it, what >an asset old Paritutu and its neighbouring islands are, and how necessary.-it isf’to keep open the means of access to the great rock. Before explaining what wo wish to do; it will be necessary to refer to past history. It is over twenty years since the late Mr. Archibald Hood took the matter in hand to improvo-the track up the rock. Ho was very enthusiastic over it. He collected money to cut steps and put iron stays and a wire rope at the perpendicular face, which made this part fairly safe to climb. At the base of this ladder Mr. Hood had an iron chest cemented'into the rock for visitors to put their donations in, but this safe was robbed by some rascal. After this volunteer parties planted the eastern base with hardy shrubs for shelter and ornament, and these have all been destroyed by roaming cattle and by fire. Within the last three years the New Plymouth Beautifying Society has done good work by forming a good track. from the steps at the Breakwater to Paritntn. Now we are intending to do something more which will be of immense benefit to this pleasure resort, and that is to plant with pohwfcnkawa and fence this strip of land so that our work will not be lost to posterity. I must not forget to mention that the. Harbour Board has kindly permitted.' us to cany out these improvements. The association will need a few pounds to buy fencing material and to provide for other expenses. It is the Committee's intention to open up new tracks, through the Ihpins and around the south-western side of Paritutu. Thereare doubtless many who sympathise with these objects and will support the Committee with financial help. Those who are so inclined wonld oblige by forwarding their subscriptions to the president. Mr. B. C. Hughes, or to myself. The annual subscription' isonly five shillings for gentlemen and half-a-orown for ladies.—l am, etc., W. B. DAVIES, Hon. Secretary. New Plymouth, November 29, 1915.