CAMPING SITES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21531, 19 December 1939, Page 6

CAMPING SITES

Need For Control

Position In Borough

“As a result of having received objections from ratepayers in Virtue Avenue regarding the allowing of campers to use vacant sections, particularly in this street, I deem it advisable to place the question of control of camps and sites before the Council,” wrote the borough sanitary inspector (Mr A. W. B. Watkinson. in a report to the Borough Council last night. “In December. 1936.” continued Mr Watkinson, "special regulations were drafted by the Health Department governing camping sites, and these were placed before the Council in February, 1937, with a recommendation for adoption: but were, at that time, declined. Since then, over the last two years, the number of persons who take to camping during the summer months has greatly increased, with the result that last year tents and caravans were being set up in many vacant sections, with or without permission of the owners; and on these sites there was no provision for water or sanitation, etc.

“On the site objected to in Virtue ; Avenue arrangements are made with ; the owner, Mrs Wallace, to use their ] conveniences. Similar arrangements : are made with Mrs Dore, Selwyn ] Street, with regard to her site. On these two sites alone an average of nine tents or caravans is usually there at one time, making approximately , 30 to 36 people at each site. "I now understand.” concluded Mr ■ Watkinson, “that other owners of j sections intend to allow campers to ; use their land, so that I feel some , control of camping grounds generally | is warranted. Under the Camping Regulations any site on which two : or more parties or families are tern- i porarily living would require to be licensed by the Council subject to satisfactory sanitary and cooking facilities being provided. The annual fee is 10/-. This , would also give definite authority to inspect camping grounds, and provide for the removal of campers using unauthorised sites. I recommend the Council's adoption of these Regulations.” Some Action Necessary The Mayor (Mr W. G. Tweedy) recalled that the matter had been brought before the Council in 1937, but no action had been taken. However, with the growth in the popularity of camping it was necessary for the Council to take some action in the matter. He quoted from the Health Department’s regulations which provided that if two or more caravans or camps were made in any section, which was hired for rent or reward, they were defined as temporary living places and every such camping ground was required to be licensed. Proper sanitary acommodation and the provision of a water supply were required. In vie’w of the increasing popularity of camping the Council should apply to have the regulations made applicable to Timaru. The Town Clerk (Mr E. A. S. Killick) explained that notice would have to be made by publication in the “Gazette.’’ It could not be done under the Borough by-laws. Cr. P. B. Foote said that although the Council wished to encourage visitors to Timaru, it was essential that the health regulations should be complied with. He expressed regret that the Borough sanitary inspector had not brought the matter up earlier, as it would be Impossible to have the regulations gazetted before the coming holidays. Cr. H. J. Mathers: I feel we should not adopt too “sticky" an attitude. The people who let their sections will not provide special conveniences and a water supply, and if we adopt these regulations the campers simply will not come. The Mayor: We must conserve the public health. Cr. Foote: W? could allow the inspectors a certain amount of latitude in the matter. I hope that some day the Council will have a camping ground of its own. There would be plenty of ground at Centennial Park. Cr. M. H. Richards: That is too far av-’.y! On the motion of Crs. Foote and Hall the Council decided that the Health Department be asked to have the I camping regulations made applicable to Timaru.